I don’t even know where to begin when it comes to discussing the NFL’s recent rule changes. I guess I’ll start off by saying that I commend the competition committee for trying to make the game safer. Unfortunately, just because I have respect for their intentions doesn’t mean that I necessarily agree with them.

Oh, man -- How should I say this...? Okay, here goes...

Moving the kickoff from the 30 yard line to the 35 just might eliminate all that’s special about special teams. In fact, I think the change could cost kickoff specialists their job. Why have a guy on the team with a dynamic leg who can kick the ball in the end zone to create a touchback if all the leg power that’s necessary can come from your normal kicker. Now a controlled kick is much more important than a powerful one, because kickers are going to start to become more directional with their approach as they try to increase the hang-time of their kick so that it pins the other team back inside the 20.

I also commend the NFL for saying... “Okay -- You only get 5 yards away from the kickoff, so you can’t get that 10-15 yard head start.”

Well, that’s great and dandy, but they didn’t eliminate the wedge in kickoffs, which is extremely dangerous!

There are two 300+ pound linemen who create a wedge and guys are assigned to break-up that wedge - we call them “wedge busters.” Can you imagine the danger involved in trying to go in and hit two 300+ pound linemen? I’m sorry, but I don’t think that’s safe at all, yet the NFL continues to have that aspect in the game.

I just can’t swallow how these rule changes might take a big chunk of the game out of the hands of your special teams guys: your Devin Hesters, your Josh Cribbs, your Leon Washingtons, etc. Those guys are specialists. They’re special at what they do. These changes are going to take away their opportunities to get the ball in their hands and change field position. Oh, and Danieal Manning is another good one. He’s getting the ball out to the 40-50 yard line. And that’s creating great field position for the offense.

Like I said... I understand the NFL’s trying to keep people safe -- and I’m all about keeping people safe -- but I don’t know if these rule adjustments do that. Now if you said... “We’re eliminating the wedge.” ...I’d be all over that with my support. But just moving the kickoff 5 yards so you can have more touchbacks -- that’s not going to lessen the amount of violent collisions there are. You’ll still have them with the guys who are running down, getting blocked and breaking up wedges.

So, for whatever it’s worth, that’s my take. Peace out...