First full weekend of new NFL kickoff rule brings 2 long returns and plenty of confusion

The first full weekend of exhibition games featuring the new dynamic kickoff included two long returns, a significant drop in touchbacks and mass confusion on an odd play that ended up as a rare safety.

The NFL's goals of increasing the rate of returns and bringing back the threat of big plays were mostly accomplished last weekend. The NFL reported 81% of kicks have been returned so far this preseason, even if teams have been a bit guarded in what wrinkles they were willing to show before the start of the regular season.

“You've seen everybody pretty much be vanilla in the preseason with the kickoff and how they’re attacking on kickoff return,” Raiders coach Antonio Pierce said. "I think the key part for us is seeing our guys run down and cover and who can make the space tackles.”

It also was important for everyone to understand the new rules, as evidenced by what happened to the Kansas City Chiefs when they tried to down a ball for a touchback only to have it be ruled as a safety.