Carolina Panthers acclimate to new NFL kickoff rules

NFL

The NFL's adoption of new kickoff rules prohibit movement of players except the kicker and two receivers inside the receiving team's 20-yard line.

The NFL wants to put juice back into kickoffs.

No longer will special teams players line up before the 35-yard line and race downfield on kickoffs. Over the past several seasons, the ritual has devolved into an empty play as kickers have become too proficient in pounding the ball well into the end zone – sometimes out of it.

Last season, nearly 75% of kickoffs resulted in touchbacks. That is a stark reversal to pre-2011 data when about 80% were returned, according to NPR.org. The NFL debuted its new kickoff rule at the Hall of Fame game, designed for improved player safety and creating additional drama for fans to follow.

“I think the new rules are going to be exciting and interesting to see what happens with the way it’s played,” Carolina Panthers coach Dave Canales said.

NFL’s new kickoff rule established

Adopted from what the XFL showcased in 2020 and 2023, the sweeping alterations may take time for some to become acquainted with. Some fans could be heard debating the rule changes at the Panthers’ new practice facility behind Band of America Stadium over the past few weeks. Some favor it. Some do not.

Here is a look at the new NFL kickoff rules:

The kicker sets up on the 35-yard line, while the other 10 kicking team players line up on the receiving squad’s 40-yard line. The coverage defenders cannot move – and the kicker cannot cross the 50-yard line – until the ball is fielded or it lands on the ground.

Meanwhile, the receiving team will be obliged to position nine players in the “setup zone,” the area between their own 30- and 35-yard lines. Seven players are required to place a foot on the 35-yard line and the other four must line up outside the hash marks. Two players will be designated returners in the “landing zone,” the area between the 20-yard line and the goal line. The returners can move around at their leisure, but those in the setup zone cannot move until the ball is fielded or lands on the ground.

All kicks in the landing zone must be played by returners, but if a kick bounces into the end zone, it can be returned or downed. Receiving teams will start on their 20-yard line following touchbacks. However, if a kickoff lands in the end zone on the fly, it can be returned or downed, and the receiving team will begin on their own 30-yard line. Also, all kickoffs that travel through the end zone will be placed on the 30.

Kickers will be mindful to consistently hit the landing zone and keep the ball in the field of play. If an effort falls short of the 20-yard line or goes out-of-bounds, referees will blow the play dead, and the receiving club will start on their 40.

For onside kicks, teams must declare they will attempt the gimmick play and traditional rules will apply.

Rules provide player opportunities

The altered kickoff returns require alternate skill sets. Canales said new roster opportunities are developing.

“Because of how quickly that play hits, the advantage is going to be for the guys who have great field vision.” Canales said in June. “It’s going to be 100-some odd opps I think this year to really touch the ball, so the returner should really get excited for competing for that job.”

Panthers receiver Tayvion Robinson said he is. The undrafted rookie remains focused on special teams as his most direct path to a roster spot. Whatever happens next, he realizes it’s something he must earn.

“It’s the reality, but I don’t get a lot of reps,” Robinson. “I was a return man in college and now it’s something I get to do here to try and get myself on the field any way possible.”

Robinson could get his opportunities, but they likely will come after players like Ihmir Smith-Marsette, Raheem Blackshear and Deven Thompkins.

“That’s up to the coaches,” Robinson said.

While learning to do an old job all over again, Robinson said he can see the benefits of the new rules.

“I think it makes the game more exciting,” he said. “There will be a lot more scoring when it comes to that play.”

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