Every team would like to tell you that they were ready for the NFL’s new kickoff rules and are uniquely positioned to take advantage of them. As is always the case, only a handful of teams actually are in that strong position.
The Atlanta Falcons are arguably one of them. As teams brace for a rule change designed to limit injuries and juice return numbers by bringing blockers and tackles closer together, creating a more condensed play, Atlanta heads into the year with multiple quality returner options, a punter well-suited for the new kickoff specialist duties, and the kind of offensive line depth that should enable them to pave the way effectively for said returners.