Many changes have been brought to the NFL’s games this offseason. Owners of the NFL voted to pass two game changing rules that will be in effect starting in the 2024 season. The first rule change was to adopt a low-impact kickoff– previously used in the XFL. In addition, hip-drop tackles were banned and would result in a penalty if used.
I look forward to the new kickoff rule being implemented next season. The ball will still be kicked from 35-yard line with the new regulation. Every player on the kicking team, other than the kicker themselves, will now line up with at least one foot on the returning team’s 40-yard line. During this new kickoff, no players can move until the ball is fielded by a returner.
This rule change has been needed, as the lack of attempted kickoff returns over the past few years have been very low. This will bring excitement back to kickoffs. It will introduce a safer, low-impact approach, since kickoffs have been the most dangerous plays with high speed collisions. Safety aside, it will also be refreshing to see more kickoffs that do not result in a touchback. There will be newfound importance placed on having a great kick returner and being able to effectively stop a return.
On the other hand, the ban of the hip-drop tackle may cause more harm than good to the NFL. A hip-drop tackle “occurs when a defender wraps up a ball carrier and rotates or swivels his hips, unweighting himself and dropping onto the ball carrier’s legs during the tackle.”
According to the NFL, the hip-drop tackle results in a lower risk to player health and safety. I am really glad to see player safety being a main priority and the reason behind the rule changes. I just hope this reduces injuries significantly. However, there is high risk associated with rule change. Players will be trying to find new ways to tackle, which might cause different injuries to take place during games.
Since the rule was officially passed, many current and former NFL players have taken their thoughts to social media. JJ Watt, former three-tie NFL Defensive Player of the Year, and other defensive players expressed frustrations over making it harder to tackle opponents. Many people joked that the game was turning into flag or “two hand touch” football.
“Just fast forward to the belts with flags on them,” Watt said on X.
Miami Dolphins Safety Jevon Holland also voiced his opinions about the new rule, posting on X, “Breaking news: Tackling Banned.”
The hip-drop tackle change could cause many issues and change the way the game has been played for years. The NFL has been criticized by fans for the amount of penalties called in game-defining situations. With this new rule, picking out a hip-drop tackle during a high speed play will be hard and may lead to false penalties.
It seems like NFL football is turning more into an offensive game, with an uneven playing field for defenses. Many recent rule changes have all been catered towards defense, which makes it harder to play and not cause penalties. It is no longer an even playing field on both sides, considering all of the restrictions defensive players have.
With this being said, I expect to see more missed tackles, defensive penalties and higher scoring games. All things considered, I eagerly look forward to seeing how these regulations are enacted in the 2024 season and the impacts the changes will have on the sport as a whole.
