Atlanta Falcons special teams coordinator Marquice Williams excited about new kickoff rules

When the new kickoff rule was announced, special teams coordinator Marquice Williams said a former player contacted him to tell him how prepared he was already for the challenge thanks to the guardianship of Williams.

“One of the things (this former player) said to me was, ‘Coach, some of these drills we do are just like that kickoff return rule.’ So we’re excited because we can use some of the modalities and teachings that we used in the drills…it will create more opportunities for these guys, on and off the field.”

If you’re not sure what the new rules entail, here’s a quick overview:

• The kicker still kicks from the opponent’s 35-yard line, but he is now alone on that yard line. The rest of the kickoff coverage team stands at the opponent’s 40-yard line.
• The returning team can have up to two players in what is called the return zone, between the returning team’s goal line and the 20-yard line. The rest of the returning team will be lined up in what is called the setup zone, between the team’s 30 and 35 yard line.
• For the kicking team, the kick must land in the returning team’s return zone. If it lands in the end zone, beyond the 20 yard line or out of bounds, the returning team gains possession of the ball at the 35 yard line.

That’s not all, but these are the three key premises for understanding the new kickoff rules. For Williams, the prospect is exciting and has opened the door to more explosions in the kicking game.

“There’s going to be 600 more plays in the NFL, which are going to add up to more yards, which are going to equate to more points. It’s exciting, it’s a little unknown because this game hasn’t really been played before…and because it’s an unknown, our players are embracing the unknown and we’re going to take this opportunity to help our offense and our defense by scoring points, killing points, probably getting back. the ball and this will create momentum.