The NFL keeps coming up with new rules and regulations to improve the gameplay. While fans and teams accept some, others become a matter of debate. The same happened when the NFL introduced the new touchback rule. The authorities unveiled a groundbreaking rule in May this year in a bid to reshape kick-offs in the league.
This alteration introduces a touchback for all kickoffs fair caught behind the 25-yard line. It’s important to note that this change is on a trial basis for the 2023 season. The NFL wanted to allow the league to assess its impact. However, it created a debate in the recent game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Philadelphia Eagles.
Kirk Cousins made a superb throw to Vikings WR Justin Jefferson. Jefferson caught the football and attempted to make an extra move to reach the end zone. While reaching out to extend the ball over the pylon, Jefferson lost his grip on it. The football then rolled into the end zone and to the side, leading to a touchback.
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“If a ball is fumbled in the field of play, and goes forward into the opponent’s end zone and over the end line or sideline, a touchback is awarded to the defensive team”, as per Section 7, Article 3, Item 4-a of the 2023 NFL rule book.
Under this new regulation, any fair receptions or touchbacks on kickoffs must begin from the 25-yard line. Even if a returner calls for a fair catch anywhere between the goal line and the 24-yard line, the ball is automatically spotted at the 25-yard line.
Kickoffs have evolved over the years, with changes to blocking, running starts, and fair catch rules. This new NFL touchback rule can have a profound influence on the future of kickoffs.
Why is the new NFL touchback rule important to the game?
When the NFL issues a new rule, there’s always a solid motive behind it. Most of the time they make rules for the players’ safety and fair play, and it’s the same with the touchback rule. This rule change prioritizes fair catches, with the goal of reducing kickoff return rates from 38% to 31% this season. It’ll also slash concussion rates during one of football’s most dangerous plays by a commendable 15%.
However, while player safety is paramount, this adjustment does come with consequences. It devalues the roles of skilled special teams players on both sides of the ball. So, many people have questioned the compensation these athletes deserve. In the eyes of the NFL, their on-field contributions have diminished by 7%.
Notably, many players and coaches in the league vehemently opposed this rule change. Critics argued that it might lead to less exciting plays and more squib kicks, potentially making fair receptions impractical. However, despite the resistance, the NFL pushed forward with the change. Now, it’ll be interesting to see whether the authorities decide to implement this rule in the upcoming seasons or not.