NFL Pro Bowl: Experimental rules results
By Daniel Tran
No Kickoffs
Much like MLB’s “play ball” or the NBA’s opening tip-off, the sound of an NFL kicker clubbing the ball to the opposing team’s end zone is one of the iconic sporting event openings in the world. However, at the Pro Bowl, that sound was never heard because game began with opposing offenses and the defenses squaring off instead of special teams players running into each other.
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At the beginning of the Pro Bowl, teams met at the center of the field to determine would possess the ball first on the “receiving” team’s 25-yard line. After scores and the end of quarters, the ball would continue to be reset at the respective team’s 25-yard line.
This is another rule that is in place at the Pro Bowl to protect players from having to be dealt unnecessary bodily harm. Kickoffs are especially dangerous with players running full speed and colliding with one another heading opposite directions. However, with the NFL placing more emphasis on player safety, this rule could be a permanent fixture in future NFL games.
While player safety is an important aspect of the game that should be looked at closely, eliminating kickoff returns all together is not a solution because it would almost eliminate the special teams phase of the game. No longer will fans be treated to the incredible speed of athletes like Devin Hester or Jacoby Jones on kickoff returns. The ability to improve field position after an opposing score will be nonexistent and game changing special teams plays during the kickoff will be gone.
Though this rule does help players cut down on the opportunity to suffer a needless injury during the Pro Bowl, the side effect of eliminating the significance of special teams is not worth installing it in regular season NFL games.