One tweak to the NFL’s dynamic kickoff rule not only spiked the number of returns in Week 1 league-wide, but it might also eventually impact how teams approach the opening coin toss.

A touchback now brings the ball out to the offense’s 35-yard line, meaning even one first down ensures that, even if the offense punts, it will have a chance to pin the other team deep in its own territory.

Denver coach Sean Payton on Wednesday described it as starting in positive field position rather than neutral.

“If you’ve got a team that’s a little more touchback-oriented than put-it-in-play oriented, against those type of teams and you get a good weather day or, depending on the conditions — if you know you have a really good chance of starting at the 35-yard line — it may change that defer decision a

See Full Page