FanPost

New Rules Limit Oaklands Best

As we all watch the CBA , and the draft unfold , behind the scenes the rules committee is making some big changes.

They have decided to start kicking from the 35 instead of the 30 . A move that is puzzling to say the least . At a time when everyone is trying to get their hands on a Jacoby Ford or a Devin Hester , at a time when the NFL is looking for anyway to add more scoring and big plays , they decide to limit the big play ability of the leagues big play returners.

Teams such as Oakland who put a premium on special teams play have just had a piece of their competitive edge stripped away unfairly . Oakland's special teams play was largely responsible for Oakland's resurgence last year .

This rule change is a double whammy for Oakland , not only does it limit explosive returners such as Ford by allowing teams with mediocre special teams and mediocre kickers to simply kick the ball out of the back of the end zone , a strategic advantage previously reserved for teams that had invested and groomed Strong legged kickers such as Janakowski . It also steals away some of a kicker like Janakowski's advantage .

Going back to the San Diego gamelast year , it's like the NFL is saying that total special teams ineptitude can no longer cost you the game , thus stealing a big win from an up and coming young team such as Oakland .

The return game provides some of the most electric big plays in football , and further adds to the excitement of the game , for any team can turn the game on a dime ,and make it a game with one big return . It's one of those things like the sudden death rule that make this game so exciting ..... oh ya almost forgot , they changed that rule too. Bummer.