Final season, the NFL noticed touchbacks on 73% of its kickoffs, the very best charge since 1970. As a way to fight this, the NFL adopted new kickoff guidelines with the purpose of accelerating return alternatives whereas additionally defending gamers by limiting the high-impact hits that usually come on the play.
The brand new format was on show for the primary time throughout Thursday evening’s Corridor of Fame sport between the Houston Texans and Chicago Bears. It undoubtedly achieved the purpose of extra returns, as there was only one touchback on eight kickoffs, nevertheless it regarded and felt utterly completely different, and that stood out to Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce.
Talking to reporters after Raiders observe on Friday, Pierce requested if anybody was impressed by the brand new kickoff guidelines earlier than calling it ‘bizarre’ by way of Raiders NewsWire’s personal Ryan Ward:
#Raiders HC Antonio Pierce on watching new kickoff format yesterday: “Was you impressed? It was bizarre.”
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardNFL) August 2, 2024
Simply the format and look of issues alone is totally completely different so it is smart why issues would look bizarre to Pierce and plenty of others who watched. However he and the Raiders might want to get used to it, as these adjustments will go into impact this season.
The principle distinction is that the ten non-kickers will now line up on the opposing 40-yard line. The receiving crew will need to have a minimum of seven gamers between the 30 and 35-yard line in what is called the ‘set-up zone.’ Moreover the receiving crew can have not more than two gamers in between the purpose line and its personal 20-yard line in what is called the ‘touchdown zone.’
It can take some getting used to for Pierce, the Raiders, and the remainder of the NFL, however that’s the new actuality. Pierce and the teaching workers, notably Raiders particular groups coordinator Tom McMahon, might want to determine the easiest way to reap the benefits of these new guidelines and create some explosive performs on these kickoffs now that the alternatives will likely be there.
Antonio Pierce believes Raiders are constructing one thing ‘actually particular’
No matter these new kickoff guidelines, head coach Antonio Pierce nonetheless feels good in regards to the route his Raiders are stepping into thus far in coaching camp. The Raiders coach enjoys the chemistry and camaraderie the crew is constructing thus far believing they’re constructing one thing ‘actually particular.’
Pierce famous it wasn’t simply in regards to the gamers on the roster, however the franchise as a complete and crew captain Maxx Crosby echoed these sentiments as effectively, believing the crew is enhancing and rising nearer each day.
