Shorter field on kickoffs, if NFL plays
NFL owners are expected to pass a measure next week that would move kickoffs from the 30-yard line to the 35 in an effort to help reduce injuries.
Competition Committee chairman Rich McKay said Wednesday that his eight-member committee had voted unanimously to approve a rules change proposal to "shorten the field'' as a way to limit concussions and other serious injuries that occur on kickoffs, mostly to players on the kicking team. At least 24 of the 32 owners must vote yes to pass the rule.
"The play is such and injury data is such that it needs revision,'' McKay said. "The biggest thing you're getting out of it is shortening the field. Hopefully, that will help .''
The NFL moved kickoffs to the 30 from the 35 in 1994 in a bid to increase kickoff returns after a period in which touchbacks had increased steadily. The new rule should increase touchbacks again, but McKay believes it also will reduce how far and how quickly players run -- particularly those on the kicking team -- and reduce injuries.
As part of the rules proposal, no member of the kicking team will be permitted to line up more than 5 yards behind the spot of the kickoff. Currently, there is no limitation, and McKay said some players have gotten a 15-yard running start before the ball is kicked. That leads to higher-speed collisions that the league wants to avoid.
In addition, touchbacks would be moved to the 25-yard line instead of the 20. Kickoffs that go out of bounds still would give the receiving team the ball at its 40-yard line.
The rule also would eliminate wedge blocking. Last year, the league reduced the wedge to a maximum of two players who could stand side-by-side and block. The wedge would be barred if the rule is passed.
Owners are also expected to tweak the instant-replay system. A proposal will be introduced that allows for a booth review involving all scoring plays -- touchdowns, field goals and safeties. If the measure passes, coaches no longer will have to use a challenge on a call involving any of those plays.
The NFL also will continue to emphasize its crackdown on illegal hits, according to vice president of football operations Ray Anderson. He said Wednesday that players who repeatedly use helmet-to-helmet contact and other illegal hits to the head and neck area may face suspensions.
"We need to continue to discourage repeat offenders and flagrant violators, and not just hold players, but coaches and clubs for playing to the rules,'' Anderson said. "When warranted, suspensions will be an effective discipline for us. We don't want to go there, but if we must, we'll go there, because these rules are meant to protect everyone on the field.''
Linebacker James Harrison was fined four times for a total of $125,000 last year for flagrant hits to the head and neck area. He briefly threatened retirement early last season but wound up helping the Steelers reach Super Bowl XLV.
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