Btw, wtf...

[j2k4]

...is the NFL doing moving the kick-off to the 35?

Just closing the record-book on returns?

Trying to create a catagory for kickers (touchbacks) like pitchers have (saves)?

WTF??

[bluefox1081]

Because of injuries...is their stated reason. I'm not a fan of it.

[CoreyB]

Surprisingly there were returns for touch downs than I ever remember seeing this past week.

[j2k4]

Because of injuries...is their stated reason. I'm not a fan of it.

What I heard, too, and agreed - not a fan.

Sounds like a misguided sop from negotiations.

Speed-burning return men will be worth commensurately less cash, wouldn't you think?

Surprisingly there were returns for touch downs than I ever remember seeing this past week.

Cobb had one for GB - you could almost hear him thinking - "they'll never be looking for this...".

108 yds - pretty run, too.

[bluefox1081]

What I heard, too, and agreed - not a fan.

Sounds like a misguided sop from negotiations.

Speed-burning return men will be worth commensurately less cash, wouldn't you think?

I don't know if it would really have much to do with money...although, it usually always does, so I wouldn't be surprised. But usually the return-man is like a 3rd string WR or RB, or some type of rookie, so they're not really demanding much money to begin with.

Either way, I don't see much benefit. Sure the kicking team could always boot it through the endzone for a TB if they're afraid of their return-man, but if the kicker and special teams are good enough, he could put enough air under the ball to have it come down close to the enzone line, forcing the team to make a return. If the kicker can get it high enough for a long enough time, it would give the kicking team more than enough time to get down and make a big hit, especially considering they're now 5 yards closer to start.

It might work for them, but I wouldn't be surprised if this causes more kickoff injuries.

[j2k4]

I don't know if it would really have much to do with money...although, it usually always does, so I wouldn't be surprised. But usually the return-man is like a 3rd string WR or RB, or some type of rookie, so they're not really demanding much money to begin with.

Either way, I don't see much benefit. Sure the kicking team could always boot it through the endzone for a TB if they're afraid of their return-man, but if the kicker and special teams are good enough, he could put enough air under the ball to have it come down close to the enzone line, forcing the team to make a return. If the kicker can get it high enough for a long enough time, it would give the kicking team more than enough time to get down and make a big hit, especially considering they're now 5 yards closer to start.

It might work for them, but I wouldn't be surprised if this causes more kickoff injuries.

Could be...if they want to try to make plays inside the ten, though, they ought to give the kickers back their old tees, rather than that "grass-level" one they've had to use for the past decade or whatever.

[93STLTH]

Good return men should become more valuable. They have to make a smart decision on whether or not to try and run it out or to just take it on the 20. Also, on side kicks might become more frequent. A failed attempt before almost always left the receiving team in field goal range. Now, a defense might be able to hold a team from scoring.
All that said... I hate the rule too.