One of the more interesting changes in the National Football League this offseason is the change to the kickoff rule. The rule is relatively simple and has been used in the XFL and UFL spring leagues.
- Kickoff remains at the 35-yard line normally and the 20-yard line for safeties
- Remaining players on the kicking team will need to have one foot on the opposing 40-yard line
- The receiving team will line up between their 30 and 35-yard line
- The kick needs to land between the goal line and the 20-yard line.
- All kicks that land in the landing zone must be returned
How will the Minnesota Vikings among other teams find a way to take advantage of the new rule? One way the Vikings can take advantage of it is to utilize the squib kick. The Green Bay Packers did so during their minicamp.
Packers working on the squib kick in the new KR periods. Both emphasizing the kick itself and the returners getting to the squib kick before it gets to the end zone. A strategy many teams are likely to utilize once the season starts.
— Andy Herman (@AndyHermanNFL) June 12, 2024
It's an interesting one for the Vikings to try. Once the ball lands in the landing zone, it has to be returned and from there, it's a wild goose chase for the returner. That can give you an advantage because players can move the second the ball hits the ground.
The blocking scheme will be really important, as the kickoff is likely to be treated more like an outsize zone run than how they blocked it in years past. If the Vikings can master the new kickoff rule, it could be a massive benefit to their win/loss total.
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