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Bill Johanesen -> RE: General Vikes Talk (9/4/2025 10:54:38 AM)
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Interesting when the percentages are factored in:
Kickoff touchbacks moved to 35-yard line
In 2024, the NFL made dramatic rules changes to incentivize returning kickoffs. However, the leaguewide return rate of 32.8% was still the league's lowest since at least 2000, and the touchback rate of 64.3% was the league's highest over the same period.
This spring, they made those rules permanent and -- after seeing data that showed it had helped power a 43% reduction in concussion rates on kickoff plays -- owners agreed to move the touchback from the 30-yard line to the 35. In theory, that shift will further incentivize the kicking team to put the ball in play -- and generate a return from the receiving team -- rather than drill it deep in the end zone for a touchback.
Will 5 yards really change decision-making? Denver Broncos special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi, a key member of the special teams advisory group that developed this structure for the league, believes it will.
Last season, when teams kicked returnable balls, the average starting drive began at the 28.8-yard line. Coaches for the kicking team were willing to concede the 1.2 additional yards to spot the ball at the 30-yard line for a touchback, but Rizzi said: "I don't think teams are just going to give up [nearly] 7 yards" with the touchback now at the 35.
According to ESPN Research, teams that started drives at the 30-yard line during the past 10 seasons averaged 1.97 points on those possessions. When their drives began at the 35-yard line, that point average jumped to 2.21 points. That's a 12% increase in scoring that coaches would have to factor in if they want to keep kicking touchbacks.
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