Texans-Steelers opening kickoff saw an unusual application of the new touchback rule
NBC Sports • • sports
Key Points:
- The opening kickoff of the Texans-Steelers game resulted in a touchback to the 20-yard line, causing confusion among fans who mistakenly thought it should have been a safety.
- Officials ruled it a touchback because Steelers returner Jaylen Warren's left foot was in the air when he touched the ball, and he took a knee in the end zone without completing possession outside the end zone.
- By rule, possession requires two feet down; Warren completed possession only in the end zone, so the ball was spotted at the 20-yard line instead of the 1-yard line.
- A safety on a kickoff return can only occur if the returner fields the ball in the landing zone and then runs into the end zone
