Competition Committee Proposes Moving Kickoffs

Moving kickoff, touchback a touchy issue

      NEW ORLEANS (AP) – NFL competition committee chairman Rich McKay
says moving kickoffs up to the 35-yard line and bringing touchbacks
out to the 25 have spurred “healthy discussions” among coaches
and general managers.
      Owners will vote on those changes, plus eliminating the blocking
wedge and limiting coverage players from long run-ups.
      McKay says Monday the proposed changes are “100 percent based
on player safety.” Owners will vote on them Tuesday, along with
proposals amending defenseless player rules for receivers, and
allowing the replay official to review all scoring plays at any
time in games.
      
      (Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)