First full weekend of new NFL kickoff rule brings 2 long returns and plenty of confusion

Published August 12, 2024 12:49 PM

AP Pro Football Writer

The first full weekend of exhibition games featuring the NFL’s new dynamic kickoff featured two long returns, a significant drop in touchbacks and mass confusion on an odd play that ended up as a rare safety. The NFL’s goals of increasing the rate of returns and bringing back the threat of big plays were mostly accomplished this past weekend. The NFL reported that 81% of kicks have been returned so far, even if teams have been a bit guarded in what wrinkles they were willing to show before the start of the regular season.

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