Reviews of the NFL's new kickoff rules at the Hall of Fame Game are divided.
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CANTON, Ohio: The Chicago Bears defeated the Houston Texans 21-17 in the Hall of Fame Game on Thursday, despite a rain delay. The first two kickoff returns made under the NFL's new regulations appeared a lot like kickoffs from the past.
The first kickoff was received by Texans wide receiver Steven Sims, who went 21
yards before being tackled at the 26-yard line—a yard past the point at which
offenses start their possessions following a touchback.
Texans kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn attempted a kickoff to Bears wide receiver Tyler
Scott, who returned it the same 21 yards after Houston had taken a 7-0 lead.
"You grew up your whole life just catching it, having different levels and
things of that nature; and now, everyone is kind of stacked," Scott
stated. "Guys will come right after you if your kick is a little too
short. You must make one cut and move on. I believe there are advantages to
that since you're set if one man misses. However, someone is right there if you
make a mistaken cut.
Thus far, it seems to shield guys a little bit more. Guys aren't running down
the field with a full head of steam, shooting at people. However, I believe
that it will work out fairly well overall. Just anticipate a ton of exciting
plays."\
This offseason, the NFL changed its kickoff regulations in an attempt to
encourage more returns. Just one of the eight kickoffs that happened on
Thursday ended in a touchback. Last season, that occurred 73% of the time, the
highest touchback rate since 1970. Two illegal formation penalties were
introduced with the new rules, one for each team, for players who left the set
up zone before the ball was touched by the returner or made contact with the
ground.
"You have to figure it out, like, 'Hey, what is it going to look
like?'" stated Bears head coach Matt Eberflus. "So, yes, we have
experimented with numerous tactics for the return team, as well as different
approaches to assault the cover team and positioning different bodies in
various positions. In the end, all coaches are really doing is attempting to
figure things out, in my opinion. All we're doing is attempting to solve the
problem as best we can. And it will continue for the whole of the season.
"You will need to adapt. The NFL operates in that manner."
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There was some criticism of each team's kickoff units for not producing more huge plays, even with the extra returns. John Jackson III, a rookie wide receiver for the Bears, made the farthest return, all the way to the 31-yard line.
Devin Hester, a former return specialist for the Bears who will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday, expressed skepticism over the returns that occurred on Thursday evening.
Hester stated on the ESPN broadcast, "I'm watching it, man, and I'm surprised that we're not seeing more big runs." "That's shocking, you know. Hey, this is just the first game. I therefore predict that many coaches will assess this game and attempt to determine how to generate other huge plays. But it's a little wobbly right now...
"However, who can say? the initial match. We'll see.
Play was officially suspended on Thursday after inclement weather delayed play for almost 35 minutes in the latter part of the third quarter.
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