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Detroit Lions: New kickoff rules could mean more scoring

By Forrester Solmen

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 18: Jamal Agnew #39 of the Detroit Lions returns an 88 yard punt return for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the New York Giants during their game at MetLife Stadium on September 18, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 18: Jamal Agnew #39 of the Detroit Lions returns an 88 yard punt return for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the New York Giants during their game at MetLife Stadium on September 18, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
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The NFL has changed some rules on the kickoff that could a make significant impact. For the Detroit Lions, will it benefit or hurt them?

During the Spring League meetings, the NFL made some alterations to the kickoffs. And these are changes I believe could lead to more exciting game play for the Detroit Lions in the upcoming season. Not to mention more points on the scoreboard.

What are the new rules anyhow? To start, teams must have a minimum of five players line up on whichever side of the kicker they choose. Another rule, two players on both sides will line up outside the numbers.

What’s most interesting and game altering is the shortening of the field between the coverage and return teams. Opponents will now go head-to-head, right across from one another.

When returning, there’s the setup zone. This area begins 10-yards past the kicker and goes beyond that point another 15-yards. Within this area, only eight players are allowed in this zone and wedge blocks are now illegal.

These new changes beg the question, what’s going to happen? I think it’ll make things much more exciting.

"“Yeah, I think, in general, it’s going to change a lot, just fundamentally and from a scheme standpoint, what the teams are allowed to do, obviously the alignments,” Lions’ new head coach Matt Patricia told the Detroit News."

Think about it. Sure there’s less collisions at higher impacts, but now return men have the potential to make a bigger impact. Most of this success is predicated on the blocking they get of course.

The coverage units don’t have the luxury of getting a full head of steam to either blow up or burn the return units. This should make the blocking easier for the return units.

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If the Detroit Lions get the right blockers, guys like Jamal Agnew and most likely Ameer Abdullah will spring free for a lot more yardage and touchdowns. The NFL loves scoring, and it’s a safe bet we’ll see an increase league-wide in kick return productivity.

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