Among several rule changes made before the 2024 NFL season is the new dynamic kickoff, a difference spectators will quickly catch on to with games underway in Week 1. And one fun twist is any kickoffs that land between the goal line and 20-yard line must be returned.
In Sunday's matchup between the Cardinals and Bills, Arizona returner DeeJay Dallas found himself underneath a kick that dropped just outside the end zone. Without the option to let it bounce through, he caught the ball and barreled downfield to become the first player to score with the new rules in place.
Here's everything to know about the NFL's new kickoff, including how Dallas picked up the first return touchdown of the regular season after the change to dynamic kickoff.
2024 NFL RANKINGS: QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | Defense
DeeJay Dallas kickoff return video
With Buffalo leading 31-20 and just under nine minutes remaining in the final frame, Tyler Bass kicked off after Josh Allen scrambled for a 6-yard score. The kick went 96 yards before being caught by Dallas, who exploded upfield.
The running back broke a few tackles around the Cardinals 40-yard line and then was off to the races up the left sideline, diving into the end zone to pull Arizona within five.
DEEJAY DALLAS OH MYYYYYY 🤯🤯🤯 pic.twitter.com/sLx2L16aLV
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) September 8, 2024
Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon elected to attempt a 2-point conversion, which James Conner punched in with a strong run to the right. After the fact, Arizona had narrowed the margin to a field goal at 31-28 before Buffalo ultimately came out with the win.
NFL new kickoff rules, explained
Ahead of the 2024 season, the NFL approved the new kickoff rule, referred to as the dynamic kickoff, with the intention of minimizing injuries and addressing a historically low return rate from 2023. The most evident change implemented is the reworked alignment of players on the field to start the play, hopefully creating fewer full-speed collisions and encouraging more action on the returns.
All 10 non-kickers on the kickoff team line up at the opponent's 40-yard line almost directly across from members of the receiving team, who must place at least seven players in a five-yard area between its own 30-and 35-yard lines known as the "set-up zone."
The receiving team can have a maximum of two returners in the area between the team's goal line and 20-yard line known as the "landing zone." Additionally, during windy games teams can have 12 men on the field with a player permitted to come on and hold the ball on the tee for the kicker. However, the holder will not be allowed to participate in the play beyond that.
Non-return men on either side are also not allowed to move until the ball either hits the ground or is caught by the returner. Kickers will also not be allowed to cross the 50-yard until the same point.
Penalties will only impact the placement of kickers under the new rule, and any kicks that miss the "landing zone" in any direction result in the receiving team getting the ball at their own 35-yard line or better. And, as stated earlier, any kickoffs that land in the "landing zone" must be returned.
WEEK 1 NFL: Power rankings | ATS picks | SU picks
How many kickoff returns for touchdowns in 2023
There were four kickoff return touchdowns in throughout the 2023 season scored by three teams. Marvin Mims Jr. scored a 99-yard kickoff return touchdown for the Broncos in Week 3, unfortunately one of the team's only scores in its 70-20 loss to the Dolphins.
In the final game of the regular season, Jalen Reagor returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown, putting the Patriots up 7-0 against the Bills. Andrew Beck and Dameon Pierce each pulled in a kickoff return score for the Texans last year as well, in Weeks 3 and 16 respectively.
