NFL eyes permanent kickoff change, expanded replay assist

NFL club owners will consider expanding video replay and making last season’s kickoff format change permanent at the annual league meeting that starts Sunday in Palm Beach, Florida.

The NFL competition committee added the two proposals on Wednesday to a set of rule changes being studied that includes changing how playoff teams are seeded and a ban on the “tush push” often used on quarterback sneaks.

The NFL debuted a new “dynamic” kickoff format last season to improve player safety and try to restore excitement to kickoffs.

The plan to make it permanent would include moving the ball spot from the 30-yard line to the 35-yard line on touchbacks from kicks sent into the end zone, providing more incentives for teams to kick balls into the “landing zone” and produce more kick returns,

The proposal would eliminate the requirement that any onside kick attempt be made in the fourth quarter but require a team to be trailing when it attempts an onside kick.

The committee also proposed allowing replay officials to advise on-field officials “on specific, objective aspects of a play and/or address game administration issues when clear and obvious video evidence is present.”

The move would allow replay officials greater ability to help on-field officials make correct calls in a more timely fashion.

A penalty flag, for instance, could be picked up should “clear and obvious video evidence exists” in situations involving a defenseless player, facemask grab, horse collar, tripping and roughing or running into a kicker.

All proposals must be approved by 75% of the clubs to be adopted, or 24 of the NFL’s 32 teams.

Other potential rule changes include revamped playoff seedings allowing non-division winners with better records to be placed ahead of division champions, a proposal from the Detroit Lions. The Green Bay Packers want the “tush push” ban.