Overview

• League data show roughly 77% of kickoffs are being returned and touchbacks have dropped to about 17%, the lowest pace since 1998.
• Carolina and Los Angeles lead kickoff coverage, with opponents starting near the 21-yard line (Panthers 21.1, Rams 21.6), far better than the league average.
• Kickers are deploying low, knuckleball-style strikes that bounce in the landing zone to disrupt returners, with the Rams’ Joshua Karty and the Panthers’ Ryan Fitzgerald cited as prominent users.
• Patriots coach Mike Vrabel studied Carolina’s tape and clarified that a “dirty kick” refers to a grounded ball in the landing zone that is difficult to handle, not a rules violation.
• The tactic carries real risk, highlighted by Cardinals kicker Chad Ryland missing the zone late against Seattle and gifting the ball at the 40 before a game-winning field goal, a concern echoed by Bears kicker Cairo Santos.