NFL moves kickoffs to 35 yd. line

The NFL (after a vote of all teams) has moved the kickoffs from the 30 yard line to the 35. The Jets were one of 25 times that agreed to the change.

The move can be interpreted as surprising considering the success of Brad Smith this season. (Smith did come out and say he was disappointed with the new rule).

Speaking to 1050 ESPN Radio, Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum claimed that player safety was the No. 1 factor in joining the majority. With a defensive-minded coach in Rex Ryan, Mr. T said they like the idea of pinning the opposition at the 20 after touchbacks.

Makes sense.

The rule should help Kicker Nick Folk, who struggled with touchbacks this season.

Only 7 of Folk’s 81 kicks went for touchbacks, with 5 occurring in Denver.