September is here, which means the NFL is back. New additions to the game that can shape the outlook of the season. With players on their new teams and rule changes, this season should be very entertaining to watch.
However, with the excitement also comes the criticism. Controversy is nothing new to the NFL and especially with these rule changes, it’ll definitely continue this trend.
The 2024 off-season was definitely wild. With free agency being at the center of attention during the time, the biggest trades were made and players signing with new teams for their hopes of lifting the trophy.
One of the more notable moves is Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, two starting caliber quarterbacks that are now competing for the top spot of QB1 for the Pittsuburg Steelers.
Die hard Steelers fan, senior Caleb Cook, has hopes to see a different Steelers team this season. “It’s a given that our defense will be one of the best.” Cook said. “I hope that our offense is more competitive this year and I have faith in Justin Fields.”
The Houston Texans, who look to build off of the magical season they had last year, where they won in the Wild Card. However, things began to change, falling short to the Baltimore Ravens in the divisional round. Texans fan, senior Isaac Nones says, “Watching my team [Texans] play, compete, it’s fun to look forward to.” He continues saying, “We need to lock in.”
The league has gone through many changes as well. One change being the new kickoff format. The NFL’s goal with this was to improve safety, but at the same time to promote more returns.
In 2023, the NFL had its lowest return rate at 21.8%. This meant that having a kickoff was basically just giving the other team the football without the excitement of possibly a turnover or a touchdown for either side.
This preseason, we have seen an increase in returns with the new rule being in place. The rule is supposed to resemble a typical scrimmage play by aligning players on both teams closer together and restricting movement to reduce space and speed. The question many fans have though, is will we see this rule work during the regular season?
While some changes are loved, there will be others that are controversial. The hip drop tackle has been banned from the game and is now a 15 yard penalty if someone commits it.
According to Cook, he understands the rule, “Hip-drop tackle makes things a lot harder for defenders. But they also will go a long way to prevent injuries.”
On the other hand, Nones has a very different perspective. “Football is getting softer … every year they are implementing new ways to soften the game.” Nones continues, “Players will figure out new tactics to work around these blocks they [NFL] put on the road.”
Now, looking at these changes can be very confusing to look at, but in the season of fall, football is just the best time to be a fan. This is the best time of year to watch football with your family and peers.
The return of football is the highlight of fall and this will never change. “Bragging to my friends about my team, it’s a seasonal thing.” Nones said. For NFL fans, Sundays are for now, occupied by nonstop football.
In the reality of it, changes happen to the NFL every year and it’s part of the game. Teams getting better or worse, players moving to different teams, and rules changing. Fans are just as excited to watch football again. In the end, fall has officially been taken over by football as it always has always been.
