The Opening Drive 9/6: NFL Rule Change Reminders as Emphasis on Sportsmanship has Stefanski's Attention After TNF Opener
Some reminders from the head coach and BFB never hurt anyone.
The Opening Drive on opening weekend, what a time to be alive for football fans. The Eagles triumphed over the Cowboys at home on Thursday night, following the unveiling of their Super Bowl banner. Right from the start, things took a strange turn when Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter was ejected from the game between the end of the opening kickoff and the first offensive play of the season. This incident was addressed in Kevin Stefanski's press availability on Friday.
"My team meeting got very long this morning after some of the things that happened in that game that was, I mean I didn't stay up for it, but I certainly clipped a bunch of it for this morning. So, yes."
The 2025 NFL rule changes are likely to require some adjustment for players. Since 2017, when the league relaxed its penalties on excessive celebrations, players have enjoyed more freedom in celebrating their plays. However, according to NFL officiating rules analyst Walt Anderson, there was a significant increase in taunting last season, with incidents rising by 55% compared to 2023. Additionally, unsportsmanlike gestures saw an even sharper increase of 133%.
Stefanski discussed his extensive team meeting on the topic. "Yeah, the message is this. The league is very serious about sportsmanship. We know it. We know what you can and cannot do. Everybody does. Typically, when the league wants something emphasized, it gets emphasized early in the season. I think you saw that last night. So, we will not complain about the rules. We know what the rules are. We will abide by them."
These unsportsmanlike gestures are now delineated in the rulebook as "Any violent gesture, which shall include, but not be limited to, a throat slash, simulating firing or brandishing a gun, or using the 'nose wipe' gesture, or an act that is sexually suggestive or offensive."
This leaves some things open to interpretation, not to mention the vast array of gestures and inappropriate behaviors in which an NFL officiating crew may not be hip to the meaning of.
Jim Schwartz encourages his defense to play a style of football that is right on the edge. It will be challenging for players to manage their adrenaline in the heat of the moment and avoid crossing this line—something to keep an eye on during Sunday's game. The Browns cannot afford self-inflicted penalties for actions like taunting and celebrations.
Below you’ll find the latest in the BFB catalog for supporters to dig into. Click the link to become a supporter if you haven’t already, and enjoy all the latest from Browns Film Breakdown.
What’s Going On at Browns Film Breakdown
Latest Podcasts:
Friday Berea Updates, College Week 2 Picks and Preview, Prospect Focus
Week 1 Practice Updates, and “Behind Enemy Lines” with Jake Liscow
Latest Film Rooms:
Latest Articles:
Opening Drive 9/5: The Browns Need 95 to be at His Best in Week 1
Opening Drive 9/4: Coverage Dictates Browns Defense Returning to Form
Opening Drive 9/3: Stefanski Team Identity and Bengals Personnel Notes
Among the league's 2025 rule changes was a modification to the kickoff rule. The touchback will now be moved from the 30-yard line to the 35-yard line. The league believes this adjustment will encourage the kicking team to keep the ball in play and compel the receiving team to attempt a return, rather than opting for a touchback by kicking the ball into the end zone.
Stefanski expounded upon the impact of this rule change on Friday as well: "Well, the return rate is going to increase significantly, and you saw that last night as well, and you will continue to see that throughout this season. The return rate is…I don't know what the numbers going to be. I'd imagine somewhere up close to the 90s, and there were a couple last night that were touchbacks that weren't supposed to be. The kicker didn't hit it exactly where he wanted to. So, I do think teams are going to force kickoffs. That's a very real play. It's darn near first-and-10 type of play that every team is going to be defending."
We will see how this situation develops. Last year's kickoff rule changes led to a league-wide return rate of 32.8%, the lowest it has been since at least 2000. Additionally, the touchback rate rose to 64.3%, the highest during that same period. However, these changes resulted in a 43% reduction in concussion rates on kickoff plays. Given this positive outcome for player health and safety, the league is unlikely to revert to the old rules. Instead, they hope that the touchbacks at the 35-yard line will motivate teams to keep the ball in play and cover kick returns effectively, resulting in a better starting point for the defense compared to touchbacks.
The risk of a big-play return complicates the situation. It will be interesting to see if teams that are ahead in the game start opting for touchbacks to eliminate the possibility of a significant return or even a touchdown, along with the momentum shift that comes with it. A coach's confidence in their special teams will certainly play a role in this decision, as will what analytics breakdowns say regarding risk related to time and score.
Last night was a good example of what teams will be trying to do. Kicking the ball low and in toward the corners in hopes it will land inside the landing zone and then go into the end zone for a touchback. Since the ball lands before the end zone, and then rolls in, it is a touchback to the 20-yard line instead of the 35-yard line — that’s a big swing in yardage.
Last Note on Rule Changes: The NFL has implemented software that will generate a virtual animation for broadcast viewers and fans in the stadium instead of running the chain gang out for measurements. That's fine, but officials are still spotting the ball, which is really where the change needs to be made. A chip in the ball, allowing for an accurate spot of the football would be a more useful innovation.
BROWNS FILM BREAKDOWN SURVIVOR POOL
Don’t forget about this exciting opportunity! If you’re into competition and survivor pools, we’re launching one specifically for the Browns Film Breakdown Family with a chance to win some serious money.
Here are the rules for NFL Survivor Pools for those who don’t know:
Each pool member chooses one NFL team each week.
Picks are made "straight up", not using a point spread system.
If their pick is correct, they survive until the next week.
An incorrect pick eliminates the player from the pool for the remainder of the season.
You CANNOT pick a team to win more than once. Strategy will be involved.
The goal is to be the last member standing at the end of the season.
We are excited to announce our partnership with Splash Sports to host an NFL Survivor Contest this season! The entry fee is $10 per entry, and you can enter as many times as you like. The winner will take home up to $13,500.
To participate, click the link below to create your free Splash Sports account and join the Browns Film Breakdown survivor pool. We've included all the rules in the link provided just in case you want more details.
Thank you for being a part of the best Browns community out there!
Hit the button to join the contest!
Don’t forget to submit your selections before the games start on Sunday. Good luck!
If you’re not subscribed over there, rectify that—the Opening Drive remains free, but there’s some elite stuff coming heading into Week 1’s matchup. If you’re not with us in a supporter capacity, you’ll want to rectify that as well so you don’t miss any of the key content coming this week. Also, tell a Browns fan in your life about what is happening over here. We appreciate all of you.
Browns Film Breakdown will return this afternoon with some prospect spotlight.
