At the NFL Owners Meetings in Orlando this week, the league officially passed a new rule for kickoffs that could revive the previously dead play while simultaneously preventing injuries.
Ever since the league moved the kickoff point from the 30 to the 35-yard line in 2011, the number of kicks being returned league-wide has dropped off. Let's be honest, kickoffs are currently just an extension of the bathroom break you were going to take during the commercials. They do not require a fan's attention.
But under the new rules (which are fully detailed here), it's going to be must see TV. A big play could break at any time. And for the Tennessee Titans, it may even give them a slight advantage over teams. Allow me to explain...
Blocking techniques
One of the fundamental rule changes being made is that players will no longer be getting a running start once the ball is kicked away. The coverage team and blockers will line up just five yards apart and will be allowed to move once the ball either hits the ground or is fielded by the kick returner.
As Ted Nguyen of The Athletic wrote in a recent breakdown of the rule changes, this is likely going to effect the blocking techniques needed on special teams.
"The first teams to figure out how to strategize and get creative with covering and returning will have a massive advantage this season. The proximity of the coverage team and blockers completely changes the kickoff strategy. The schemes will be more reminiscent of offensive line blocking schemes," wrote Nguyen. "Double-teams and wedge blocking, which were previously restricted for return units, will be allowed. But the second returner, who would become a lead blocker, cannot be part of double-teams."
More like offensive line blocking schemes you say? Does that mean offensive linemen will be blocking on kickoffs now? Or will teams be teaching tight ends and linebackers how to block with these techniques? I'm sure we'll see a mix of everything as teams attempt to navigate these uncharted waters. But there's no questioning the value a good offensive line coach could have here.
"Offensive line coaches could be useful resources for special teams coordinators as they draw up play," wrote Nguyen. And that's where the Titans may have a leg up on the competition. Need I remind everyone that Tennessee hired one of the best offensive line coaches in the game?
Bill Callahan's Impact
As training camp gets closer, teams will begin to implement kick return strategies. It will be interesting to get more information at a later date from new Titans special teams coordinator Colt Anderson about Bill Callahan's involvement in that process.
Everyone from head coach Brian Callahan, to GM Ran Carthon, to recently signed free agent center Lloyd Cushenberry has raved about Bill Callahan's impact this offseason. Cushenberry labeled Callahan as the number one reason why he wanted to sign with the Titans. Carthon said his expertise could even alter the team's strategy in the 2024 NFL Draft.
"I really wish you guys could have seen his profile tape meeting," Carthon said to the media when asked about Bill Callahan at the NFL Scouting Combine. "It was a clinic and everyone left out of there mind's blown and coming to the realization that we still got a lot to learn to come in and what it's going to take to play for him. But I think for a guy like that who's been such a strong developer of talent at the O-line position, it gives us a little leeway to bring some guys in and him having a plan on how to develop those guys and get them out on the field."
If Callahan is one of the best teachers of offensive line techniques, perhaps the Titans will be one of the best teams at blocking for kick returns. That's significant. The average starting field position for offenses is going to be way better in 2024. The teams that find a way to strategize and get creative first will not only have consistently better field position, but also break some big plays.
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