Rule Changes

The NFL has enacted new rules that will take effect at the beginning of next season, whenever that may be. There will be teams, coaches and players as well as know-it-all bloggers like myself decrying and/or applauding these changes. Here’s my take.

One of the main changes involves instant replay. Every scoring play will now be reviewed by the replay official. Coaches will no longer have to use one of their challenges on these plays. I really like this change. Teams used to hurry their kicking teams onto the field after potentially questionable scores so that they could kick the extra point and render the previous play unchallengeable. Coaches also used to hestitate challenging these plays and risking losing a challenge. To me, it’s all about getting it right, no matter the outcome.

The other main rule change will affect the Seahawks more than most teams because it involves kickoffs. Kickoffs will now be made from the 35 yard line instead of the 30. However, everyone on the kicking team except for the kicker can now only get a five yard running start instead of the 10-15 yard start they used to get. Moving the kickoff point 5 yards upfield increases the possibility of a touchback. In turn, more touchbacks mean less opportunities for my offensive MVP Leon Washington to make big returns.

However, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Deeper kickoffs that don’t result in touchbacks actually give great returners more of an opportunity to find running lanes. Limiting the running start for the kicking team means they won’t be able to generate the speed and cover the distance as quickly. In the end, I don’t think this rule will result in a significant change in how the game is played. However, if the incidence of touchbacks increases dramatically, then this issue should be revisited. One of the most important parts of the Seahawks’ offense last season was the field position provided by Washington. We’ll have to wait and see how the team will be impacted.

Hopefully, the Seahawks’ offense will have improved enough to offset any negative effect of this rule change. If Leon Washington (as a returner) is still the most potent offensive weapon the team has next season, then it’s going to be a very long year, indeed.