BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Josh Cribbs has figured out a way to combat the NFL’s rule changes on kickoffs. He’ll return everything.
Cleveland’s dynamic return specialist, Cribbs, the league’s career leader with eight kickoff return touchdowns, has been openly critical of the decision to move the kickoff line from the 30-yard line to the 35. The change was made to prevent violent collisions and injuries, and could lead to more touchbacks. But Cribbs said there’s no statistical evidence to support the need for change, and he’s disappointed the league didn’t consult players before making the adjustment during the lockout.
Cribbs believes there will be opportunities for long returns, but expects a rise in tackles inside the 20. He joked that he won’t run back anything “more than nine yards” deep in the end zone.
