Just In: Steelers Look to Europe for Inspiration on Kickoff Strategy.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are looking to the European American Football Leagues for ideas on how to adapt to the NFL’s new kickoff strategy. The team’s special teams coordinator, Danny Smith, recently revealed that he has been watching footage of the European League of Football (ELF) to get inspiration for the Steelers’ own kickoff plays.
The ELF, which was established in 2021 and currently represents 17 countries, adopted the new kickoff rules a year after the USFL. While the NFL has yet to implement the new rules, the ELF’s experience with the new format could provide valuable insights for teams like the Steelers.
The new kickoff rules, which are based on those used by the XFL, are designed to reduce injuries and increase the number of kickoff returns. Under the new rules, the ball is kicked off from the 35-yard line, but the kick coverage team is lined up on the opposing 40-yard line, rather than alongside the kicker. The blockers are lined up between the 30 and 35-yard line, and kicks must land inside the 20-yard line. Balls kicked into the end zone will be brought out to the 30-yard line, rather than the 25-yard line, in an effort to incentivize teams to return kicks.
The Steelers did not initially support the new rules, preferring to leave the kickoff alone. However, once it became clear that a change was coming, the team got on board and even helped shape the new rules. The team’s special teams coordinator, Danny Smith, was on the committee of special teams coaches that helped develop the new rule.
The Steelers are also exploring unconventional ways to utilize the unique athleticism of backup quarterback Justin Fields. Fields, who has averaged an impressive 6.2 yards per attempt in his NFL career, led the league in yards per carry with an average of 7.1 in 2022. The team is considering using Fields as a kickoff returner, which would take advantage of his speed and agility.
However, there are concerns about risking Fields to potential injuries on kickoff returns. The team may opt for a safer choice like Cordarrelle Patterson, who is known for his return skills. The Steelers recently signed Patterson, who is one of the best kick returners in the NFL. His nine career kick return touchdowns are the most in league history, and his 29.3 yards per kick return are third-best in NFL history.
Overall, the Steelers are looking to think outside the box and take advantage of the new kickoff rules. By exploring unconventional strategies and utilizing the unique skills of players like Fields and Patterson, the team hopes to gain an edge over their opponents.
In addition to their on-field efforts, the Steelers are also looking to expand their brand globally. The team has been granted a “Global Markets Program” license in Germany, which will allow them to build their brand and engage with fans in the country. The team has also been awarded marketing rights in Ireland and Northern Ireland, and has long-term plans to play a regular season game in Ireland.
The NFL’s “Global Markets Program” is empowering teams like the Steelers to strengthen their global presence and engage with fans in new markets. The program reflects a strategic effort to drive international fan growth beyond the US, and teams like the Steelers are taking advantage of the opportunity to build their brand and connect with fans around the world.
