The NFL's first full weekend of exhibition games showcased the impact of the new dynamic kickoff rules, resulting in two impressive long returns, a significant drop in touchbacks, and some unexpected confusion on the field. The league's objective of increasing the rate of returns and reintroducing the threat of big plays seems to have been largely successful, with 81% of kicks being returned during the preseason.

Teams have been somewhat cautious in unveiling their strategies, opting for a more vanilla approach to the kickoff and kickoff return game. Coaches like the Raiders' Antonio Pierce emphasize the importance of evaluating their players' coverage skills and identifying those who can make crucial tackles in open space.

Understanding the new rules has proven to be crucial for both teams and officials. This was demonstrated in a peculiar play during the Kansas City Chiefs' game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. In the waning moments of the first half, a kick by Jacksonville's Cam Little landed in the front of the end zone before bouncing back into the field of play. Mecole Hardman of the Chiefs kneeled in the end zone before retrieving the ball near the 1-yard line and bringing it back across the goal line. Under the previous rules, such a kick would have resulted in an automatic touchback. Initially ruled as such, the play was automatically reviewed and changed to a safety because Hardman brought the ball from the field of play into his own end zone.

Jaguars coach Doug Pederson acknowledged that the confusion surrounding this play served as a valuable coaching point for all teams. He noted that it is crucial for returners to grasp the intricacies of the rule and maintain a keen awareness during critical situations. This teaching moment will feature prominently in coaches' videos and will contribute to a deeper understanding of the game.

The last time a safety occurred on a kick return without a lateral was in the 2012 season opener, when the Tennessee Titans' Darius Reynaud brought the opening kick into the end zone and kneeled down, hoping for a touchback but instead resulting in a safety. The recent misplay by the Chiefs stands as the only score resulting from a kickoff, although there were also two notable long returns during the weekend. Parker Washington of the Jaguars returned a kick 73 yards against Kansas City, while Kearis Jackson of the Titans had a 63-yard return against the San Francisco 49ers.

The changes to the kickoff rules aim to reinvigorate a waning aspect of the game. In the entire 2023 regular season, there were only 10 kickoff returns of at least 60 yards, a sharp decline from an average of over 34 per season between 2001 and 2010. With safety considerations leading to the kickoffs becoming increasingly rare, the league initiated drastic modifications this offseason in hopes of significantly boosting the rate of returns.

Under the new rules, kickoffs are now launched from the 35-yard line, with 10 kick coverage players stationed at the opposing 40. The return team sets up with at least nine blockers between the 30- and 35-yard line. Only the kicker and two returners are allowed to move until the ball hits the ground or is touched by a returner inside the 20-yard line. This setup intends to reduce high-speed collisions and enhance player safety.

The preseason has seen a noticeable drop in touchbacks, with only 24 recorded thus far. Additionally, the average starting field position stands at the 29-yard line, a significant improvement from last preseason's average of 23.8. While the rate of returns typically decreases once the regular season begins and teams refine their strategies, the current 81% rate during the preseason bodes well for the NFL's goal of having at least half of all kicks returned.

Even the coaches and officials have had to adjust to the new dynamics of the kickoff. In the Raiders' game against the Minnesota Vikings, the teams initially lined up 5 yards too far from the end zone on the opening kickoff before being corrected by the officials. Additionally, San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan found himself caught off guard during a long return by the Titans. Engrossed in reviewing video footage on a tablet, Shanahan unintentionally impeded the path of an official, resulting in a 15-yard penalty.

As the preseason progresses, teams are learning to adapt to the changes and capitalize on the opportunities presented by the dynamic kickoff. With the rate of returns on the rise and the threat of big plays revitalized, football fans can expect an exciting season ahead.