The National Football League is a fan-favorite organization. The league consists of 32 teams located in 23 different states. These teams battle it out from September, all the way to the world-famous Super Bowl in February. This five-month-long season is always jam-packed with action as there are games every Sunday, Monday, and Thursday. The 2024-2025 season is now three weeks in and is already a season to remember. New rules have been enforced, underdog teams have risen to the occasion, and many star players have been sidelined with injuries. Let’s see just how this season kicked off.
Due to the extremely low kickoff rate and very high injury rates of the 2023 season, the NFL decided to alter how the kickoff is enforced. Instead of the teams lining up at opposite ends of the field, they are now lined up closer together. The kicking team now begins on the opposing team’s 40-yard line while the receiving team starts on their own 35-yard line. This five-yard space between teams is exceptionally closer than what the teams are used to. Also, the kicking team cannot move until the ball comes into contact with the ground or a player that is located in the landing zone or end zone. The landing zone is the space between the goal line and the opposing team’s 20-yard line. This new rule has definitely caused teams to adapt. Saints special team coach, Darren Rizzi, stated, “I think the quicker everyone figures this out, both coaches and players, it’s going to be a major advantage to certain teams.” (Seifert) ESPN.com. So far, this new rule has produced far more kick returns and has been seen as a positive altercation.
Not only has this season brought with it a rule change, but it has also brought along many surprises. After week three, the league has five undefeated teams remaining. Among these teams are the reigning Super Bowl Champs, the Kansas City Chiefs, and the powerhouse team of the Buffalo Bills. These two teams are Super Bowl favorites, which comes as no shock. It is the three other remaining undefeated teams that come as a surprise. The Minnesota Vikings, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Seattle Seahawks all find themselves undefeated after three weeks of action. Both the Vikings and Steelers have been led by new quarterbacks this year. The Vikings lost their long-time quarterback, Kirk Cousins, to the Atlanta Falcons in March of 2024. Minnesota then drafted, quarterback J.J. McCarthy out of Michigan, looking to him to lead this 2024 team. This plan ended quickly though as McCarthy suffered a meniscus tear during the preseason. This left the Vikings to look to backup quarterback, Sam Darnold, to lead the team. Darnold has been nothing short of great for the team and has shocked the league with his leadership. The Steelers and Seahawks have also stunned the league with their 3-0 records as they are not normally teams that come to mind when you think of the word undefeated.
Many of the teams that have not been as fortunate to have such a record have credited their starts to the abundance of injured players. Almost every team has been struggling immensely with injuries this season. Among these injured players are some of the league’s best. For example, in Week 2, Dolphins starting quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, suffered another frightening concussion and has been put on injured reserve. Also, arguably, the league’s best running back, Christian McCaffery, is out for the season with an Achilles injury. The New York Post journalist, Matt Ehalt, stated, “Jordan Mason has played well in McCaffrey’s absence, but the 49ers miss their do-it-all back.” These injuries provide opportunities for other players to step up and prove themselves this season.
As you can see, this 2024 NFL season is a must-watch. How is your favorite team doing so far? Is your favorite player healthy, or sidelined due to injury? Make sure to watch every week and stay up to date on the latest NFL news.
From the sidelines to the headlines, this is Lauren, signing out.
