I Hate New NFL Kickoff Rule

The NFL might be in "Lockout" mode but that isn't stopping them from changing the rules.

Today, the NFL Owners voted to move kickoffs up to the 35-yard line and will keep touchbacks at the 20 yard line.

I don't like it!

As the old adage goes, don't fix what 'aint broke!

Why does the NFL keep trying to shove these things down the throats of the people who play the game & the fans that watch it?

I think it's a rule to get the stars of the game on the field as much as possible. They want the quarterbacks, wide receivers and running backs to do the work in terms of scoring.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't the NFL move the kickoffs back 5 yards because there were too many touchbacks? Since then, kickers have only gotten stronger. Therefore, reversing that rule is a horrible idea.

I thought the move to the 30 made the game that much more fun to watch with a return here and there.

This is only going to mean more touchbacks and fewer kickoff returns. Last year, one out of every five kicks was a touchback. But with this new kickoff rule, the touchback rate could now be close to 30 percent.

The NFL wants to make sure the players are safe but this could make kickoffs even more dangerous. This will increase injuries. If teams try and put the ball in play, those kicks will become high and short - forcing the return man to be a even bigger target. Think about it, the kickoff coverage team is closer - which means less time for plays and blocks to develop.

Jonathan Daniel, Getty Images

If you have a good return guy that can get you to start at the 40 yard line, it makes your offense that much better. On the flip side, if you have a good kicker, the opposition will never have a chance to return it - which is essentially what this new rule is doing.

The NFL is essentially making guys like Bears' WR Devin Hester and Jets Specialist Brad Smith obsolete. This rule also takes away the game-changing play on kickoffs.

This new rule totally eliminates the need for special teams. Having a good special teams unit can be the difference between a playoff team and a mediocre one.

Congrats NFL - you just drained some excitement from the game.