NFL touchback numbers dropped in the first week of the 2016 preseason despite an offseason rule change that marks them at the 25-yard line instead of the 20.According to NFL.com numbers, 29 percent of Week 1 kickoffs (42 of 142) were downed in the end zone for a touchback. Thats well below the leagues rate of 56 percent during the 2015 regular season.More kickoffs tend to be returned in the preseason, when a big return can boost players chances of making the team. But the 2015 preseason rate of touchbacks was 43.4 percent, still notably higher than what the league produced in the first week of the 2016 preseason.Although it is a small sample size, the rate decrease is consistent with what NFL coaches have said about the rule change during training camp.The league is attempting to reduce returns for safety purposes, hoping that better field position will incentivize more teams to take touchbacks. Coaches have said they will experiment this summer with pop-up kicks that drop short of the goal line, thus forcing a return and achieving the opposite effect of the rule change.NFL officials have said they will study the full-season impact of the new touchback rule before deciding whether to abandon or tweak it in the offseason.During a conference call with league executives last spring, special teams coaches advocated a new, mandatory formation that would convert the kickoff into a play closer to a punt.Wholesale Nike Shoes . Coach Mike Munchak says Fokou stretched ligaments in his left knee Oct. 13 against Seattle, which could keep out up to five weeks even though the linebacker didnt need surgery. Nike Shoes Sale .Y. - Detroit goaltender Jonas Gustavsson has earned NHL first star of the week honours after winning in his first three appearances of the season. https://www.wholesalenikeshoesauthentic.com/ .Y. - Detroit goaltender Jonas Gustavsson has earned NHL first star of the week honours after winning in his first three appearances of the season. Cheap Nike Shoes From China . -- The Bishops Gaiters are showing they belong among the countrys top varsity football teams. Discount Nike Shoes . -- Running backs Darren McFadden and Rashad Jennings were back at practice for the Oakland Raiders on Wednesday despite being hampered by hamstring injuries.After falling to the Western Bulldogs, Sydney face a week of soul-searching before Fridays hit-out with Geelong provides them a shot at redemption.The Swans blew a golden chance to reclaim top spot on the AFL ladder on Saturday, pipped by four points in the final seconds of play at the SCG.Coach John Longmires side had the upper hand at halftime but fell victim to a third-quarter walloping by Dogs midfielders Marcus Bontempelli and Tom Liberatore, the latter steering his team to a five-goal streak.Lance Franklin looked to have saved a sinking ship in the final term, before comeback kid Jason Johannisen booted the winning major moments before the siren sounded.Standout performer Luke Parker lamented the Swans disorganisation at pivotal moments.Its cost us a few times, our structures this year, Parker said.Its frustrating were not getting it right at a crucial time of the gamee.ddddddddddddThe result means Sydney have slipped to fourth and are bunched in a cluster of teams on 40 points instead of where they could be - at the summit ahead of Hawthorn.Theres little room for error amid the logjam as the team prepare for Fridays showdown with the second-placed Cats at Simonds Stadium.Midfielder Josh Kennedy viewed the tough clash as an opportunity.Its obviously a huge challenge playing Geelong in Geelong, Kennedy said.Theres no better way to bounce back.Weve got the six days which is good - it doesnt give us too much time to dwell on the game that was.The Cats have had a great season and have a great record against the top-placed sides.On their day theyre extremely tough to beat, but I feel like on our day we are as well. ' ' '
