You haven’t seen anything yet.

Forgive the casual phrase, but this describes the preseason introduction of the NFL’s revamped “dynamic” kickoff quite well. What unfolds in August is unlikely to resemble what will take place in September as teams adjust to the most significant changes to kickoffs in many years.

Insights from experienced football professionals confirm this.

“I believe teams will be cautious during the preseason for two main reasons: they don’t want to reveal too much and there’s a lot that remains unknown,” stated Danny Smith, special teams coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers, in an interview with YSL News Sports after a training session in Latrobe, Pennsylvania.

“It’s true for everyone—coaches, players, officials. It’s all new territory for us. We’re going to learn together for a while, and then things will start to take off.”

New Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh supported the efforts of his special teams coaches, Ryan Ficken and Chris Gould, who have been preparing since the team’s OTA sessions began in May. He expressed uncertainty about their strategy for the upcoming season opener against the Las Vegas Raiders on September 8, set to take place at SoFi Stadium.

Will there be larger returners? More precise kickoffs?

“Honestly, I just don’t know,” Harbaugh remarked to YSL News Sports after a training practice in El Segundo, California last week. “You could speculate about endless possibilities. It would be accurate to say we haven’t finalized our approach for the Raiders game yet.”

Sean McVay, head coach of the Los Angeles Rams, added, “It just feels different. I understand the intended purpose. We’re going to have to figure out how it works.”

In essence, the NFL implemented changes to the kickoff rule, based on input from many special teams coaches, in hopes of reviving the return aspect of the game while minimizing the high-speed collisions that have led to a significantly high rate of injuries.

Last season marked the lowest return rate in the league’s 104-year history, with only 21.8% of kickoffs being returned. For perspective, consider that back in 2010, prior to safety regulations, 80% of kickoffs resulted in returns. This drop-off was particularly evident during the classic Super Bowl 58, where the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers combined for a total of 13 kickoffs, all of which resulted in touchbacks.

The NFL hopes the new kickoff rules, known for their drama and unpredictability, will add more excitement to the game.

Coincidentally, this new rule comes as former Chicago Bears standout Devin Hester, celebrated as the greatest kick-returner in NFL history, is celebrated with his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this year.

Why refer to it as dynamic? Perhaps it’s a hopeful moniker from Roger Goodell and his team, although whether kicking teams feel confident enough to kick deep rather than risk giving up long returns remains uncertain.

“Regardless of our opinions, we must adapt to this change and turn it into an advantage,” McVay said, speaking to reporters after a joint practice with the Chargers. “We need to brainstorm together, and maintain a flexible approach as we make adjustments along the way.”

It is still early in the season. However, if the first week of preseason is any indication, the NFL’s blueprint could achieve its intended results. Out of 139 kickoffs throughout the league, 80.6% resulted in returns— a notable increase compared to the initial preseason week of 2023, which saw 65.1% of 152 kickoffs being returned, as per NFL statistics. Furthermore, the average starting point for drives climbed from the 23.8-yard line last year to the 29-yard line during the first week of preseason this year.

The significant changes? Previously, kickoffs were triggered the moment the kicker’s foot made contact with the ball. Now, the play doesn’t start until the ball is touched or lands in the “landing zone,” which stretches from the goal line to the receiving team’s 20-yard line. The coverage team positions itself at the receiving team’s 40-yard line, while the receiving team spreads out nine players between their 30- and 35-yard lines, known as the “restraining line.” Any kick that fails to reach the landing zone grants the receiving team possession at their 40-yard line.

Kicks that reach the landing zone and then proceed into the end zone can either be returned or downed for a touchback, leading to the ball being placed at the 20-yard line. Meanwhile, a kick into or through the end zone will result in a touchback that brings the ball out to the 30.

Clear enough?

“I’m thrilled about it,” stated Smith, the NFL’s longest-serving special teams coach. “It’s forcing me to work more diligently. It’s reinvigorated the process. This isn’t the same old routine. Coaches and players need to be well-prepared, because the rules are complex and detailed.”

It will require some adjustment. A prime example occurred last Saturday in Jacksonville, where the Jaguars received a safety after Mecole Hardman—a well-known return specialist and receiver for the Chiefs who scored the decisive touchdown during the Super Bowl overtime—reached beyond the goal line to down the kickoff while his feet remained in the end zone. The ball subsequently bounced from the end zone to the field of play.

Previously, this situation would have resulted in a touchback.

Are more questions ahead?

“I don’t anticipate a lot of confusion regarding it,” said Jaguars coach Doug Pederson during his postgame press conference about the safety. “This presents an excellent teaching opportunity for all teams, ensuring that our returners are well-prepared for such situations. It’s definitely going to be highlighted in the coaching video that’s released later this week. It’s a valuable lesson for everyone, including us, and allows our returners to better understand the rules and the game of football.”

In essence, teams will need to focus on extra training for kickoffs in the upcoming season.