Patriots' Coach on NFL New Kickoff Rule: 'Terrible'
The NFL implemented sweeping changes to how kickoffs and touchbacks work this offseason, which has been quite controversial among special teams players and coaches.
Specifically, the new rule allows players to call for a fair catch on kickoffs inside the 25-yard line and bring the ball out to that spot, the same as a touchback. The NFL cited "player safety" as the reason for the change, with league executives claiming the change will drastically decrease injury and concussion rates. However, special teams personnel across the league have been very vocal about the rule effectively eliminating a huge part of their jobs.
One of the latest coaches to speak out on the new rule change is New England Patriots special teams coordinator Cam Achord. The team's special teams coordinator since 2019, Achord is critical of the rule change, but acknowledged that his unit will ultimately adjust.
“I think it’s a terrible rule. Let’s just start with that,” Achord said per Boston.com. “I think it’s not in favor of the game of football, personally. It’s taken out situational football.
“Now, we’re going to play to the rules and we’re going to do what’s best for the team. I want to say that. We’re not just going to go out there and say, ‘Put the team in a bad situation.’ That would just be bad coaching. So, we’re going to play to the rules.”
Achord then brought up a specific case in which the new rule would have drastically altered the outcome of a game. In Super Bowl LI, the Patriots pinned the Atlanta Falcons inside the 15-yard line on two separate kickoffs, which helped fuel their dramatic comeback. Under the new rule, Atlanta instead could've just called fair catch and brought the ball out to the 25, negating New England's field position advantage.
Achord isn't the first Patriot to speak out against the rule change this offseason. Longtime special teams star Matthew Slater commented on the subject in May, even calling the league's reasoning into doubt.
“I just don’t believe this is truly in the name of player health and safety," Slater said. "What I do believe is, ‘We [the NFL] want to portray ourselves a certain way to the public that says we care about the players.'” “But I can give you a long list of examples where the league and powers that be do not act in the best interest of the players.”
The Patriots had their fair share of special teams struggles last season, most apparent when they allowed two kickoff return touchdowns in the season finale against the Buffalo Bills. New England will look to correct those mistakes this season, although this new rule change will take some adjusting.
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