Are the NFL’s reimagined kickoff rules working? The early returns are mixed

The general idea behind the NFL's revamped kickoff rules was spicing up a stale play by encouraging returns with a lower risk of injury. Further tweaks could be necessary

With four full weeks of the NFL regular-season schedule complete, merely one kickoff has been returned for a touchdown under the league's funky new kickoff rules. DeeJay Dallas, who actually plays for Arizona, took one 96 yards to the house in the Cardinals' season opener.

NFL kick returners are on pace to score precisely 4.25 touchdowns this season, only slightly better than the four touchdowns scored on kickoff returns last year. But it is very early in the season, and to judge the effect of the new rules just by touchdowns is to miss the point(s).