This decrease in return totals is not due to a decrease in talent by any measure, but rather a reaction to the rules changes that continue to alter strategies on kickoffs. Five years ago, the kickoff was moved from the 30 to the 35-yard line, to produce more touchbacks because the high-speed collisions that are part of kickoff returns make them among the most dangerous plays in the game. The results? In 2010, before the rule was changed, teams returned 80.1 percent of all kickoffs. Last season, 41.1 percent of kickoffs were returned.