Special teams coordinator Dave Fipp of the Detroit Lions is expressing enthusiasm for the NFL's new kickoff rules, which are designed to decrease the number of touchbacks by incentivizing teams to kick shorter. This season, the ball will be placed on the 35-yard line for touchbacks, setting the stage for more aggressive kickoff strategies. Kicker Jake Bates recorded a touchback rate of 77.3% in his rookie year, and with the new rules, Fipp anticipates a significant change in kickoff dynamics.

The Lions aim to leverage this rule change to create more scoring opportunities and enhance their overall game strategy. Fipp's aggressive approach could position the Lions to capitalize on field position and potentially shift the momentum in games, making their special teams unit one to watch this season.