In a spirited conversation about potential changes to the NFL’s kickoff touchback rules, Dawn Aponte, the NFL’s chief football administrative officer, cemented a collective sigh of relief among teams. When addressing the possibility of shifting touchbacks from the 30-yard line to the 35-yard line, Aponte assured fans earlier this week that this rule change is “not likely.” Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, never one to mince words, doubled down after the team’s electric final preseason game on Saturday.
Jerry Jones: Unyielding in His Stance
With unmistakable conviction, Jones declared, “No. No. No. No,” echoing his refusal to anticipate any dramatic alterations in kickoff strategies. “I don’t expect any changes in the kickoff at all…I would not anticipate anything like that and don’t.”
Owners to Tackle Deliberations on Franchise Equity
As the owners convene this Tuesday for their pivotal meeting, not only will they be addressing the franchise sales to private-equity funds, but they’re also expected to update the league on the landmark “dynamic kickoff” preseason data. The numbers preceding this past weekend hinted at an intriguing trend; the average starting position for teams soared to the 28.3-yard line, up a striking 4.4 yards from the prior season.
Risk and Reward: The Touchback Dilemma
With the starting spot after a touchback fixed at the 30-yard line, teams face an intriguing conundrum: concede lightly or gamble with a long return. Yet, Jones remains unperturbed by these potential risks, embodying a maverick spirit.
“I don’t know that [teams will kick it through the end zone], because each team will be different,” Jones mused, reflecting a league-wide ambivalence.
A Shift in the Winds: Dynamic Kickoff’s Mixed Outcomes
Last season’s dismal return rates had plummeted to an all-time low of 22%, a stark contrast to the 78% of kickoffs returned in this preseason’s dynamic kickoff trial. Nevertheless, there remains a prevailing skepticism about whether this elevated return rate will persist once the regular season intensity ramps up.
Jones’ Verdict: Wait and Watch
Jones, known for his passionate yet measured takes, remained cautiously optimistic about the ongoing experiments. “From what I’ve seen, . . . I’m OK with it [for now],” he remarked, reserving final judgment until the adrenaline, stakes, and unpredictable magic of the regular season truly unfolds.
