Don't be surprised if the Packers kick returns are horrible this week.


Panthers are the best in the NFL at limiting kickoff returns... and a large part of that is that their kicker has mastered what NFL is calling the "dirty ball".

Basically the kick return hits the ground and you have absolutely no idea which way it's going to bounce... which makes it much harder for the returner to recover the ball and start the return.


Supposedly it's the future of the kickoff with these new rules. Making returners chase the ball, letting the coverage team start before the return can start the return.