New England Patriots: The NFL’s new kickoff rules will help the Patriots
By Sam Minton
The NFL announced that there will be changes to kickoffs and surprisingly it may help the New England Patriots.
The NFL helping the New England Patriots? It can’t be. The NFL officially announced on Tuesday that there will be changes to the league’s kickoff rules. Now a lot of the changes to kickoffs have been to the detriment of the kick return team, but these rules may actually help kick returners and lead to more touchdowns.
I could try to explain it to you, but the NFL realized a fancy animated video so I’ll let them get their money’s worth.
Following today’s vote at the @NFL Spring League Meetings, here’s everything you need to know about the new kickoff rules for the upcoming 2018 season. The rule will be reevaluated next offseason. pic.twitter.com/YubLyMBR4g
— NFL Football Operations (@NFLFootballOps) May 22, 2018
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A whole new world
A lot of these changes mean that there will be more open space. The Cordarrelle Patterson trade is looking very good now. Patterson is one of the best returners that the Patriots have had in a while. In his 5 year career, Patterson has taken 5 kicks to the house. With these new rules Patterson will be able to weave his way through defenders and show off his amazing speed.
Patterson hasn’t lit up the stat sheet on offense. He is known for being a great returner, but not the best receiver. The difference maker is that Patterson is now playing alongside Tom Brady, and is being coached by Bill Belichick and Josh McDaniels. I’m pretty sure these guys may be able to turn me into an all-pro receiver.
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Kickoffs have become so boring, but the NFL deserves some credit. The “No Fun League” is actually putting some fun back in the game. Kickoff returns are one of the most exciting plays to watch and with these rule changes, they will be even better.