The New Orleans Saints have approached the NFL’s new dynamic kickoff rules quite a bit differently than other teams, and it may end up being a successful method in the long run. They are zigging when others zag, and it seems to be working. Their special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi was very influential in designing the new kickoff format so it’s interesting to see him taking such a unique approach.
Most teams have been kicking for touchbacks or straight out of the end zone, which results in the opposing offense starting at their own 30-yard line. However, the Saints have employed a different strategy, targeting returns and letting their coverage team do the work. No team has faced more kick returns than New Orleans (14) or allowed more kick return yardage (353), but the math comes up to just 25.2 yards per kick return. That’s third-best among teams that have seen four or more kick returns this season.
There are only five teams in the NFL who have had touchbacks on less than 50% of their kickoffs. Those teams are:
- Tennessee Titans (42.9%)
- Carolina Panthers (25%)
- New Orleans Saints (22.2%)
- Chicago Bears (20%)
- Washington Commanders (18.2%)
There is a method to this madness, and a few reasons why it may be employed more often by teams as they learn more.
First of all, the Saints’ coverage unit is spectacular, as they have been holding opposing teams to an average starting position at around the 27-yard line per Brian Baldinger of NFL Network. He also mentions that the Saints have kicked just four touchbacks so far this season. While three yards may seem like a minor distance to cover, it’s an additional three yards the opposing team has to cover to get into the end zone, which could force a field goal or two instead of a touchdown.
Additionally, kickoff returns are one of the more highly penalized plays in the NFL, with illegal blocks in the back, holding fouls, and illegal crackback blocks all being hazards. Against the Panthers in Week 1, the Saints forced a holding penalty on one of their kickoffs, setting up the Panthers at their 15-yard line despite a return to the 26 (enforced at the 25). While they did not draw any on the Dallas Cowboys in Week 2, the opportunity is still there, rather than just giving up 30 yards to start.
While it is not a perfect concept, it is one that the Saints feel comfortable with, especially with All-Pro coverage ace J.T. Gray out on the field who is one of their best players overall. It also gives the team the chance to make a play and gain some momentum and energy heading into the drive, which is always a nice bonus.
