Ex-Patriots assistant Brad Seely: New touchback rule could increase returns

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Quick-hit thoughts/notes around the New England Patriots and NFL:

1. With NFL owners approving a rule change to spot the football at the 25-yard line (instead of the 20) after a touchback in 2016, it could have a significant impact on the way teams approach the kickoff. I reached out to longtime respected special-teams coach Brad Seely, who Patriots fans remember from his time with the club (1999-2008), to see how he thinks his Raiders team and others might be affected by the change.

“It’s going to be fun for special-teams coaches, because you’re going to involve more strategy,” the 59-year-old Seely said. "It’s a little bit of a give-up -- 'OK, we’ll give them the ball…