The NFL’s controversial new starting rule made its debut yesterday at the Hall of Fame Game.
The Chicago Bears beat the Houston Texans 21-17 in a contest that was shortened due to bad weather.
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With both teams resting their top talent, the new kickoffs were one of the biggest talking points.
Texas wide receiver Steven Sims took the opening kickoff and was tackled at the 26-yard line — one yard past the mark for a touchback.
Bears receiver Tyler Scott generated an identical 21-yard return in the second.
“You grew up your whole life just learning this, having different levels and things of that nature; and now, everyone is kind of confused,” Scott said.
“If a shot is a little short, guys are going to come after you. You have to make a cut and that’s it.
“I think there are benefits to that, because if a guy makes a mistake, then you’re fine.
“But at the same time, if you make the wrong cut, someone will be there.
“So far, I feel like it protects the guys a little more. The guys are not in full force coming onto the field, shooting at people.
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“But I think, for the most part, it’s going to work out pretty well. I just think we’re going to have a lot of explosive plays.”
The NFL changed the rules in hopes of promoting more comebacks.
There was just one touchback on eight kickoffs last night.
Chiacgo rookie John Jackson III got to the 31-yard line — the biggest return of the night.
“You have to figure it out, like, ‘Hey, what’s it going to be like?’” Bears coach Matt Eberflus said.
“So we certainly tried different things on the return team and different ways to attack the coverage team and put different bodies in different positions.
What is the Hybrid Kickoff rule?
The NFL is looking to revitalize kickoffs by increasing returns and reducing injuries.
The league is considering adopting a starting style similar to that used in the XFL, among radical changes.
If adopted, the rules would be implemented over a one-year trial period.
The proposal presents new alignments for both kicking and receiving units.
The receiving team is limited to throwing a maximum of two returners into the “landing zone”, the area between the team’s goal line and the 20-yard line.
All kickoffs in the landing zone must be returned by the receivers.
Shots that miss the landing zone will result in the ball being played at the 20, 30, or 40 yard line.
The rule was designed to encourage kickers to kick a returnable ball.
“So we’re just trying to figure that out, and I think that’s where all the coaches are.
“We’re just trying to figure it out and do the best we can. And this will continue throughout the season.
“You will have to adjust. That’s the NFL.”
Former Bears return specialist Devin Hester, who will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday, was not impressed
“I’m watching, man, and I’m surprised we’re not seeing more great races,” Hester said on the ESPN broadcast.
“You know, that’s shocking. But hey, it’s the first game. So I think a lot of coaches are going to evaluate this game and try to figure out what they can do to get more big plays.
“But now, it’s a little unstable…
“But who knows? The first game. We’ll see.”
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