The Las Vegas Raiders are gearing up for the 2024 season and with the new year comes some changes to the game.
The most prominent change to the game will be special teams, as the league will implement new kickoff rules adopted from other professional leagues, such as the USFL and XFL.
The new kickoff rules include different lineup positions for players and shorter kicks that must land between the 20-yard line and the end zone. Teams got their first look at the new rules when the Houston Texans played the Chicago Bears in the first game of the preseason.
Teams like the Raiders will use training camps to experiment with different strategies, though this will be a work in progress throughout the year. With that in mind, Daniel Carlson said he was practicing tackling, though punter AJ Cole refuted his teammate’s claim.
Daniel Carlson working on tackling: “I got a couple reps at the end of practice.”
AJ Cole on Carlson tackling: “Has he? Must be in his room late at night. He’s got some pillows set up on his bed & he’s jumping on the bed like a little kid. I’ve seen no tackling drills.” #Raiders
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardNFL) August 1, 2024
So far, special teams coordinator Tom McMahon has been rather quiet about the team’s plans for the kickoff rules. Reporters noted that cornerback Jack Jones was seen taking practice kicks, which could signal that Carlson might be on the outside looking in for kickoff duties, though that remains to be seen.
While there is likely some truth to Carlson practicing his tackling ability, it goes to show that teams are tinkering during training camp as they try to find some edge in the special teams phase. Las Vegas might be on the right track if they can get someone like a defensive back or even a linebacker handling kickoff responsibilities, and fans likely won’t know until their first preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings.
Antonio Pierce and Maxx Crosby discuss Raiders building chemistry during training camp
While figuring out the new kickoff rules is a priority, the Raiders roster and head coach Antonio Pierce are also focused on building some team chemistry and camaraderie in the locker room. Both Crosby and Pierce discussed what it’s been like for the players to get familiar with one another and grow closer as a unit.
