NFL Rules Allow Eagles' Kickoff Tactic, League Confirms

The NFL has confirmed that the Philadelphia Eagles are permitted to continue using a tactic involving a 12th player on kickoffs, a strategy that had drawn criticism from a rival coach. The Eagles utilized punter Braden Mann as a holder on kickoffs during their Week 2 victory against the Tennessee Titans, even when windy conditions were not a factor.

This maneuver employed the holder, an additional player traditionally permitted when wind necessitates, to position the ball at an angle that could make it more difficult for a returner to field. The Eagles' use of this tactic, according to a rival coach, appeared to bend the spirit of the rules.

Prior to the Eagles' game against the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football, the Bears' special teams coordinator publicly questioned the tactic. However, an NFL spokesperson has since confirmed that teams are allowed to use a 12th man as a holder on kickoffs, with or without a kicking tee and regardless of weather conditions.

Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni stated that the team would continue to employ strategies they believe give them the best chance to win, as long as they are within the scope of the rulebook. "Obviously, with that, everything we're doing is within the rules of the game, and we'll continue to do the things that we need to do that give us the best chance to win each and every game," Sirianni said. "That's how we'll proceed as Philadelphia Eagles."

The Bears special teams coordinator indicated that the discussion around using a 12th player as a holder had been ongoing for two years. He noted that the tactic was initially discussed and that it evolved from weather-related use to being permitted at any time. The coordinator expressed that the intent of the rule was for the ball to be on a tee when a holder is present, suggesting the recent application deviated from that intention.