Brenden Schooler get first-hand advice on new NFL kickoff
There’s a new NFL kickoff format starting in the 2024 season. The new rules may be alien to most, but New England Patriots special teamer Brenden Schooler was able to get advice from somebody who knows it well – his brother.
One of the big changes coming to the NFL in 2024 is a new kickoff rule. Meant to both cut down on injuries and increase the chances of exciting returns, the format is borrowed from the latest iteration of the XFL, a league that existed in the spring in 2023.
This new NFL kickoff – which we detailed here when it was announced – cuts down on collisions by having the coverage unit and blocking unit line up just 10 yards apart, rather than having the coverage players line up back where the ball is kicked then sprint down the field.
New NFL kickoff rules, explained:
This will be a chance for everybody, but the coverage players might have the biggest adjustment. They go from getting a running start and being able to work around blocks, to taking on blockers head-on.
Exactly how that will change kickoffs remains to be seen. As teams get out on the practice field for OTAs in the coming weeks and then training camp late in the summer they’ll likely experiment with different things, seeing what work and what doesn’t.
New England Patriots special teams coverage age Brenden Schooler can get some unique insight into the rule before he even steps on the field though. Schooler’s brother Colin Schooler played in the XFL last year for the Arlington Renegades, and led the league in special teams tackles with 15 in 10 games.
Speaking to reporters at Gillette Stadium on Tuesday Brenden, the older brother, said he’s already started to reach out to Colin about how to handle his new assignments.
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“He said it was a it was a little bit of a change,” Brenden shared. “We’re still getting to know all the rules and seeing how it’s going to look for us, because everybody’s in the same boat, at least at this level, where this is the first time for everybody. So we’re all just trying to figure that out and make sure we’re coming up with like the best games to get you guys free and, just see how it works on paper first before you go further.”
As for individual coaching points? “He just said it’s like a you’re in a phone booth,” Schooler said. “If you’re good with hand-to-feets (sic), winning your one-on-one battle, you’ll be alright. So, that’s what I’m trying to have my mindset as.”
Last year there were just 587 kick returns over the course of the NFL season – just about half as many as the year before and by far the lowest of the modern era. That number should go way up this year with the new rules, so teams and special teams players will need to be ready. For Schooler, his brother should be an excellent resource in helping him prepare for when the season kicks off – literally and figuratively.
For more on the new NFL kickoff rule, keep scrolling below…
New NFL kickoff rule will change special teams roster building and strategy
Kick accuracy receiving preference over kick power
Dec 7, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; New England Patriots place kicker Chad Ryland (37) kicks the ball off to the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
In the past, how far the kickoff kicker could kick the ball was the biggest issue for NFL teams. With touchbacks incentivized, teams main focus was kickers who could boot the ball through the back of the end zone.
Now, such a kick gifts the offense an extra 15 yards, with the ball going to the 35 instead of the 20. Plus, putting more hangtime on the ball is no longer an advantage, since the nobody can move until the ball is touched. If anything, line drive kicks may be more advantageous because they would give the returner less time to get lined up.
At the same time, directional kicking may become more important as teams start to draw up ‘plays’ on kickoff returns. Being able to put the ball in a certain spot for the coverage team may now have more value that the outright distance a kicker can get on it.
A more offense/defense split to the kicking units
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 18: Wide receiver Matthew Slater #18 of the New England Patriots runs onto the field for warmups before a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Patriots 30-24. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
One major inspiration for this kickoff setup is it mirrors a typical scrimmage play. Given that, it wouldn’t be surprising if the personnel on the field starts to mirror an offense-defense snap too.
On the kicking team, there should now be more of an emphasis on players who can tackle in space. Just forcing a runner into a single lane will be much harder, so players with experience covering more ground and are strong tacklers will have an edge. Think linebackers and safeties.
Return teams in the past may use some defensive players as up-men, just for the physicality of the role. But now, textbook blocking at the point of attack and being able to block on the move will be valued more. That should put an emphasis on tight ends, bigger receivers, and even some more athletic offensive linemen to play up front.
This doesn’t mean the days of special teams aces are over. For one, there will still be a role for them on the punt team. Plus, most specialists played an offensive or defensive role in college. A college linebacker could come into the NFL and certainly find a regular role in kick coverage. But, more of those roles will probably now go to depth players whose skills already transfer.
Returners will be at a premium
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 31: Jalen Reagor #83 of the New England Patriots runs the kickoff back for a touchdown during the first quarter of a game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on December 31, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
With this rule change, teams will be able to scheme up more designs for kickoff runbacks, allowing explosive players to be a factor more often. For players experience in navigating the chaos of a kickoff return, this presents a tremendous opportunity. It shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that Cordarrelle Patterson signed with the Steelers the day the rule passed.
The Patriots already have a couple of players in place who will most likely benefit from this rule change. Bigger roles could be in store for Jalen Reagor and Marcus Jones this year as the Patriots work on their kick return schemes.
Practice time
The Patriots’ practice fields behind Gillette Stadium before Day 1 of Patriots training camp.
As with any rule change, the new kickoff will take some getting used to. Teams across the league will likely need to devote more time than usual to practicing kickoff coverage and return in spring practices and training camp this year. Right away, first year Patriots special teams coordinator Jeremy Springer has a lot of work ahead of him.
