Seahawks HC explains kickoff approach following rule change

One of the biggest rule changes for the 2023 NFL season will impact kickoffs, and not everybody is happy about it. Especially the league's special teams coaches.

The rule will allow teams to fair catch any kickoff between the goal line and the 25-yard line and start their ensuing offensive possession on the 25. 

The idea behind it is to cut down on the number of kickoffs and reduce injuries, as kickoffs are regarded as one of the most dangerous plays in football.

Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll said on Thursday that his team is going to be very aggressive with the new rule.

“We’re going to compete with it,” Seattle coach Pete Carroll told reporters on Thursday. “We’re going to use it to our advantage. We’re pretty good in those areas. We like to think we’re a good return team and we can make things happen. It’ll depend. I think you’ll see an effect during the course of the season as the weather changes and stuff like that. I don’t think it’s going to be that dramatic a change. I think teams are going to want to compete and want to bring the ball out. That’s really all it is if you’re going to take it to the 25 or not. We’ll compete with it, see how we look, and see if our core group can continue to give us good work like we’ve always counted on. I’m not thinking we’re taking a knee on everything now. We’re going to be very aggressive about it.”