Inside the numbers why there should be more kickoff returns in the NFL

The NFL has been working to reduce collisions for a decade and kickoffs have been a primary focus. Ten years ago, kickoffs were returned 79 percent of the time and last year that number fell to a low of 36 percent.

The drop was encouraged by two rule changes. In 2011, the kickoff was moved to the 35 yard line and that increased a kickers ability to reach the end zone.

In 2016, touch backs were moved from the 20 to 25 yard line reducing the incentive to run the ball out of the end zone.