New NFL Kickoff Rule is Ruining The game
As I sat in Cleveland Browns stadium on Sunday watching my client Joshua Cribbs of the Browns deal with 3 consecutive touch backs, it occurred to me that is not the same game anymore. The new rule of allowing teams to kick off from the 35 yard line has significantly changed the game.
Josh Cribbs of Cleveland Browns, in a scene far too remote after the rule change.
In some ways, it has made the game more boring for the players and fans. The fans are robbed of seeing talented stars like Cribbs, Devin Hester and Leon Washington make dazzling runs to set their respective offenses up in great field position. Even for the Eagles, a guy like rookie Dion Lewis misses out on a golden opportunity to contribute and grow a niche for his career.
Some of the most exciting action in football: Josh Cribbs on the return
Some will argue that Randall Cobb of the Packers proved that the rule will not deter exciting plays from kick returners. However, there is no question that it will significantly reduce the number of kick returns and thus reduce the chances for exciting plays to be made.
As I watched yesterday's game, I couldn't help but think, this is not the game that I have come to appreciate over the years. I wanted to hold up a sign that said "Let them return it.". I fully expect after this one year experiment that the league will go back to the old rule and restore the game that we all came to know.
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