Kickoffs from the 35 -- what does that change?

by VAfan on Aug 13, 2011 2:27 PM CDT

Now that we've all seen games where teams kick off from the 35 yard line, how do you think that's going to change the game? Here are some initial thoughts.

1. Special teams players on kickoffs are much less valuable than they used to be. If you read roster discussions, most guys are still talking about keeping so-and-so because he's great on special teams. Well, that's great, but I'm not sure it squares with the new reality. With kickoffs from the 35, even with Bailey kicking nearly every ball was not returnable, and two of the times Denver tried, they ended up short of the 20. The flip side is also true. Why focus on having a great kickoff returner if the other team can take him out of the game by kicking it deep into or out of the end zone? I think people talking about roster slots need to start taking this into account. Jesse Holley, in other words, needs to be able to catch the ball. Lonyae Miller isn't going to be worth more than Tashard Choice unless he can run better. This should effect 53-man rosters, and even game-day rosters.

2. Will teams start pooching the kicks high and to the goal line so you have to run it back, hoping to box you in short of the 20? This may contradict point #1, but I wonder if the best coverage teams will WANT you to run it out because they think they can trap you inside the 20 on a high kick that you can't touchback. Cowboys didn't do this against Denver. The ones Denver ran out short it could have taken a knee, as the ball was kicked into the end zone. But on two of the runbacks Denver was trapped inside its 15, and one other barely made it to the 20.

I think for the most part, teams will opt for the deep ball, taking away the chance for a big return and for guys to get hurt. And the result will be far less value for special teams guys who cover kicks and run them back.

I am no expert, but I think punting special teams is considerably different, both on the coverage and the run back side. So while the specialists will still be needed here, they may not be the same kind of specialists that you need for kickoffs and KO returns.

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I Agree

ST coverage will be diminished 30-40%. Teams will still need their ST players but less of them. In my opinion, this means keeping Radway over Holley. I also believe Choice has gotten a raw deal and is too valuable to let go unless a valuable trade is available.

by bleedingprophet on Aug 13, 2011 3:00 PM CDT reply actions

ST- unsure ...

my guess is that the rule will be modified b4 end of preseason, seems this is gonna make some on ST unnecessary . It will def take away some of the excitement of that particular part of the game .

woman !, dont try to understand em, dont try to make them understand you, for they are a breed apart ! lol

by demonbane on Aug 13, 2011 3:29 PM CDT reply actions

nice post

by ratware on Aug 13, 2011 3:59 PM CDT reply actions

An even more extended commerical interruption

Boo!

Cry 'Havoc!'

by tanstaafl on Aug 13, 2011 4:52 PM CDT reply actions

I think it will be situational.

There will be times where teams will be happy to have the other team start from the 20. Other teams and situations will call for them to kick it high in the hopes of pinning them well inside the 20. Also depend on who you’re kicking against. Against Chicago and Devin Hester? Sure, kick it out of the end zone. Against the Rams? Make them run it out or float it high and inside the 10.

I’m not counting on Bailey to be able to knock it deep enough into the end zone, reliably enough, to say we shouldn’t worry about having ST’ers that can cover kicks. Bailey tends to kick it line drive to get to the end zone. That makes it more likely to be returned with less time for the coverage to get down there. All the more reason to have ST’ers that can cover.

Now, if the keep Buehler either as the primary or as a 2nd kicker, then yeah, there’s less reason to have good coverage guys on kickoffs.

You still need guys that can cover on punts though. As good as McBriar is, he still can’t get it deep within the opponent’s end zone from our own 20 yard line.

Rabid and luvin' it

by lonewolfz28 on Aug 13, 2011 5:20 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs