Change Might Hit Bears in Different Ways

New kick return rule could limit the number of returns, and it could make for some really wild plays off squibs and rolling footballs.

So many people affiliated with the NFL seem infuriated by the new kickoff rule putting the ball at the 25 after touchbacks and fair catches that you almost want to demand a recount or audit of the vote.

Players will be able to take a fair catch at their own 3-yard line or 10-yard line and place the ball at the 25. The rule applies to free kick kickoffs or punts following a safety, as well.

Now the rule is the same as in college football, and the thought behind the change was it would make the game safer. Coaches and critics aren't as sure, and Bears coach Matt Eberflus is one of those.

"That's a great question," Eberflus said, laughing. "I think it will change tactically what teams are going to do, because the rule is in now. There's nothing you can do about it.

"But it will change. I think we'll get more squib-kicks, I think you'll get more drop-kicks, more drive-kicks, those types of things, and make guys return it."

So Eberflus expects the result will be the exact opposite of what was intended by the rule because rolling or bouncing kicks will either have to be returned or downed where fielded. There's no such thing as a fair catch on a rolling football. 

The idea was fewer kick returns means fewer concussions. 

It seems the NFL's objective is to eliminate kickoffs.

"I suspect you'll see more returns than less," Eberflus said. "That's just what I'm thinking right now, but we'll see what happens."

The rule change has to be a negative for the Bears. Or does it?

In one sense, if it helps limit kick returns it could help the Bears based on last year. In another, it's a terrible situation.

Kick returner Velus Jones Jr. was just starting to show what he was capable of on kick returns last year after he had proven to be a disaster fielding punts with two critical muffs. Jones averaged 27.59 yards per kick return, good for third in the league among qualifying return men (25 or more returns).

Jones was just starting to get cranked up when the season ended. He had been benched at one time and didn't begin to establish momentum until late in the season.

On the other hand ...

Three of the other four top return men in the league play for Bears divisional opponents. Keisean Nixon averaged 28.83 per return for Green Bay and was second in the NFL, Justin Jackson 26.65 for Detroit and was fourth and Kene Nwangwu was fifth in the NFL at 26.29 for Minnesota.

And the Bears kick coverage unit was 28th in the NFL at 25.72 yards per kick.

So maybe a few less kick returns in games by Bears opponents might not be so bad after all.

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