From NBC Sports · · 1m 10s
Bears ST coach says Eagles violate kickoff rule
Bears special teams coach claims Eagles misuse holder on kickoffs.
In brief
Bears special teams coach claims Eagles misuse holder on kickoffs. Bears special teams coordinator Richard Hightower says Eagles are violating NFL kickoff rule by using holders to angle the ball, not for weather conditions. Originally reported by NBC Sports.
Eagles use holder on kickoffs
Eagles used a holder on kickoffs to angle the ball for better trajectory and make it harder for returners to field.
“Last week, the Eagles used a holder on their kickoffs so that the ball could be placed at an angle that affected the trajectory of the ball and made it harder for the returner to field.”
Bears ST coach says Eagles violate rule
Bears special teams coordinator Richard Hightower says Eagles are violating the NFL’s kickoff rule intent by using holders.
“This week, the Bears are preparing to face the Eagles on Monday night, and Bears special teams coordinator Richard Hightower says he doesn’t think the Eagles should be able to do that.”
Rule intent for weather only
The NFL’s dynamic kickoff rule was intended for windy conditions with the ball in a tee, not for current Eagles tactics.
“Hightower, who was one of the special teams coaches who was involved in adopting the NFL’s “dynamic” kickoff, said permitting a 12th player on the field to hold the ball was intended to be for windy conditions with the ball in a tee, and not for what the Eagles are doing.”
Rule changed to any time
The rule changed this past year to allow holders at any time, but Hightower says the intent remains for weather conditions.
“Two years we talked about it, where you could use a holder, it evolved to weather-related only. This past year it changed to you can use it at any time.”
Hightower wants rule fix
Hightower says NFL should require the ball to be in a tee if a holder is used on kickoffs immediately.
“Hightower said he believes the NFL could make a change now requiring that the ball is placed in a tee if there’s a holder on a kickoff, and that the change wouldn’t need to wait until the offseason.”
NFL could act during season
The NFL previously banned Raiders’ holder tactic during the 2022 season after allowing it initially.
“In 2022, the Raiders were using a holder on kickoffs to place the ball on top of the tee, rather than in the tee, something the NFL initially allowed, only to change course during the season and ban it.”
What it means
Bears special teams coordinator Richard Hightower says Eagles are violating NFL kickoff rule by using holders to angle the ball, not for weather conditions.
