Rams special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn compared the job of a kickoff returner under the NFL’s new kickoff rule to that of a center fielder in baseball. He anticipates that teams, including the Rams, will opt for line drives with less hang time to prevent returners from getting a running start. This means returners must quickly judge the direction of the ball as soon as it leaves the kicker’s foot and adjust their positioning accordingly.
Blackburn noted that returners need to cover a lot of ground with a great jump, similar to a center fielder in baseball. With shorter hang times, usually around two seconds, returners must be able to make quick decisions and act fast. The key is to prevent returners from catching the ball on the run by getting the ball up and down as soon as possible.
In identifying potential returners on the Rams’ roster, Blackburn mentioned running back Boston Scott as someone who possesses the necessary skill set for the new kickoff rule. It will be interesting to see how NFL teams adapt to this significant rule change and utilize the right strategy and personnel to gain an advantage in kickoff returns.