The NFL has been tweaking the kickoff in an effort to increase safety while also keeping the play from becoming a “ceremonial” touchback to start every game. It has been a struggle but it appears their latest adjustment (touchbacks being placed at the 35yd line) has significantly increased the number of returns we are seeing, at least in Week 1. Dan is hopeful the trend will continue, and we’ll continue to see more kickoff returns instead of touchbacks.
Dan Patrick: “The NFL has done something that’s really rare, they revived a play that was almost extinct, and they made it worth watching again.”