Wedge-blocking, employed on 78 percent of kickoff returns last season, was eliminated, as was the 5-yard running start previously afforded to the coverage teams. But a midseason internal league analysis, obtained by ESPN, suggests a larger and more positive conclusion: The changes are on track to save the kickoff from elimination - an explicit threat some owners made last spring - and could be expanded to punts in 2019. Touchbacks have increased and returns have decreased compared to last season teams have trusted their offenses in a year of record-setting performances while shunning the vagaries and risks of returns. Similar sequences have played out around the league as coaches and players adjust to the new kickoff rules. 2019 draft order: Every first-round pick ยป.The 49ers' offense took over at the 25-yard line and marched as far as the Giants' 21-yard line but ultimately ran out of time in a 27-23 defeat. Although the 49ers boast a 28-yard return average, third best in the league, returner Richie James stood on the goal line with his arms stretched horizontally in an "iron cross" formation, signaling his intent to allow the ball to fly over his head for a touchback.
Shanahan's answer reflected a leaguewide trend this season under a revamped kickoff, one designed to reduce injury risk for players. Would he try to ignite his team's final possession with a long kickoff return? Or would he ask his offense to drive 75 yards, with one timeout, to score a potential game-winning touchdown against the New York Giants? Trailing by four points with 53 seconds remaining Monday night, San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan faced an important decision.