JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — It’s going to take a while before everyone in the NFL is comfortable and confident about the new kickoff rules.
That includes the officials.
There was some confusion about a kickoff during the Jacksonville Jaguars’ 26-13 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday night. Originally ruled a touchback, the call was overturned after a lengthy discussion and stood as a safety for the Jaguars.
Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson called the situation a teaching moment for the entire league and was pleased that while it took a while, the correct call was eventually made.
“I think it’s a good coaching point for all teams to really coach our returners in that situation,” Pederson said. “It’s definitely going to be on the coach’s video that’s going to come out this week, and it is really a good teaching moment for everybody, us included, for our returners.
“And it’s just a great way to learn that rule and to learn the game of football.”
The situation unfolded like this: