The NFL owners convened recently to discuss and approve several significant rule changes that are set to impact the upcoming season. One of the biggest changes of all is the call to change where touchbacks will be placed. It’ll now be placed at the 35 yard line, instead of the 30 yard line. The league’s competition committee recommended this change in order to increase the number of kickoff returns. Projections indicate that returns might increase up to 60-70%.
Rich McKay, the chairman of the competition committee, sounded hopeful about the new kickoff rules. He stated that by moving the touchback location further up the field, teams would have a greater incentive to return kickoffs rather than opting for a touchback. The intention behind the move was through a bigger proposal. To allow owners to have more discussion, the bill was divided into two separate parts, which allowed for its ultimate passage.
Beyond the kickoff changes, a highly visible but less comprehensive change discussed at the meeting was the onside kick rule. These proposals were set aside for more discussion. For starters, owners want more clarity and consensus on the entire scope of what this area entails before making changes. Our competition committee proposed to eliminate automatic first down penalty for defensive holding and illegal contact. Unfortunately, this noble initiative did not receive enough traction and died in committee.
That wasn’t the only big money proposals worth noticing at that meeting. It’s not just the Detroit Lions who are proposing a new bylaw. Primarily, they want to determine playoff seeding based on regular season records. Just like this property’s previous redevelopment proposal, this one met a similar fate after owners decided to leave it on the table for further consideration at subsequent meetings.
In a surprising twist, this time owners ratified a new proposal. They’re moving forward with using high-to-low point differential as the third tiebreaker for waiver claims. This change is expected to bring more clarity and fairness to the waiver process, ensuring that teams are rewarded for their performance during the season.
Regardless, for any proposal to pass in front of NFL owners at least 24 votes in favor are needed. The recent meetings demonstrate a commitment among owners and the competition committee to refine rules that govern gameplay while addressing various operational concerns.
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