The rest of the NFL could learn a thing or two from the New England Patriots.
This applies to many different things considering Bill Belichick and Co. just took home a 27-0 victory against the Houston Texans on Thursday Night Football with a third-string quarterback under center.
More than anything, though, it applies to the new kickoff rule.
Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk provided the numbers:
So far, Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski has had 10 touchbacks. Of the eight kicks that opposing teams returned, six times the Patriots’ coverage unit tackled the returner inside the 25-yard line, and twice the Patriots’ coverage unit forced and recovered a fumble. In the NFL under the new rule, a good return is any return that gets past the 25-yard line. No Patriots opponent has had a good return yet.
Leave it to Belichick to create the inverse of what a rule intended.
Genius, really. The NFL implemented the kickoff changes in an effort to lower the number of kickoffs, by far the most dangerous play in the sport. Now Belichick seems ready to help there be more than ever because it gives him team an advantage on the field.
It is easy to throw morals in here. Belichick might have found the loophole, but rest assured all other coaches in the league will soon attempt the same thing.
Just remember it was Belichick the innovator who found it first.