Tuesday, March 22, 2011

New Feasible NFL Rule Alteration to Kickoffs

AP Andy King
There has been some real intense controversy about a plausible new rule change to kickoffs. The proposed rule changes would move kickoffs from the 30 yard line to the 35 yard line. Furthermore, the touchbacks would go from the 20 yard line to the 25 yard line. Eliminating the two-man wedge might also be possible. The wedge rule has already been reduced from four to two. The official ruling is expected to transpire today. What is the significance of these possible rule changes? For teams like the Chicago Bears, this would be a gargantuan change. Certainly, players like Devin Hester have made a living off of special teams. He single-handedly carried the Bears to the Super Bowl. Safety is a main concern for these rule changes, but this is really something that inhibits those enthralling plays on special teams. There must be a better way. With improvements in safety equipment over the last few years, the NFL should consider alternative methods to improve player safety because this would only permeate the stereotype: the NFL is the No Fun League.

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