The NFL saw a record-low 22 percent of kickoffs returned last season, and only four of those were returned for scores. The NFL introduced significant changes to its kickoff rules for the 2024 season to boost the incentive for more players to return kickoffs — while limiting touchbacks and injuries.
In Week 1 of the new kickoff format, Cardinals returner DeeJay Dallas ignited the comeback with a thrilling 96-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.
Slicing through three tackles at the 40-yard line, he dashed toward the end zone, diving past kicker Tyler Bass to score. The Bills, leading 31-20 with 8:44 left, regretted kicking deep. The Cardinals then capitalized with a successful two-point conversion by James Conner, narrowing the gap to 31-28.
The touchdown marked Dallas’ first career kickoff return in his NFL and collegiate careers, although he has return experience, having returned kicks in all three of his seasons in the league.
Although the new rule had a slow start, the first Sunday of the NFL season still delivered excitement with three kickoff returns exceeding 50 yards. In 2023, there were only 10 returns of 50 yards or more.
The Bills held on to their lead to start the season 1-0 as they beat the Cardinals 34-28. Buffalo will face AFC East rival Miami on the road during Week 2 of “Thursday Night Football.”
Required reading
- What are the new NFL kickoff rules and how do they work? Explaining the 2024 changes
- Making sense of NFL’s new kickoff rule and what it means for next season
- 2024 NFL kickoff rules could bring excitement … and chaos: ‘It’s going to be a s— show’
(Photo: Brooke Sutton / Getty Images)
The New York Times
