Eagles’ kickoff tactic sparks NFL rule debate
The Eagles have sparked fresh discussion around an unusual kickoff tactic involving a holder and no tee. The approach helped Philadelphia create a different angle for kicker Jake Elliott during its Week 2 win over Tennessee.
The technique has raised questions about how the NFL’s 2026 kickoff rules should be interpreted. Coaches and league officials now face a closer look at whether the wording needs to change.
The Eagles used a holder in Week 2
Philadelphia used punter Braden Mann as the holder for kicker Jake Elliott during four of five kickoffs against Tennessee. Mann held the football at an angle on the ground before Elliott kicked it.
The Eagles won 24-20 at Nissan Stadium on September 20. Philadelphia entered Week 3 at 2-0, while Tennessee fell to 0-2 after the game.
The tactic followed Atlanta’s example
Philadelphia special teams coordinator Michael Clay said he reviewed special teams plays from Week 1 before adopting the approach. He identified a similar kickoff used by the Atlanta Falcons and discussed the technique with Elliott and Mann.
Atlanta had used a holder during its Week 1 game against Pittsburgh. Reports say the Falcons’ approach helped prompt Philadelphia to try the setup.
The holder changes the ball’s angle
The holder lets the kicker control the football’s position before contact instead of relying only on the tee. Philadelphia’s setup angled the ball so Elliott could produce a lower, less predictable kick.
Special teams coaches have described this type of kick as a “dirty ball,” referring to its unusual movement. The intended result is a kickoff that can be harder for the returner to field.
The 12th player has a specific role
NFL kickoff rules allow a designated holder to be the 12th person on the field when the ball is kicked. The holder is treated as a non-player and must leave with the tee immediately afterward.
The NFL introduced the dynamic kickoff in 2024, including provisions for a holder in windy conditions. The league later changed holder language so a designated holder could be used more broadly.
The wording created an opening
The current rule language says a kicking team may use a manufactured tee and may also use a designated holder during a kickoff. It does not expressly state that a holder must place the football on the tee.
That wording has allowed different interpretations. The Eagles used the holder to position the ball directly on the ground, while Bears special teams coordinator Richard Hightower argued that a tee should be required when a holder is used.
The Bears raised the issue
Chicago Bears special teams coordinator Richard Hightower questioned the Eagles’ use of the holder before the teams’ Week 3 matchup. He said the holder provision was intended to keep the football on a tee.
Hightower also said special teams coaches planned to discuss the wording. He wanted the rule corrected so a holder would have to place the ball on a tee during a kickoff.
Interesting fact: The Eagles have retired nine jersey numbers. The franchise has honored several of its most notable players by permanently taking their numbers out of circulation.
The NFL has discussed a possible fix
NFL special teams coordinators were scheduled to discuss the kickoff issue after Bears special teams coordinator Richard Hightower raised concerns. The discussion focused on whether a holder may position the ball on the ground during a normal kickoff.
As of September 29, the NFL’s published 2026 rule changes do not list a specific amendment targeting the Eagles’ holder tactic. The official rulebook remains the reference for the current kickoff provisions.
Interesting fact: The Eagles joined the NFL in 1933. Philadelphia has been part of the league for more than nine decades, making the franchise one of the NFL’s long-established teams.
A midseason change is possible
Philadelphia and Tennessee had different average starting field positions after kickoffs in Week 2. The Titans’ average starting position after Eagles kickoffs was the 31.2-yard line, while Philadelphia’s average starting position was the 36.3-yard line.
Those figures describe the Week 2 results but do not establish that the holder alone caused the difference. Kickoff location, returns, coverage and other situations can affect starting field position.
The strategy affected field position
Philadelphia and Tennessee had different average starting field positions after kickoffs in Week 2. The Titans’ average starting position after Eagles kickoffs was the 31.2-yard line, while Philadelphia’s average starting position was the 36.3-yard line.
Those figures describe the Week 2 results and do not establish that the holder alone caused the difference. Kickoff location, returns, coverage, and other situations can affect starting field position.
The dynamic kickoff remains in place
The NFL’s dynamic kickoff system remains the framework for the 2026 season. Normal kickoffs begin from the kicking team’s 35-yard line, while the receiving team uses a restricted setup zone and landing zone.
The league also approved other kickoff changes for 2026. These include receiving-team alignment requirements, a revised touchback rule for kicks from the 50-yard line, and permission to declare an onside kick at any time.
The Eagles faced Chicago in Week 3
Philadelphia faced Chicago at Soldier Field on Monday, September 28, after entering Week 3 at 2-0 following victories over Washington and Tennessee.
Chicago entered the game at 1-1 after a 9-3 loss to Minnesota in Week 2. The kickoff controversy became a special-teams storyline before the nationally televised Monday night matchup.
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The kickoff rule remains under scrutiny
The Eagles’ holder technique has prompted discussion among NFL special teams coaches about how the current kickoff rules should be applied. Bears special teams coordinator Richard Hightower said coaches planned to discuss the wording and seek clarification.
As of September 29, the NFL’s official 2026 rulebook remains the published reference for kickoff procedures. The league’s approved 2026 rule changes do not list a specific amendment addressing the Eagles’ holder tactic.
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What do you think about the Eagles’ kickoff strategy and the questions surrounding the NFL’s rules? If you found this post interesting, give it a like and join the conversation.
This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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