Apparently, the NFL’s new dynamic kickoff is finally producing some results.
On a 96-yard touchdown, Arizona Cardinals running back DeeJay Dallas became the first player to score on the new kickoff.
On the ensuing play, Cardinals RB James Conner scored on a two-point conversion, cutting the Buffalo Bills’ lead to 31-28 with 8:31 remaining in the fourth quarter.
The NFL introduced the new kickoff to increase the number of returns this season. According to the league’s website, a record-low 22% of kickoffs were returned in 2023.
It didn’t seem that the rule change was working through the season’s first two games.
Per NFL.com’s Kevin Patra, there were nine touchbacks on 11 kickoffs in Thursday’s season opener between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Baltimore Ravens.
On Friday in Sao Paulo, Brazil, the Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers combined for 10 touchbacks on 13 kickoffs via Pro Football Talk’s Michael David Smith. Smith added the three returns averaged only 20.7 yards.
However, it could be here to stay if the new kickoff starts producing more exciting plays.
