New kickoff rule approved

[tsylvester]

Touchbacks will be spotted at the 35 yard line

https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/nfl-changes-kickoff-rule-to-spot-ball-at-35-yard-line-after-touchbacks

Kickoff returns are likely to increase this season after the NFL just incentivized kickers not to boot the ball into the end zone.

A rule change passed today will spot the ball on the 35-yard line after kickoffs into the end zone. Last year, the first season of the “dynamic” kickoff, touchbacks were spotted at the 30-yard line.

In 2024 about one-third of kickoffs were returned, with most going into the end zone for touchbacks. This year the NFL is projecting that about two-thirds of kickoffs will be returned, as teams decide giving their opponents better field position isn’t worth booting the ball into the end zone.

Kickers who can accurately land the ball just short of the end zone will be more valuable, as that will become the preferred approach for most teams. A strong leg that produces a lot of touchbacks will become less valuable

[papasmurfbell]

You will see more returns.

[tsylvester]

Another rule change, both teams will get the ball in over time regular season games

[papasmurfbell]

Good

[papasmurfbell]

So glad tush push is left alone.

[oldno82]

I agree with the adopted rule changes but I do want to see them end the tush push. I'd like to revert back to the pre-2005 rule against helping a runner by pulling or pushing him. It just looks like a rugby scrum to me.

[papasmurfbell]

Learn to defend it.  It won’t get run if it didn’t work so well.

[tsylvester]

Pulling a player is still illegal, why they don't call it is frustrating.

I'm fine with the tush push.

[tsylvester]

Some other changes

https://www.raiders.com/news/nfl-owners-approve-proposals-for-2025-season-overtime-rules-dynamic-kickoff

Quote

 The Raiders, along with six other teams, proposed a rule to permit clubs to prepare kicking footballs in the same fashion they are permitted for game footballs. That resolution was approved.

Another notable rule change revolves around instant replay and expanding camera use to assist in making adjustments to spotting the ball in crucial situations. The additional camera angles and footage will play a factor in making calls on hits on a defenseless player, grabbing the facemask, performing a horse-collar tackle, tripping, and running into or roughing the kicker

Additionally, the league announced that while the "chain-gang" will still be involved in the process if first downs, they'll now serve as a secondary source. Camera-based technology of six 8K cameras will serve as "the primary method for measuring the line to gain."

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NFL owners approve several rule proposals for 2025 season
Apr 01, 2025 at 01:27 PM
Author Image
Levi Edwards
Digital Team Reporter

 

Pete Carroll on adding Geno Smith, the 2025 NFL Draft and more | RPP
A few rule changes will come into effect for the 2025 NFL season, after a vote by NFL owners at the Annual League Meeting in Palm Beach, Florida.

Of the approved rules that will affect game play, the overtime format in the regular season has now changed. It will reflect playoff scenarios, with each team having at least one possession with the ball in the 10-minute period.

The dynamic kickoff that was introduced last season will continue in 2025, with the exception that the ball spot on touchbacks will move from the 30-yard line to the 35-yard line for kicks sent into the end zone.

The Raiders, along with six other teams, proposed a rule to permit clubs to prepare kicking footballs in the same fashion they are permitted for game footballs. That resolution was approved.

Another notable rule change revolves around instant replay and expanding camera use to assist in making adjustments to spotting the ball in crucial situations. The additional camera angles and footage will play a factor in making calls on hits on a defenseless player, grabbing the facemask, performing a horse-collar tackle, tripping, and running into or roughing the kicker.

Additionally, the league announced that while the "chain-gang" will still be involved in the process if first downs, they'll now serve as a secondary source. Camera-based technology of six 8K cameras will serve as "the primary method for measuring the line to gain."

Banning the "Tush Push" quarterback sneak play, popularized by the Philadelphia Eagles, was a proposal that gained some steam. However, it's been reportedly that a decision likely won't be made for the time being, instead targeting the next owner's meeting to vote on it.

Take a look below at all of the official amendments and bylaws which were passed:

2025 Approved Playing Rules Summary
1-A. By Competition Committee; amends Rule 6, to make permanent the new form of free kick play implemented in 2024 designed to 1) resemble a typical scrimmage play by aligning players on both teams closer together and restricting movement to reduce space and speed and 2) promote more returns, subject to the following changes: (a) modifies the alignment requirements for receiving team players in the setup zone; (b) changes the dead ball spot after a touchback to the 35-yard line if the ball lands in the end zone and is downed in the end zone by the receiving team or goes out of bounds behind the receiving team's goal line.

2-A. By Competition Committee; aligns the postseason and regular season overtime rules by granting both teams an opportunity to possess the ball regardless of the outcome of the first possession, subject to a 10-minute overtime period in the regular season.

3. By Competition Committee; amends Rule 15, to expand Instant Replay's ability to advise the on-field officials on specific, objective aspects of a play and/or to address game administration issues when clear and obvious video evidence is present.

2025 Approved Bylaws Summary
1. By Competition Committee; amends Article XVII, Section 17.16 of the Constitution and Bylaws, to permit clubs to designate two players for return at the roster reduction to 53 players.

2. By Competition Committee; amends Article XVII, Section 17.16 of the Constitution and Bylaws, to permit clubs participating in the postseason to receive two additional DFRs increasing the maximum from 8 to 10.

3. By Competition Committee; amends Article XVIII, Section 18.5 of the Constitution and Bylaws, to insert Point Differential as the third tiebreaker for awarding contracts.

 

[papasmurfbell]

I would like to see the league bring the balls.  I hate the teams do it.

[oldno82]

Like I said before, I'm cool with all the proposed changes especially the move up to 35yd line on touch-back kickoffs and the each side gets a chance in OT, but the tush push belongs in the dumpster.

[papasmurfbell]

It will go away when they put up effort and stop it.  Get a giant nose that eats at least 2 blockers and can drive a lineman back.  Goose and Adams with the rest of that d could have stopped that play.  When teams bring it all inside to sell out on a stop they will start passing out of it.

[oldno82]

I hope so.