The NFL is constantly evolving as the league tries to make the game safer, fairer, and more enjoyable for fans to watch. And it looks like the league is considering a few new rule changes to help accomplish those goals.
According to Buffalo Bills beat writer and sideline reporter, the NFL is looking into several changes to the rules surrounding punts in the NFL.
“The NFL is looking hard at punt plays. According to the league, it’s the most penalized and most injury play in the game. They want to reduce both,” Capaccio said in a tweet. “There is a rules proposal for a punt touchback to be placed at the 25 like a kickoff (instead of the current 20). The thought is it will incentive teams to go for it more on 4th down.”
The NFL is looking hard at punt plays. According to the league, it’s the most penalized and most injury play in the game. They want to reduce both.
There is a rules proposal for a punt touchback to be placed at the 25 like a kickoff (instead of the current 20). The thought is…
— Sal Capaccio 🏈 (@SalSports) March 26, 2023
“They’ve also discussed (but no current proposals):
-No double teams on gunners
-Gunner must lineup inside the numbers
-No one on punt team can leave until ball is punted,” Capaccio said in the tweet.
They would certainly be some major changes, and the NFL world had plenty to say about them on Twitter.
Feel like the "no double teaming gunners" is the most like outcome here which will most like result in more fair catches https://t.co/dkwjE0iMoI
— Tyler Meinerding (@TylerMeinerding) March 27, 2023
If they fair catch it at the 8 will they bring it to the 25? I would be in favor of that unless the punter kicks it out of bounds. Can't penalize the punter https://t.co/rvRIYH7bYr
— whittle2k (@whittle2k) March 26, 2023
https://twitter.com/JerseyFinFan/status/1640317275759599618?s=20
I would really love to see all the injuries. I don’t remember watching games with tons of injuries on punt returns or kick offs.
— Connie Carberg (@ConnieScouts) March 27, 2023
The first thought is "just make it flag football." But would be the first ones to say "RIP" or "Prayers for x" if anything bad happens https://t.co/UMuT5u8KUF
— Los (@losl2r2) March 27, 2023
they should also look at punter safety, hitting the punter should be strictly enforced more than the QB as they are in a vulnerable position when in punting motion #BillsMafia https://t.co/go8G1j7C8y
— Coach SwazZ (@ChrisSuozzi) March 27, 2023
It’s worth noting that none of these changes are official, so it will be interesting to see which ones actually make it to the rule book when all is said and done.
