One of the most notable changes will be where players on the kicking team line up. Right now, players are allowed to be five yards behind the kickoff line – giving players a five-yard head start to run down the field. The proposed rule changes would limit that to just one yard behind the kickoff line, giving players less of a running start to prevent injuries. Previously, players were allowed to have six players on one side and four players on the other side in certain formations. Now, teams would be required to align in a 5 by 5 format. On the return side of the ball, teams would no longer be allowed to set up wedge blocks. Previously, teams were allowed to have two-person wedge blocks anywhere on the field. Now, all blocking will have to be one-on-one during kickoffs. https://seahawkswire.usatoday.com/2018/05/17/nfls-proposed-rule-changes-to-the-kickoff-explained/ I think if I'm Quadree Henderson I'm sorta licking my chops. If I had his talent and speed in the KO/P game and was worried about my job because there have been so fewer KO's because of previous rule changes, I'd be pretty happy with this as, although the KO yard line may not have changed, the ability for the KO team to get down field anywhere near as fast may just be enough to make a 5 yard deep in to the end zone KO substantially more appealing. single man, one-on-one blocking along with 5 man mandatory per side will be a plus too IMO because they will be more spread out and give a guys like Quadree a little more wiggle room. If I had that speed ... I like my chances... I expect, as of next week when the real rules will be advanced, we'll know more but for sure, if they go this route we'll see him in practice as the Steelers will be practicing the observable rule before September football rolls around. Who knows, maybe the NFL will re institute the more exciting parts of the game and if they do and Quadree makes the 53, we'll have front rows seats to one of the best shows in the show.
I can’t believe that they want to make these changes because it will lead to more returns not less. The coverage is the whole key, if they left the 5 yard head start to the kick off team then they would get less returns. But if the coverage can’t get down there as quick coaches are going to want to take a chance on returns more often.
if you can take a moment, if you didn't already check this out / notice it ... Quadree Henderson fools me and the camera but not the ref ... at the 2:00 mark it looks for all the world like the ref missed a block in the back ... at the 2:14 mark (rerun of play) #8 blocker shows great restraint and faith in Henderson's speed and vision and NEVER touches the would-be tackler... no, from only 15 yards down field Henderson's speed took away an angle that should have been a sure thing, considering the short distance to cover the tackle in ... Can't wait for this season to start ... really hope Henderson has what it takes to break the next level. IMearlyO, he's special and could contribute.
MoS wrote; I think if I'm Quadree Henderson I'm sorta licking my chops. If I had his talent and speed in the KO/P game and was worried about my job because there have been so fewer KO's because of previous rule changes, I'd be pretty happy with this as, although the KO yard line may not have changed, the ability for the KO team to get down field anywhere near as fast may just be enough to make a 5 yard deep in to the end zone KO substantially more appealing. Dave Bryon, whoever that is, from the Depot agrees... "The new kickoff rules this year could also play in Henderson’s favor starting Thursday night as he should have a little more initial running room to work with in addition to players from the other team not having a running start prior to the ball being kicked. Tomlin was asked Tuesday what he’ll be looking for from his team during the Thursday night game when it comes to the kickoff rule changes." https://www.steelersdepot.com/2018/...eelers-starting-returner-in-preseason-opener/ speed kills ! Now let's see if it can make the 53. I hope so,cause that means he's putting up numbers of great value, which, IMO, he's capable of...
