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The Cincinnati Bengals were one of just eight teams to vote against the NFL’s new fair-catch rules.
The new one-year trial of rules states that returners can now signal for a fair catch anywhere within their team’s 25-yard line and the result will be a touchback, with the ball placed at the 25-yard line.
Veteran Bengals safety and special teams ace Michael Thomas explained why many players were against the move, per Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com:
“Football is a collision sport. Clearly, one concussion is too many. But if you say you want to eliminate all concussions, you’re going to have to say you don’t want to play football anymore. I don’t think the kickoff is the most dangerous play in the NFL. Anybody who is going by the numbers can manipulate the data to push whatever narrative they want to show what is dangerous and what is not.
We’ve made changes to the kickoff that have definitely helped make the game safer. Eliminated the wedge, having a one-step run-up, not being able to trap block, not being able to double team before a certain line, not having as many guys set up in the 40-yard zone. All those have helped eliminate big injuries and concussions.”
Like players and teams against it, the Bengals probably weren’t thrilled to find out about the new rule without any warning. Teams craft rosters that include things like gunners and special teams roles specifically aimed at covering returns, etc.
Still, despite the in-character no-vote from the Bengals, the NFL will test out the alteration to the game for at least a single year.
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