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The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
Sport
Dave Caldwell

Are the NFL’s reimagined kickoff rules working? The early returns are mixed

NFL DeeJay Dallas Eric Gray Michael Clay Michael Ghobrial Raheem Blackshear Eagles Giants
The NFL introduced a dramatic overhaul of its kickoff rules for this year’s season.
The NFL introduced a dramatic overhaul of its kickoff rules for this year’s season. Photograph: Aaron M Sprecher/Getty Images

With four full weeks of the NFL regular-season schedule complete, merely one kickoff has been returned for a touchdown under the league’s funky new kickoff rules. DeeJay Dallas, who actually plays for Arizona, took one 96 yards to the house in the Cardinals’ season opener.

NFL kick returners are on pace to score precisely 4.25 touchdowns this season, only slightly better than the four touchdowns scored on kickoff returns last year. But it is very early in the season, and to judge the effect of the new rules just by touchdowns is to miss the point(s).

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