Bears open to joining unorthodox trend after NFL’s new kickoff rules originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
While kickers typically handle kickoffs, that could change next season for NFL teams, including the Bears.
“Anyone with a helmet who can kick off is always in the game,” Bears special teams coordinator Richard Hightower told Pro Football Talk.
Why?
The NFL’s new kickoff rules, taking effect for the first time this season, have motivated teams to adjust their kickoff strategies.
The new kickoff format begins with the kicker alone on his own 35-yard line. He must kick the ball into the “landing zone,” which begins at the opponent’s 20-yard line. Every other play is lined up on the 40- and 30-yard lines, opposite each other. Once the ball is in the field, the players can start hitting live.
The new rule is expected to generate more returns, which means more opportunities for touchdowns. As a result, special teams coordinators are looking for the best way to optimize returns and also defend them.
That’s where being selective with the kicker comes in. Usually kickers are substitutes on the defensive side, rarely able to make tackles as the last line of defense. With the new rules, that becomes more important to stop the returning team.
The Chiefs are considering allowing safety Justin Reid to kick the ball off the kickoff. Because Reid is a last-ditch defense, the Chiefs would rather have him be the last line of defense on kickoffs than Harrison Butker.
The Bears are considering something similar. And while they haven’t made a decision yet, Hightower suggested that kicker Cairo Santos could move on with kickoffs, or rookie punter Tory Taylor. Teams just need to make sure the player they choose can shoot the ball into the landing zone consistently.
It’s a strange and difficult decision to make. And it will probably come with some trial and error. But Hightower understands the Bears are not alone in this situation.
“The rest of the league has to figure it out,” Hightower said.
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