Getty Image / Justin Casterline
Roger Goodell and the NFL are implementing a rule change to special teams that has football coaches hot.
Specifically special teams coaches, as this rule directly impacts that part of the team.
This new rule is being put in place, as Goodell and the owner’s believe it will make the game safer.
Now, Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid weighs in, and it turns out he hates the NFL’s new rule.
Owner’s agreed to a one year rule change that allows a fair catch caught between between the endzone and 25-yard line is treated as a touchback.
So, a fair catch caught in that area of the field automatically gives that team the ball at the 25-yard line.
Since the rule was implemented, special teams coaches around the league have voiced their displeasure. Here is The Pat McAfee Show discussing the topic on Tuesday.
This is Roger Goodell versus Special Teams..
"Is it a possibility that all the Special Teams coaches come together and act like this rule wasn't implemented" ~ @OfficialAJHawk #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/lr43YaZGr7
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) May 23, 2023
It’s almost like the league is nearing a decision to remove kickoffs altogether. At least that’s the fear players, coaches, and fans have.
Andy Reid was asked about it and he frankly hates the idea. Here he is bashing the new rule for the 2023 season.
#Chiefs HC Andy Reid on the new fair catch rule for kickoffs: "My thing is, where does it stop, right? … You don't want to take too many pieces away and you'll be playing flag football."
(📽️ @Chiefs)pic.twitter.com/z917RAgIO3
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) May 24, 2023
For now, this is a one year rule. Which means it’s basically a test run for the NFL. Regardless, coaches everywhere don’t like it one bit.
Additionally, it’s not like there aren’t other ways to make kickoffs safer. The XFL’s kickoff is a bit odd looking, but it seems to be a safer way to conduct a kickoff.
On the other hand, this rule removes strategy from special teams completely. Now, kickers will just be booting it as far as possible.
We’ll see how it plays out, but clearly, Andy Reid and tons of other coaches don’t like this rule change the NFL is implementing for the 2023 season.