Atlanta Falcons special-teams coordinator Keith Armstrong understands the reality: The NFL could eventually eliminate kickoffs altogether.
The league took another step to limit kickoffs and thus returns -- considered one of the most dangerous plays in the game -- by approving a proposal to move a touchback to the 25-yard line rather than the 20, a change that will be re-evaluated after the 2016 season. On the surface, it would appear to discourage the receiving team from returning, considering the possibility of not gaining 25 yards when a ball sails deep into the end zone.