Kickoffs Just Got Interesting

Good morning. This is the Opening Drive, the weekly newsletter that brings you the best of the NFL so you’re always the smartest one at the water cooler.

NFL bans the 'hip drop' tackle, teams will have a third challenge in 2024, the Cowboys are out of ideas this off-season, Jason Kelce could be part of the MNF crew, the Jets bolster their pass rush, Belichick is writing a book, and we've got a breakdown of the NFL's plans to 'Make Special Teams Great Again.'

Let’s dive in.

QUICK HITS

• Brandon Aiyuk, 49ers 'Not Close' to Contract Extension (Bleacher Report)

• Cowboys, RB Ezekiel Elliott open to possible reunion (ESPN)

• Welsh rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit turns to NFL and signs with Kansas City Chiefs (NBC)

• Panthers agree to terms with pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney on two-year, $20 million contract (NFL.com)

• Dolphins, RB Raheem Mostert agree to terms on a new two-year deal worth up to $9.075 million (NFL.com)

• Eagles send pass rusher Haason Reddick to Jets for conditional 2026 third-round pick (ESPN)

• Rams signing cornerback Tre'Davious White to one-year deal worth up to $10 million (NFL.com)

• Cowboys QB Dak Prescott expected to play out contract in 2024, headed towards free agency in 2025 (CBS Sports)

• ESPN ‘Aggressively Pursuing’ Jason Kelce for Monday Night Football Team (Mediaite)

• NFL moves trade deadline to the Tuesday after week nine (PFT)

• Teams will have a third challenge if they get the first two correct (Bleacher Report)

• Almost all players must now wear Guardian Caps or position-specific helmets in contact practices (PFT)

• NFL Bans Hip-Drop Tackle Despite NFLPA Objections (Sports Illustrated)

• NFL will let replay assistant fix mistakes on roughing the passer, intentional grounding (PFT)

• Bill Belichick plans to write a book (Bleacher Report)

• NFL announces offseason workout dates for all 32 teams for 2024 offseason (NFL.com)

• Saints announce they’ll hold 2024 training camp at UC Irvine (PFT)

• Chiefs receiver Rashee Rice 'wanted by police over a major accident in Dallas (Daily Mail)

WHO’S UP? WHO’S DOWN?

Who’s up?
J.J McCarthy. In the weeks leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft, Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy has emerged as one of the hottest names. Once viewed as a late first-round prospect, McCarthy is now being mentioned as a potential top-five pick. Multiple reports indicate that several teams have McCarthy ranked ahead of fellow quarterback Drake Maye from North Carolina, who was previously considered a lock to be one of the first three QBs off the board along with Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels. What's fueling McCarthy's rise? His outstanding college resume, dual-threat ability, and perceived high upside seem to be the driving factors. The 21-year-old went 27-1 as a starter for Michigan, winning two Big Ten titles and leading the Wolverines to consecutive College Football Playoff appearances, including a national championship victory this past season. While his stats were modest in Michigan's run-heavy offense, McCarthy impressed with his accuracy, decision-making, and mobility. He completed over 72% of his passes in 2023 with 22 TDs to just 4 INTs while adding over 200 rushing yards and 3 scores on the ground. Draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah stated McCarthy's surge is "not a smokescreen" and that there is legitimate demand from QB-needy teams like Minnesota, Denver, and Las Vegas to trade up for him. With the Chicago Bears expected to take Williams at #1, could McCarthy shockingly go #2 to the Washington Commanders? The 2024 QB draft class remains wide open. While Williams has been the consensus top prospect, McCarthy is making a strong late push to potentially crack the top three behind his impressive college production and immense potential at the next level.

Who’s down?
The Dallas Cowboys (again—see Opening Drive issue #2). As the NFL's free agency frenzy unfolds, the Dallas Cowboys' offseason mantra of going "all in" for the 2024 season is ringing increasingly hollow. Despite owner Jerry Jones' bold proclamation, the team's actions – or lack thereof – have left fans and pundits alike questioning the sincerity of their commitment. he Cowboys’ inactivity on the open market has been deafening. As marquee names have found new homes, Dallas has remained largely on the sidelines, content to rely on the same core that fell short in 2023. Jones' definition of "all in" appears to be a moving target, with both he and his son Stephen offering conflicting interpretations. While the elder Jones insists it means pursuing every avenue to improve the team, Stephen has suggested a more measured approach, prioritizing retaining their own players over splashy free agent signings. QB Dak Prescott, ever the diplomat, has expressed excitement about the team's "all in" mentality, but even he must be questioning the team's commitment to surrounding him with top-tier talent. As the Cowboys' NFC East rivals have aggressively retooled their rosters, Dallas' inaction has left many wondering if their "all in" claim is nothing more than empty rhetoric. Unless the team makes a significant move soon, the phrase risks becoming a punchline, a hollow promise that fails to match the lofty expectations set by Jones himself. In a league where complacency is a recipe for failure, the Cowboys' offseason approach thus far has been anything but "all in." As the draft approaches, all eyes will be on Dallas to see if they can back up their bold words with equally bold actions.

NUMBERS YOU SHOULD KNOW
A deep dive into the NFL’s new kickoff rules

The NFL has overhauled the kickoff for the 2024 season in a bold move aimed at increasing returns and improving player safety. The new rule eliminates the running start, with teams lining up just 5 yards apart at the 40 and 35-yard lines. Only the kicker and two returners can move until the ball is caught. The impetus is clear - in 2023 there were a record low 21.8% of kickoffs returned as teams frequently kicked deep for touchbacks. The lack of returns had made the play stale and increased injury risk on the few returns that did occur. Data shows the new rule should spark more action. In 2023, kicks not reaching the end zone were returned 44% of the time, often setting up better field position than a touchback. Coaches and players have welcomed the change despite its drastic look. "It's going to be must-see TV," said Saints special teams coach Darren Rizzi. The rule aims to make the kickoff competitive and relevant again. There are strategic wrinkles too. Onside kicks can only be attempted in the 4th quarter, eliminating the "surprise" version. Kicking teams may use more popped-up kicks to increase return chances. While a work in progress, the new rule demonstrates the NFL's willingness to prioritize safety and evolve stale aspects of the game. All eyes will be on the kickoff in 2024 as the league ushers in this latest innovation.

Did you know?

🏈 In 2022, 73.5% of kickoffs reached the end zone, with 59.5% of them resulting in a touchback. The average kick return was 22.8 yards.
🏈 In Week 1 of the 2023 NFL season, the kickoff return rate was just 20.5%, the lowest single-week rate since at least 2000. The touchback rate was 77.6%, an all-time record.
🏈 In the 2016 and 2017 seasons after the touchback was moved to the 25-yard line, only about 29% of end zone kickoff returns earned a starting field position of the 25 or better.
🏈 In the 2023 NFL season, there were at least 1,970 touchbacks on 2,698 kickoff plays, a touchback rate of 21.8%.

See a full breakdown of the new rule below.

MEME OF THE WEEK

You can get free stuff for referring friends and family to Opening Drive 👇️ 

1 referral - Opening Drive AI 2024 mock draft ✅ 
5 referrals - Opening Drive sticker pack ✅