Could the NFL’s new kickoff rules benefit the Patriots
The NFL’s opening game on September 5th marks the 59th season of the Superbowl era for the NFL, but more importantly a massive rule change to one of games longest standing plays: the Kickoff. This historic rule change comes after the NFL states saw the lowest return rate in a single season in NFL history (22.1 percent). As can be seen through the first week of NFL games, the new rule intends to limit high speed collisions and increase teams’ incentive to return kickoffs.
The first week of the NFL season has already yielded both increased returns and return yards. As Ben Volin displays in the above image when comparing the Touchback percentage, Return Average, and Kickoff Return TDs of Week 1 this season and last there is a 14.1 percent decrease in touchbacks and a 4.3-yard increase in the average return yards. It is yet to be seen if it an anomaly but there was also a Kickoff Touchdown in the first week, a 96-yard Touchdown return for the Cardinals against the Bills.
The Patriots have always been a team that prides themselves on having a disciplined Special teams’ unit, with the third phase of play often being crucial in the result of games. However, the Patriots have not witnessed a Kickoff return Touchdown since 2023 when Jalen Reagor went 98 yards for a Touchdown against the Bills. Now that the rules have changed there could be an opportunity for the Patriots to seize.
When looking at the Patriots unofficial depth chart Marcus Jones and Antonio Gibson are listed as the Kick Returners. Marcus Jones has been the Patriots returner and has made headlines before for his game winning punt return against the Jets in 2022. The Bengals surely kept in mind his ability to change a game as they did not allow Marcus Jones a single Kickoff return in their game as both Kickoffs were touchbacks.
The Athletic claims the new Kickoff rule could lead to an additional 2,000 plays each season. Given this information it is reasonable to believe that Marcus Jones could see more kickoff returns this season with the new rule. In terms of the scheming and blocking of these new Kickoffs, the league is still tinkering with scheming for the new Kickoffs looking for a possible advantage. This leaves Jeremy Springer with a unique opportunity in the games that lie ahead. The Patriots are expected to be underdogs against every team this season, making it ever the more important to create game changing plays in third phase of the game, special teams. As the NFL season progresses Patriots fans should be eagerly anticipating the moments that Marcus Jones can return a kickoff and possibly make a big play.
Written by Joseph Medeiros
