How the Minnesota Vikings can maximize new kickoff ruleing News
The new kickoff rule could be a game-changer for the Minnesota Vikings. The National Football League (NFL) has changed the kickoff rule, which remains at the 35-yard line and the 20-yard for safeties. The remaining players on the kicking team will need to have one foot on the opposing 40 yard line, and the receiving team will line up between their 30 and 35-yards line. All kicks that land in the landing zone must be returned, giving an advantage as players can move the ball the second time it hits the ground. The use of the squib kick could be a key strategy for the Minnesota Vikings, as the kickoff is likely to be treated more like an outsize zone run than how they blocked it in years past.
Published : 10 months ago by Tyler Forness in Sports
One of the more interesting changes in the National Football League this offseason is the change to the kickoff rule. The rule is relatively simple and has been used in the XFL and UFL spring leagues.
• Kickoff remains at the 35-yard line normally and the 20-yard line for safeties
• Remaining players on the kicking team will need to have one foot on the opposing 40-yard line
• The receiving team will line up between their 30 and 35-yard line
• The kick needs to land between the goal line and the 20-yard line.
• All kicks that land in the landing zone must be returned
How will the Minnesota Vikings among other teams find a way to take advantage of the new rule? One way the Vikings can take advantage of it is to utilize the squib kick. The Green Bay Packers did so during their minicamp.
It's an interesting one for the Vikings to try. Once the ball lands in the landing zone, it has to be returned and from there, it's a wild goose chase for the returner. That can give you an advantage because players can move the second the ball hits the ground.
The blocking scheme will be really important, as the kickoff is likely to be treated more like an outsize zone run than how they blocked it in years past. If the Vikings can master the new kickoff rule, it could be a massive benefit to their win/loss total.
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Topics: Football, NFL, Minnesota Vikings