Raiders’ Kickoff Team Could Look Different Due to New Rules.
The new kickoff rules may compel the Las Vegas Raiders to seek a different combination for its kickoff and kickoff return units.
The Las Vegas Raiders will have plenty of time this offseason to study how to effectively utilize the league’s new kickoff rules.
Tom McMahon, Raiders special teams coordinator, said it’s all about preparation, and he’s excited to help the players prepare for the next changes.
What it comes down to is preparation, McMahon explained. Great players prepare. So, if I want to be great, I need to prepare and come up with the solutions before they arrive.
And then, for the solutions that I believe I have that are incorrect, I must be a teammate and say, Hey, we’re not doing this because it’s not going to work. Let’s transfer the returners to this location.
To be honest with you, where we had them at the start of the offseason program is not where they are today. And I adore that aspect. I learn from the players.
They’ll come over and say, Hey, Tom, don’t put us here. Put us here. We can get to those balls. And Daniel [Carlson] will say, Yeah, let him go there, and then I’ll do this, and then we can, which I liked.
The new kickoff rules may change the appearance of kickoff and return teams this season, while potentially improving player safety.
Yeah, I’m not sure if there is a greater emphasis [on particular types of players], McMahon remarked. There has always been. And I’ll just speak in this building. In the two years I’ve been here, there’s been a strong emphasis on identifying individuals who can help us make plays.
I believe you’ll need a little more length for the kickoff return. And when I say extra length, I don’t mean a corner can’t handle it. But you need someone with slightly longer arms to support the blocks, you know? So, in terms of kickoff return length, it is slightly longer; otherwise, no.
You’ve got three tight ends, five linebackers, and maybe four safeties. You have to identify those guys who can win at the point of attack, and then if Will is a terrific backside player for us, who can be that backside player, but you need two of them so they don’t know where you’re going to kick the ball at all times.
But you have to mix and match; you can’t just say, Oh, let’s outfit seven linebackers. You do not have them on your roster.
