Moving Up Kickoffs Marks Biggest Rule Change This Year

According to the Baltimore Sun's Ravens Insider:

Moving kickoffs from the 30-yard line to the 35 marked the biggest rule change at this year’s NFL owners meetings.

But touchbacks will still be spotted at the 20-yard line. The competition committee had suggested moving touchbacks to the 25.

This rule change – which is supposed to decrease injuries – will reduce the number of kickoff returns and lessen the impact of kickoff returners. The Ravens were among the 26 teams that voted in favor of the proposal.

Ravens coach John Harbaugh said he was in favor of keeping touchbacks at the 20-yard line and bringing back the two-man wedge (which also passed) to help protect returners. But moving kickoffs up 5 yards negates the advantage of a strong-legged kicker like Billy Cundiff, whose 40 touchbacks from the 30-yard line last season broke a league record.

“We can live with the ball at the 35-yard line, although to me that doesn’t help our football team,” Harbaugh said. “Without question, I’d rather it all stay the same.”