Bears ST coach says Eagles are violating intent of the rule by using holder on kickoffs
NBC Sports • • sports
Key Points:
- The Eagles recently used a holder on their kickoffs to angle the ball and complicate returns, a tactic that Bears special teams coordinator Richard Hightower believes should not be allowed.
- Hightower explained that the NFL's rule permitting a 12th player to hold the ball was originally intended only for windy conditions when the ball is placed in a tee, not for the strategic use seen from the Eagles.
- A conference call among special teams coaches is planned to address this issue and potentially clarify or amend the rule language in the NFL rulebook.
- Hightower expressed confidence that the NFL could implement a rule change immediately, requiring the ball to be placed in a tee if a holder is used on kickoffs, without waiting for the offseason.
