The NFL made kick-off rule changes for the 2016 season to reduce the number of returns with the intension of reducing player injury. Ball placement changed to the 25 yard line on a touchback from placement in previous years at the 20 yard line. Exactly how this was supposed to decrease the number of returns mystified many. It appears that savvy NFL coaches have instructed their kickers to employ mortar kicks short of the goal line. The number of returns has actually increased in the first three games of the year. An NFL source previously had stated that data would be collected for the NFL to review after the fourth game of the season. "Charlie Brown" Goodell always sure of his own personal convictions appears to have ignored the evidence collected so far and proclaimed the rule will remain in effect for the remainder of the season.
"Charlie Brown" Goodell has released the exhaustive research that he had commissioned to support his ruling.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=055wFyO6gag
"Charlie Brown" Goodell has released the exhaustive research that he had commissioned to support his ruling.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=055wFyO6gag