The 105th season of the NFL kicked off on Thursday, September 5th, as the back-to-back Super Bowl winner Chiefs began their title defense against the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday Night Football. This past NFL offseason had been one of the most tumultuous of all time. New rule changes, trades and free agent signings have up-ended the league since the Super Bowl in February.
Former Giants fan favorite running back Saquon Barkley left Big Blue fans feeling backstabbed, when he agreed to a 3 year, $37.75 million dollar deal with division rival Philadelphia Eagles. Barkley was able to quickly move on, however, scoring two rushing touchdowns and catching another on his way to winning NFC offensive player of Week 1, during a game against the Packers in São Paulo, Brazil, the first game to be played in South America in league history. Barkley and the Eagles beat the Packers 34-29 to begin the 2024 season 1-0.
Fans may have noticed something different throughout the opening weeks. This offseason, the NFL introduced a new “dynamic kickoff” with the goal being limiting injuries sustained on kickoffs, whilst inducing more returns, leading to a safer play with more excitement. The kicking team must kick the ball to the receiving team within the “landing zone” which is from the 20 yard line to the goal line. If the ball falls short of the 20 yard line, a penalty will be called, and the receiving team will begin their drive at their 40 yard line. Many people are split on the new rule change with some finding it too drastic a change from the “classic” kickoff and others finding it a safe way to keep the kickoff an important part of the game.
Another intriguing storyline from the off-season was the return of former San Francisco 49ers and Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh to the league. The Los Angeles Chargers hired Harbaugh to a 5 year deal to be their new head coach, months removed from winning a National Championship at Michigan. Jim Harbaugh is the brother of the Ravens’ John Harbaugh. Jim had been with the 49ers from the 2011 season to the 2014 season, compiling an impressive 44-19-1 record over 4 seasons and appearing in the 2013 Super Bowl, where his 49ers lost to his brother John and the Ravens. Jim will look to bring some success back to Los Angeles, with the Chargers already off to a solid 2-2 start on the season. In all, these storylines are sure to make for an exciting season.