With New Touchback Rule, Dustin Hopkins May Mix Up Kickoffs

The touchback was moved to the 25-yard line this year, and that means there might be some new kickoff strategies for NFL placekickers.In March, the NFL impacted placekickers for the second straight offseason when they passed a rule that will move the touchback after kickoffs to the 25-yard line, a determination based on the increasing amount of injuries during that specific play last year.

For kickers who have particularly powerful legs, this comes as a potential affront. The extra five yards now given to opposing teams may force head coaches to reconsider letting their specialists boot the ball out of the end zone, in the hopes their special teams unit will prevent a returner from gaining…