Current:Home > ScamsFirst two kickoff under NFL’s new rules are both returned to the 26 -GrowthSphere Strategies
First two kickoff under NFL’s new rules are both returned to the 26
View
Date:2025-04-19 15:25:22
CANTON, Ohio (AP) — The first two kickoffs under the NFL’s radical new rule were both returned a yard farther than the old touchback.
Houston’s Steven Sims fielded Cairo Santos’ kickoff at the 5 and ran 21 yards before he was tackled at the 26 to open Thursday night’s preseason game between the Texans and Chicago Bears. Touchbacks used to result in the offense starting at the 25.
After the Texans scored on the opening drive, Chicago’s Tyler Scott caught Ka’imi Fairbairn’s kickoff at the 7 and returned it 19 yards to the 26.
With both teams sitting starters, all eyes were on the overhauled kickoffs during the annual Hall of Fame game at Tom Benson Stadium.
NFL owners approved a dramatic change for kickoffs in order to revive a “dead play” that saw a record-low returns last season.
For a standard kickoff, the ball is kicked from the 35-yard line with the 10 kick coverage players lined up at the opposing 40, five on each side of the field.
The return team will have at least nine blockers lined up in the “set up zone” between the 30- and 35-yard line, with at least seven of those players touching the 35. There will be up to two returners allowed inside the 20.
The Texans had two returners at the 1, seven players on the 35 and two on the 34.
Only the kicker and two returners are allowed to move until the ball hits the ground or is touched by a returner inside the 20.
Any kick that reaches the end zone in the air can be returned, or the receiving team can opt for a touchback and possession at the 30. Any kick that reaches the end zone in the air and goes out of bounds or out of the end zone also will result in a touchback at the 30.
If a ball hits a returner or the ground before the end zone and goes into the end zone, a touchback will be at the 20 or the ball could be returned.
If a kick goes out of bounds before the end zone, or hits the ground or is touched by the receiving team before reaching the landing zone, the return team gets the ball at the 40.
Owners agreed to a one-year trial of the new system that was heavily influenced by the kickoffs used in the XFL spring league.
Only 21.8% of all kickoffs were returned last season as both kicking and receiving teams too often chose to avoid the risk of a possible return.
The NFL estimates that more than half of all kickoffs will be returned this season. The goal is to increase the number of returns without making it more dangerous.
___
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
veryGood! (259)
Related
- Civic engagement nonprofits say democracy needs support in between big elections. Do funders agree?
- Travis Kelce Praises Taylor Swift For Making Eras Tour "Best In The World"
- Singaporean killed in Johor expressway crash had just paid mum a surprise visit in Genting
- Southern California forecast of cool temps, calm winds to help firefighters battle Malibu blaze
- All That You Wanted to Know About She’s All That
- Google forges ahead with its next generation of AI technology while fending off a breakup threat
- China's ruling Communist Party expels former chief of sports body
- Lil Durk suspected of funding a 2022 murder as he seeks jail release in separate case
- John Galliano out at Maison Margiela, capping year of fashion designer musical chairs
- Stop & Shop is using grocery store kiosks to make digital
Ranking
- Friday the 13th luck? 13 past Mega Millions jackpot wins in December. See top 10 lottery prizes
- See Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon's Twins Monroe and Moroccan Gift Her Flowers Onstage
- North Dakota regulators consider underground carbon dioxide storage permits for Midwest pipeline
- North Dakota regulators consider underground carbon dioxide storage permits for Midwest pipeline
- Kylie Jenner Shows Off Sweet Notes From Nieces Dream Kardashian & Chicago West
- Mystery drones are swarming New Jersey skies, but can you shoot them down?
- Taxpayers could get $500 'inflation refund' checks under New York proposal: What to know
- A Malibu wildfire prompts evacuation orders and warnings for 20,000, including Dick Van Dyke, Cher
Recommendation
DoorDash steps up driver ID checks after traffic safety complaints
Kylie Kelce's podcast 'Not Gonna Lie' tops Apple, Spotify less than a week after release
Google forges ahead with its next generation of AI technology while fending off a breakup threat
The burial site of the people Andrew Jackson enslaved was lost. The Hermitage says it is found
Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
I loved to hate pop music, until Chappell Roan dragged me back
Michael Bublé Details Heartwarming Moment With Taylor Swift’s Parents at Eras Tour
Mega Millions winning numbers for Tuesday, Dec. 10 drawing: $619 million lottery jackpot