Patriots extra points: New kickoff rules ‘bad for the kickoff team, great for’ Jalen Reagor
FOXBORO — Count Patriots wide receiver Jalen Reagor among fans of the NFL’s kickoff rule changes.
Kickers must place the ball between the 20-yard line and end zone, and players on the kickoff team, all of whom are lined up 40 yards from the end zone, cannot move until the ball hits the ground or is caught by the returner.
“Just one line of defense now. I feel like that’s bad for the kickoff team, great for me,” Reagor said Tuesday.
Related Articles
Patriots training camp Day 6: Drake Maye gun shy, Ja’Lynn Polk rising, Matt Judon missing
Can JuJu Smith-Schuster prove he still deserves Patriots roster spot?
Patriots’ Matthew Judon doesn’t participate in second straight practice
Drake Maye watch: Patriots rookie QB struggles again in second day in pads
Why Rhamondre Stevenson believes he’s a perfect fit for the Patriots’ new offense
“By that time, I’m going to be up to like, 20 mph. If they miss, it’s over.”
Reagor returned seven kickoffs for 221 yards with a 98-yard touchdown last season under the NFL’s old rules. The 2020 first-round pick also caught seven passes for 138 yards and carried the ball once for 17 yards in his first season with the Patriots.
Extra points
Cornerback Marcus Jones, who’s 100% after missing most of the 2023 season with a torn labrum, said he’ll be ready if the team plans to use him on offense, like they did in 2022, but for now he’s focused on defense … Jones also said he’s prepared to play any position in the secondary. Cornerbacks coach Mike Pellegrino regularly notes that “we’re all DBs,” regardless of specific position in the cornerback and safety room … Running back Rhamondre Stevenson said he doesn’t agree with head coach Jerod Mayo’s assessment that the defense is always ahead of the offense at this point in camp. “I feel like a practice should always be back and forth. Offense should get a day, defense should get a day. It should never be a one-sided practice. That means the offense isn’t doing their jobs. Just make it competitive. I don’t think the defense should be ahead of us in any way, shape or form. So, with him saying that, I guess we’ve got to step up.”