The Detroit Lions are gearing up for the upcoming NFL season with a renewed focus on special teams, as head coach Dan Campbell enthusiastically embraces the league’s new kickoff rules. These radical changes, which aim to promote more returns and reduce violent collisions, were adopted at the annual NFL meeting.
Under the new rules, kickoffs will still occur from the kicking team’s own 35-yard line. However, the coverage unit will now line up at the receiving team’s 40-yard line, with touchbacks being marked at the 30-yard line. Fair catches are not allowed, and only the kicker and return men can move until the ball is fielded or touches the ground.
Coach Campbell sees these changes as an opportunity to showcase the importance of special teams and bring excitement to the game. As the Lions adjust to the new rules, they may prioritize dynamic return men and linebacker-types for their coverage units, with general manager Brad Holmes noting that the rules could impact future roster decisions.
Campbell and special teams coordinator Dave Fipp are eager to embrace the coaching challenge that comes with the new rules, as they look forward to implementing new strategies. The Lions are optimistic about the potential opportunities that these changes will bring to the team and are ready to make the most of the exciting adjustments to the kickoff game. Forever Sports Online will be covering the Lions closely as they prepare for the upcoming season with these innovative new rules in mind.
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