Two great teams. Star quarterbacks. Offense. A last minute goal-line stand.
And fireworks, like rookie Randall Cobb's electrifying 108 yard kickoff return that dealt a withering counterpunch to a Saints touchdown that had just closed the Packer lead to 28-20 in the 2nd half.
The very kind of play, the league itself was in the infant steps of outlawing entirely.
Now, there's this. The league is still hell bent on ELIMINATING kickoffs, entirely. Yes. Eliminate.
That’s the word from Giants owner John Mara, a Competition Committee member who says the conversations have already started about potentially taking the play that has started every football game in history out of the league for good.
“We had a lot of discussions about whether we should eliminate it and if we did what we could do in its place,” Mara told Giants.com. “There’s no consensus on it right now, but I could see the day in the future where that play could be taken out of the game. You see it evolving toward that.”
Mara says the Competition Committee’s top priority is player safety, and that the increase in touchbacks last year coincided with a decrease in concussions. In the eyes of the league office and NFL owners, that proves that moving the kickoff was the right idea.
What’s unclear is what would take the place of the kickoff if it ceased to exist. Mara says the NFL won’t eliminate the kickoff until it has the right plan for how to get rid of it, but he seems to think the kickoff is just a fundamentally unsafe play.Because the REST of professional football, tackle style, is INDEED, so "fundamentally safe."
Please.
I mean, I almost need to look around and see if I am reading a cleverly masked re-write of an article from "The Onion."
A sensible thing for John Mara to say would be this: "Of course, we'll always have kickoffs. I mean, it's been part of the game forever. There are perhaps a few additional rule tweaks we can implement, but we're happy with the reduction in concussions from last year's rule change."
But no. John Mara is not sensible. He's fucking insane. Or, more likely, simply unshaken in his belief that the NFL model of pro sports dominance is un-fuck-up-able.
You see, here's what that kind of thinking really says about NFL owners.
1. What do the fans think? Ha. Fuck the fans! They'll keep coming back no matter what kind of shit we do to this game and league. Next question.
2. Can this help us in court, when it comes to concussion cases? Yes? Perfect. Throw it in there.
3. Now, once we make this insanely violent game "fundamentally safe" with all these new rules, can we push hard for that 18 game schedule? Yes? Super. Onward...
Remember the following about NFL owners...
1. Of the 32 owners, only a dozen (maybe) are genuinely sharp, accomplished businessmen. The rest are a motley collection of sons born into the family business, old coots who got their team in a card game, or high level hustlers with very shady ways in which they made the money needed to buy into this ol' boy network.
2. They are afraid of lawsuits.
3. They think this league is unbreakable.
4. They resent paying big money to everything but a star QB. (And some, even that... ahem.).
5. Many have huge mortgages on their team/stadium.
6. They would love to both shorten the lifespan of players (safely, of course).
7. They know the league has no overseas longterm prospects, and few markets left here to exploit.
8. Thus, they can only EXPAND the season in which their product is offered.
So it's all about 18 games. And along the way, if 18 games can HELP prevent another 20% of players from reaching that dreaded SECOND contract (you know the shitty, desperate deals that make Pierre Garcon and Brandon Carr both horribly overpaid at $25 million guaranteed) - then that's a WIN-WIN!
In fact, if the league was offered an 18 game season, in which they could only still TELEVISE and MAKE MONEY on 16 games (like before), guess what? They STILL would take it, in a heartbeat, because it would grind alot of these players into selling used cars that much sooner.
So the NFL Owners "long game" goes like this: TRY to cut down on concussions, while simultaneously looking PIOUS as hell in doing so. Fine a bunch of players for hits made on a split-second of reaction time (that suspension money might shave another 1% off operating costs, bonus!). Build as much legal armor as you can before this wave of lawsuits hits. Weather the storm. Mutate the game as needed, because what are YOU gonna do, NOT watch? Bwah! Sure. Then get to that 18 game schedule thing, and RAM it through, hopefully using us FANS as the suckers to start clamoring for it.
To which, I am sure, some of you are saying: "Sounds good to me, except the getting rid of kickoffs part."
To many, the players are barely literate numbskulls at best. Criminals at worst. To many fans, you TOO think like an owner, and that there's no joy in watching excellent offensive guard work, so why pay them anything?
Most of the players - save for the rare and transcendent talents who can survive this gladiator circus for up to a decade or more, mostly QBs - are just interchangeable parts. And parts that get delivered via a conveyor belt from colleges every spring, 7 rounds-by-7-rounds.
Cheaply, too.
Remember when Tony Soprano whipped the champagne bucket at that poor underling's head at the Bada Bing for using too much ice?
"Where runnin' a bidness here! Conserve!" (Yes, that's where my soundbite comes from!)
Well, the NFL is just like the Bada Bing.
If you can save a few pennies, save 'em. And guys will keep coming back for the boobie show, even if you are skimping on the ice.
NFL Kickoffs: Enjoy Them While They Last
NFL kickoffs have been a thrilling spectacle in American football for decades, offering fans an adrenaline rush as they watch players sprint down the field, looking to make a game-changing play. However, recent changes in the NFL rulebook have raised questions about the future of kickoffs in the league. In this article, we'll explore the history and significance of NFL kickoffs, the reasons behind the rule changes, and the potential impact these changes may have on the game.
Table of Contents
A Brief History of NFL Kickoffs
The Thrill of the Kickoff
The Inception of Rule Changes
Safety Concerns and the Decline in Returns
The Impact on Special Teams Players
Fan Reactions and Controversy
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why are NFL kickoffs so exciting?
What are the recent rule changes regarding kickoffs?
How have these rule changes affected the game?
Are kickoffs in danger of being eliminated entirely?
What are the alternatives to kickoffs?
How do players and coaches feel about these changes?
How have fans reacted to the rule changes?
What's the future of kickoffs in the NFL?
1. A Brief History of NFL Kickoffs
Kickoffs have been a fundamental part of American football since its inception. They mark the beginning of each half and follow every scoring play. The kicking team lines up at their own 35-yard line, while the receiving team waits at the opposite end of the field.
The objective of the kickoff is to send the ball as far down the field as possible, ideally forcing the receiving team to start their drive deep within their own territory. Kickers employ various techniques to achieve this, including the traditional kickoff and the onside kick, where the kicking team tries to recover the ball immediately.
2. The Thrill of the Kickoff
One of the most exciting aspects of an NFL game is undoubtedly the kickoff. Fans eagerly await this moment, knowing that it can change the course of the game in an instant. Kickoff returns for touchdowns, long kick returns that set up good field position, or successful onside kicks can swing momentum and electrify the crowd.
For many players, the kickoff is an opportunity to showcase their speed, agility, and decision-making skills. Return specialists like Devin Hester, Josh Cribbs, and Cordarrelle Patterson have become fan favorites due to their ability to turn kickoffs into highlight-reel plays.
3. The Inception of Rule Changes
In recent years, the NFL has introduced several rule changes aimed at making the game safer. The league's emphasis on player safety is a response to mounting concerns about the long-term health effects of playing football, particularly regarding concussions and other head injuries.
One significant change that has impacted kickoffs is moving the kickoff line forward to the 35-yard line in 2011, which led to more touchbacks. Touchbacks occur when the receiving team decides not to return the ball and instead starts their drive from their own 25-yard line.
4. Safety Concerns and the Decline in Returns
The primary reason behind these changes is player safety. Kickoffs are among the most dangerous plays in football due to the high-speed collisions that occur as players converge on the returner. These collisions can result in serious injuries, including concussions and spinal cord injuries.
The NFL has implemented various rule changes to reduce the risk of injury on kickoffs. For instance, they have prohibited the running start for the kicking team, required more players on each side to line up within 15 yards of the ball, and outlawed wedge blocking formations.
As a result of these changes, the number of kickoff returns has significantly declined. In the 2020 NFL season, for instance, touchbacks accounted for 62.9% of all kickoffs, a trend that has continued to rise over the years.
5. The Impact on Special Teams Players
While the focus on player safety is undoubtedly crucial, it has raised concerns among special teams players who have seen their opportunities diminish. Kickoff return specialists, in particular, have faced challenges as touchbacks have become more common.
The reduction in kick returns has resulted in fewer chances for these athletes to showcase their skills and make a name for themselves in the league. This shift has prompted discussions about the future of specialized special teams players and their place in the NFL.
6. Fan Reactions and Controversy
The changes to kickoffs in the NFL have generated mixed reactions from fans. While some appreciate the league's efforts to prioritize player safety, others lament the loss of excitement associated with kickoff returns.
Critics argue that removing kickoffs or making them less impactful could diminish the unique charm of American football. The kickoff, with its potential for big plays, has long been a fan favorite, and many are reluctant to see it fade away.
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why are NFL kickoffs so exciting?
NFL kickoffs are exciting because they have the potential to change the course of a game in an instant. Kickoff returns for touchdowns and long returns that set up scoring opportunities are thrilling moments that keep fans on the edge of their seats.
What are the recent rule changes regarding kickoffs?
Recent rule changes have included moving the kickoff line forward to the 35-yard line, eliminating wedge blocking formations, and implementing stricter alignment rules for both the kicking and receiving teams.
How have these rule changes affected the game?
These rule changes have led to more touchbacks and fewer kickoff returns. As a result, the kickoff has become less influential in determining field position and momentum in games.
Are kickoffs in danger of being eliminated entirely?
While kickoffs are not eliminated, they have been significantly altered in recent years. The NFL's emphasis on player safety has led to changes aimed at reducing high-speed collisions on kickoffs.
What are the alternatives to kickoffs?
The NFL has explored alternatives to traditional kickoffs, including the use of scrimmage plays from a fixed starting point, but none have been widely adopted.
How do players and coaches feel about these changes?
Players and coaches have mixed feelings about the changes to kickoffs. While player safety is a priority, some players and coaches miss the excitement of kickoff returns.
How have fans reacted to the rule changes?
Fan reactions to the rule changes vary. Some fans appreciate the focus on player safety, while others lament the loss of excitement associated with kickoff returns.
What's the future of kickoffs in the NFL?
The future of kickoffs in the NFL is uncertain. While they are unlikely to be eliminated entirely, further rule changes may continue to reduce their impact on the game.
NFL kickoffs have long been a source of excitement and drama in American football. However, as the league continues to prioritize player safety, the future of kickoffs remains uncertain. While changes to the rules have made the kickoff play safer, they have also reduced its frequency and impact on the game.
Fans, players, and coaches must balance the thrill of kickoff returns with the need to protect players from potentially catastrophic injuries. The NFL's ongoing efforts to strike this balance will shape the future of kickoffs in the league. Whether the kickoff remains a cherished tradition or undergoes further
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