Tag: Kickoff

NFL data shows record low number of concussions during the 2024 season

The NFL saw a record-low number of concussions during their 2024 campaign compared to the last decade of data they had been tracking:

The NFL has been in a tough position for a couple of years now with the concussion dilemma. Protecting the players and keeping them out of significant long-term irreparable harm needs to be the first and utmost priority of the league at all times, and that was clear during the 2024 season with the changes made.

The addition of guardian caps and making them mandatory during training camp, the new kickoff rule designed to limit extreme contact, the upgraded helmet quality entering the season due to raised standards, all of these were crucial in limiting the concussion numbers.

In an article recently published by ESPN, the latter of the group had a huge impact, with Dr. Allen Sills (the Chief Medical Officer of the NFL) stating the following, “We’re very pleased with the concussion numbers but not at all suggesting that the work is done. We still have a lot to do to continue to make the game safer and reduce not only concussions, but to reduce avoidable head impact.”

Aside from 2020, the NFL saw its lowest concussion total between preseason and regular season since the league began tracking the data in 2015. The only reason 2020 was lower was due to there not being a preseason at all during that year.

The strides taken by the league this past year have done a strong job to ensure player safety as much as they could when it came to helmets and concussions. The independent consultants that work with NFL teams (formally named unaffiliated neurotrauma consultants) have done good work in the past few seasons to try and ensure players with head trauma do not return to play. In the situations when they fail to meet expectations, the NFL has taken action, such as the case with Tua Tagovailoa and the Miami Dolphins independent consultant.

Hopefully we can continue to see these numbers drop in the future, while also maintaining the integrity of the game we all know and love watching.

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What time is kickoff for Chiefs vs. Broncos in Week 18?

The Kansas City #Chiefs’ Week 18 matchup against the Denver #Broncos is set to kick off at 3:25 CST on January 5.

On Sunday, the NFL officially announced that the Kansas City Chiefs’ Week 18 matchup against the Denver Broncos will kick off at 3:25 CST on January 5.

Kansas City secured the No. 1 seed for the AFC playoffs by defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Day, so the Chiefs are likely to rest their starters for the divisional showdown in Denver.

The Broncos can punch their ticket to the postseason with a win over the defending Super Bowl champions. They will have the benefit of playing in front of a home crowd on Empower Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver.

The official start time for the AFC West showdown wasn’t revealed until December 29, which allowed the NFL maximum flexibility in scheduling.

 

With the playoffs on the horizon, Kansas City’s starters are set to get an extended rest period ahead of the Chiefs’ eventual Divisional Round contest in mid-January.

Expect to see veteran quarterback Carson Wentz under center for Kansas City when the Chiefs take on the Broncos in Week 18.

NFL announces Week 18 schedule, Saints-Bucs regular season finale time

The NFL announced its finalized slate of Week 18 games, including the time for kickoff between the Saints and Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium:

The NFL announced its finalized slate of Week 18 games, including the regular season finale between the New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for Noon CT/1 p.m. ET on Sunday, Jan. 5.

It’s not surprising to see the Saints relegated to an early time slot in a low-profile day of games; they’ve been eliminated from the playoffs and have been outscored 59-10 over their last two losses. These NFC South rivalry games are always intense but there are more compelling matchups to put in the spotlight.

Still, the Saints have plenty of reasons to fight hard for a win. Beating the Buccaneers would jeopardize Tampa Bay’s own playoff chances, and another win is unlikely to hurt the Saints’ position in the 2025 NFL draft. It would be a great way to rebuild morale before what’s looking like a difficult offseason kicks off in January. But that’s easier said than done against a Bucs team that already dropped 50 points on the Saints’ heads earlier this year.

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3 Saints special teams aces recognized by Bill Belichick

New Orleans Saints players J.T. Gray, Anfernee Orji and Rashid Shaheed all made Bill Belichick’s first midseason team as standouts on special teams:

Former New England Patriots coach and eight-time Super Bowl champ Bill Belichick has quickly transitioned into the media landscape, with plenty of outlets competing for some of his time. His latest project is developing essentially an All-Pro Team halfway through the season called the All-Belichick Midseason Team.

The New Orleans Saints are represented three times on that list, all of whom play on special teams. J.T. Gray, Anfernee Orji and Rashid Shaheed all made the cut.

This is a major look for Orji. The young linebacker is looking to make a name in this league, and appearing on an All-NFL team created by the greatest coach of all time is certainly one way to do it. Belichick specifically highlighted Orji’s kickoff return coverage, even though Orji made it on the punt team. His 5 special teams tackles are among the most in the NFL.

Gray is a former All-Pro player on special teams. Coach called Gray, “a productive player ever since he’s came in the league.” He’s tied for the league lead with 7 special teams tackles, plus a blocked punt.

There were two kick returners on the team, and Shaheed was paired on this list with Cowboys’ returner KaVontae Turpin. Unfortunately, Shaheed’s injury will keep him from making the All-Pro team at the end of the season. His inclusion on this list shows you his trajectory, returning one punt for a touchdown in his six games this year.

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Broncos set the tone on first drive vs. Buccaneers

Sean Payton sent ‘a little message’ by electing to receive the opening kickoff. Scoring on the first drive ‘set the tone’ for the Broncos.

NFL teams often defer after winning the coin toss, opting to receive the ball after halftime and beginning the game on defense.

When the Denver Broncos won the coin toss against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, they elected to receive the ball. That was an early statement from Broncos coach Sean Payton.

“Yeah, look, I typically, like most coaches, will defer and every once in a while, you send a little message and we felt like we had a good set of openers,” Payton said after the game. 

After receiving the ball, Denver marched 70 yards in six plays and took a 7-0 lead off a Bo Nix touchdown run. Then the team never looked back.

“I think he made that decision just off of making a fast start. And, I wasn’t necessarily shocked by it, but whatever he wanted to do, that’s what we were doing, and we came out and did exactly what we wanted,” Nix said of electing to receive the opening kickoff. “We went down and got a touchdown. And I think that set the tempo and set the tone for the game.”

After setting the tone early, the Broncos dominated the rest of the game in an eventual 26-7 victory on the road. Nix came out slinging the ball and Denver’s offense had its best performance through three games this fall.

“When you start the game with an explosive pass play, you get ‘Court’ [Courtland Sutton] involved early, you win a one-on-one, you flip the field in one play — it opens it up for a coordinator,” Nix said. “I thought Coach Payton did a good job of going right back to it.

“We hit Josh [Reynolds] on the other side and then we get points and we get a touchdown on that first drive. That’s really important to start explosive, but you can’t just hit one. You have to come back and continue to finish out drives. It was good to see that on the first one.”

Nix totaled 263 yards on Sunday and he took no sacks and had no turnovers. It was the best performance of his career thus far and perhaps a sign of things to come for the Broncos’ offense.

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The Saints are taking a unique approach to the NFL’s new kickoff format

With new kickoff rules being implemented, the New Orleans Saints are zigging when others zag. And it seems to be working:

The New Orleans Saints have approached the NFL’s new dynamic kickoff rules quite a bit differently than other teams, and it may end up being a successful method in the long run. They are zigging when others zag, and it seems to be working. Their special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi was very influential in designing the new kickoff format so it’s interesting to see him taking such a unique approach.

Most teams have been kicking for touchbacks or straight out of the end zone, which results in the opposing offense starting at their own 30-yard line. However, the Saints have employed a different strategy, targeting returns and letting their coverage team do the work. No team has faced more kick returns than New Orleans (14) or allowed more kick return yardage (353), but the math comes up to just 25.2 yards per kick return. That’s third-best among teams that have seen four or more kick returns this season.

There are only five teams in the NFL who have had touchbacks on less than 50% of their kickoffs. Those teams are:

  • Tennessee Titans (42.9%)
  • Carolina Panthers (25%)
  • New Orleans Saints (22.2%)
  • Chicago Bears (20%)
  • Washington Commanders (18.2%)

There is a method to this madness, and a few reasons why it may be employed more often by teams as they learn more.

First of all, the Saints’ coverage unit is spectacular, as they have been holding opposing teams to an average starting position at around the 27-yard line per Brian Baldinger of NFL Network. He also mentions that the Saints have kicked just four touchbacks so far this season. While three yards may seem like a minor distance to cover, it’s an additional three yards the opposing team has to cover to get into the end zone, which could force a field goal or two instead of a touchdown.

Additionally, kickoff returns are one of the more highly penalized plays in the NFL, with illegal blocks in the back, holding fouls, and illegal crackback blocks all being hazards. Against the Panthers in Week 1, the Saints forced a holding penalty on one of their kickoffs, setting up the Panthers at their 15-yard line despite a return to the 26 (enforced at the 25). While they did not draw any on the Dallas Cowboys in Week 2, the opportunity is still there, rather than just giving up 30 yards to start.

While it is not a perfect concept, it is one that the Saints feel comfortable with, especially with All-Pro coverage ace J.T. Gray out on the field who is one of their best players overall. It also gives the team the chance to make a play and gain some momentum and energy heading into the drive, which is always a nice bonus.

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Throwback to Justin Reid’s outstanding performance vs. Ravens in AFC Championship Game

Take a look at the outstanding plays made by #Chiefs DB Justin Reid during Kansas City’s last matchup against the #Ravens.

The Kansas City Chiefs will rely on their outstanding secondary to keep the Baltimore Ravens at bay in Week 1, and veteran safety Justin Reid figures to be a key part of their strategy.

Earlier this year, Reid put together a spectacular performance against the Ravens in the AFC Championship Game, which bodes well for his chances to make an outsized impact on Thursday night.

Nick Jacobs, an Emmy-winning sports producer at KSHB 41 News in Kansas City, broke down Reid’s previous outing against Baltimore on Twitter this week, highlighting his best moments from the game that sent the Chiefs to Super Bowl LVIII.

Check out the top clips that Jacobs posted below:

https://twitter.com/Jacobs71/status/1830671971513966986

https://twitter.com/Jacobs71/status/1830792245739491592

https://twitter.com/Jacobs71/status/1830793687774728386

Though Reid wasn’t in Kansas City’s lineup during the preseason, his experience against Lamar Jackson should prove to be a great benefit for the Chiefs, who will have their hands full at Arrowhead Stadium to kick off their regular season.

Chiefs vs. Ravens Week 1: How to watch, listen and stream

Check out everything you need to know to watch, listen, or stream the #Chiefs’ Week 1 matchup against the #Ravens on Thursday night.

The Kansas City Chiefs are set to kick off the NFL’s 2024 regular season with a Thursday night matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, their first meeting since a dramatic 17-10 win in the AFC Championship game in January.

This game marks the start of Kansas City’s attempt to complete the NFL’s first-ever three-peat and promises to be among the best matchups on the league’s Week 1 schedule.

With veteran wide receiver Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown out in Thursday’s game, the reigning Super Bowl champs will need to turn to receivers Xavier Worthy and JuJu Smith-Schuster to compete with the Ravens’ high-powered offense.

Fans should expect to see the teams’ newest additions fill the gap left by the temporary loss of Brown.

Below are important game details about this preseason matchup:

Game information:

Who: Kansas City Chiefs vs. Baltimore Ravens

When: Thursday, September 5, 7:20 p.m. CST

Where: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium – Kanas City, Missouri

Streaming:

In-market live stream: FuboTV (free 7-day trial)

Streaming: NFL+ or Peacock

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Broadcast:

TV: NBC, KSHB-TV (Channel 41) (Watch FREE with Fubo)

Radio: KFNZ-FM (96.5 The Fan)

Broadcasters:

Mike Tirico (play-by-play), Chris Collinsworth (analyst), Melissa Stark (sideline)

Opponent wire site:

Ravens Wire

2024 Schedule:

Week Date Opponent Time
1 Thursday, Sept. 5 vs. Baltimore Ravens 7:20 p.m. CT on NBC
2 Sunday, Sept. 15 vs. Cincinnati Bengals 3:25 p.m. CT on CBS
3 Sunday, Sept. 22 @ Atlanta Falcons 7:20 p.m. CT on NBC
4 Sunday, Sept. 29 @ Los Angeles Chargers 3:25 p.m. CT on CBS
5 Monday, Oct. 7 vs. New Orleans Saints 7:15 p.m CT on ESPN
6 BYE BYE BYE
7 Sunday, Oct. 20 @ San Francisco 49ers 3:25 p.m. CT on FOX
8 Sunday, Oct. 27 @ Las Vegas Raiders 3:25 p.m. CT on CBS
9 Monday, Nov. 4 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7:15 p.m. CT on ESPN
10 Sunday, Nov. 10 vs. Denver Broncos Noon CT on CBS
11 Sunday, Nov. 17 @ Buffalo Bills 3:25 p.m. CT on CBS
12 Sunday, Nov. 24 @ Carolina Panthers Noon CT on CBS
13 Friday, Nov. 29 vs Las Vegas Raiders 2 p.m. CT on Prime
14 Sunday, Dec. 8 vs. Los Angeles Chargers 7:20 p.m. CT on NBC
15 Sunday, Dec. 15 @ Cleveland Browns Noon CT on CBS
16 Saturday, Dec. 21 vs. Houston Texans Noon CT on NBC
17 Wednesday, Dec. 25 @ Pittsburgh Steelers Noon CT on Netflix
18 Sunday, Jan. 5 @ Denver Broncos TBD

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Chiefs, Ravens among NFL’s winningest teams over past decade

The #Chiefs and #Ravens are among the NFL’s winningest teams over the past decade.

The Kansas City Chiefs are looking ahead to their regular-season kick-off against the Baltimore Ravens.

This primetime game scheduled for September 5 should prove to be a fiery start to the NFL’s 2024 season. Both teams are expected to be among the most competitive in the AFC this year and could be headed for a conference championship game rematch next January.

According to NBC Sports, the Chiefs and Ravens are among the best teams in win percentage over the last decade.

Naturally, the current defending champions have an edge over Baltimore in this regard, with a .718 win percentage against the Ravens’ mark of  .601, which ties for sixth place with the Dallas Cowboys.

https://twitter.com/NBCSports/status/1826672649780822396

If this statistic is any indication, Kansas City’s matchup against Baltimore at Arrowhead Stadium next week should make for compelling television.

Stay tuned to see which team improves their winning percentage with a 1-0 start to the 2024 season on Thursday night.

Chiefs TE Travis Kelce purchases stake in race horse ‘Swift Delivery’

#Chiefs TE Travis Kelce purchased a stake in a race horse named “Swift Delivery” this week ahead of Kansas City’s regular season kickoff.

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce purchased a stake in a racehorse, as reported by America’s Best Racing on Twitter.

The name of the horse?

“Swift Delivery.”

It seems only natural that Kelce would have wanted to buy an ownership share of the winning thoroughbred after he saw the name.

As a shareholder Kelce will not have full ownership of Swift Delivery and will likely not be present for all the races due to his schedule with the Chiefs but there will certainly be more horse racing appearances for Kelce in the future.

America’s Best Racing shared the news on Twitter, revealing the next race for Swift Delivery this Saturday in the Toronto Cup at Woodbine:

Perhaps Kelce will show up at Woodbine to cheer on his newly purchased racehorse while the Chiefs are taking time off ahead of the NFL Kickoff scheduled for primetime on September 5 when Kansas City hosts the Baltimore Ravens.