Hi Browns fans, with the Browns set to open the 2024 season against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday at 3:25 CDT – It’s time to get you up to speed on 2 new NFL rules for this season.
The first thing you’ll notice is that the NFL has completely changed the format for kick-off to reduce the risk of injuries. Under the new rules, everyone on the kicking team except the kicker must line up on the receiving team’s 40 yard line leaving the kicker alone at the kicking team’s 40 yard.
At least 9 members of the kick return team must line up 5 yards away between the return team’s 30- and 35-yard line which is now called the set-up zone. The remaining 1-2 players, the kick returners, are stationed between the 20 and the goal line which is now called the receiving zone.
The kicker must kick the ball so it lands in the receiving zone (between the 20 and the goal line). Only the kicker and the two kick returners are allowed to move before the ball is either caught or hits the ground in the landing zone. All kicks that land between the 20 and the goal line (the landing zone) are live and must be returned or downed in the end zone. Fair catches are no longer allowed. Kicks downed in the end zone will be placed at the receiving team’s 30 yard line to begin play. All kicks landing in front of the landing zone will be placed at the return team’s 40 yard line.
On-side kicks are no longer allowed until the 4th quarter and must be announced ahead of time (no more surprise on-side kicks). During on-side kicks, both teams will line up in the traditional kick-off formation. If this sounds confusing, you’re not alone; NFL special teams coordinators spent the preseason trying to figure out how to approach these new rules, so kick-offs this year will be real unknown adventures.
Set-up zone Landing zone
The other major rule change (aimed at reducing injuries) outlaws what is known as the hip drop tackle. Hip drop tackles happen when a player grabs the ball carrier around the waist and drops his full weight on the back of the ball carrier’s legs. The penalty will be 15 yards from the spot of the foul.
Example of a hip drop tackle