The National Football League has implemented a new kickoff rule for the upcoming season in response to a high rate of injuries. Tampa Bay Buccaneer’s first-year special teams coordinator, Thomas McGaughey, expressed his approval of the rule change, citing that it will have a positive impact on the game.
With 17 years of coaching experience in the NFL, McGaughey has worked with several teams as a special teams coordinator. He believes that the new rule will make kickoffs more impactful by eliminating the running head start previously allowed.
Under the new rule, the kicking team’s players will line up at the opponent’s 40-yard line instead of surrounding the kicker at the 35-yard line. This change is expected to lead to more returns and make kickoffs more akin to a regular football play.
McGaughey emphasizes to his players that kickoffs are crucial plays that set the tone for offense and defense. He is excited to see how the rule change will affect the game and believes it will be significant.
Overall, the Buccaneers are looking forward to implementing the new kickoff rule and seeing how it will influence the upcoming season.