New Kickoff Format, Rule Changes? Stan Kroenke & Owners to Vote
Next week's Annual League Meeting will have a full slate of proposed rule changes for Los Angeles Rams owner Stan Kroenke and the other NFL owners to vote on. The proposals are highlighted by a new kickoff format.
The revamped kickoff format would prohibit the kicking team from moving until the ball contacts or is fielded within a designated "landing zone." That zone is the area between the receiving team's goal line and its 20-yard line. Kickoffs would remain at the 35-yard line but the other 10 players of the kicking unit would line up at the opposing team's 40-yard line.
Teams would only be permitted to place up to two returners in the "landing zone," and returners cannot utilize a fair catch, as they could in 2023.
This rule change is proposed for one year only.
Kroenke
Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY
In total, the NFL's competition committee is presenting six rule changes and NFL franchises are presenting four changes at the meetings, which take place March 24-27.
The billionaire Kroenke is on a hot streak after making moves that have led to NFL, NHL, and NBA titles in an 18-month stretch.
His recent string of success started with the hiring of then-youngest-ever-head-coach Sean McVay, who led the Rams to a Super Bowl LVI victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in February of 2022.
In free agency, the Rams have retained right guard Kevin Dotson and opened up their free agency account to sign left guard Jonah Jackson, tight end Colby Parkinson and cornerback Darious Williams.
The offensive moves look to ease up pressure on quarterback Matthew Stafford and boost the rushing attack.
Currently, L.A. is focused on the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit. With a first-round draft selection in their pocket, the Rams are scouting and interviewing prospects, with an eye on improving a few key position groups, including the secondary and edge rusher.
