NFL rules saved the kickoff. NFL coaches made the play fun again. The Pittsburgh Steelers will benefit by joining in.
Two years into the dynamic kickoff rule and it’s clearly been a success. Kick returns have massively increased. Injuries have been reduced. The NFL’s largely used sticks, not carrots, to make it happen. Teams were further punished for touchbacks this season, the ball coming out to the 35 instead of the 30. In an offensive-friendly world with kickers in-range by the time their team reaches midfield, a touchback is akin to a white flag.
Teams are adjusting to life with kick returns again.