PHX Reporter

Zach Pascal would sprint towards the other end of the field every time the Cardinals kicked off, hoping to make a tackle. Rarely did that happen, with returns dwindling in the NFL -- so all Pascal could do was try to amp up the crowd, throwing his arms in the air.

His routine figures to change.

"It's been different," Pascal said about the NFL's new kickoff rules that are expected to boost returns significantly. "Adapting to the new rules, where you're starting from, how you're planning to attack the opposing team, but that just comes with being able to adapt to a new environment."

Under the new alignment, the kicker will remain at his own 35-yard line and launch the ball into a landing zone between the goal line and 20-yard line. That's where returners will stand. The remaining players will be lined up five yards apart at the receiving team's 40- and 35-yard lines and cannot move until the ball is touched in the landing zone.

Special teams coordinator Jeff Rodgers believes kickoff teams will initially feature larger players since they'll occupy more space on the field. Will Hernandez has already volunteered, although as a right guard he probably won't have his number called.

Pascal is one of the Cardinals' biggest wideouts at 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds. As a receiver accustomed to lining up directly across from defensive backs, his experience of getting off the line will help receivers playing special teams.

"Being able to be closer to the person and work on your moves, I feel like it's easier for someone like me who can work well in space and go in different directions," Pascal said. "I think it's going to be great for our team."

Rodgers and coach Jonathan Gannon have made sure to set aside time for working on kickoffs with this rules transition becoming a priority.

"I know there's not as many plays as offense and defense," Gannon said. "But those are impact plays. I think we have players that it should be an advantage for us from an explosive standpoint."

Even with an entire offseason of practice kickoffs, Pascal said he still isn't used to it yet. "I think around camp maybe it'll start being normal for us, but right now it's definitely new every time," he noted.

Linebacker Jesse Luketa has also carved out a role on special teams after spending much of his offseason studying XFL kickoff approaches.

"I think it's going to be different because it's the NFL," Luketa said. "I think through preseason fans will get used to it, and it'll become normal for them as well... It’s going to spike competition and give guys more opportunities."

After each week during football season, Rodgers watches every special team play across the league taking notes. Outside of film from other leagues there isn't much tangible tape available for players.

"This thing is totally different than anything we've ever coached," Rodgers remarked.

The kickoff rule may see changes once implemented during games; some details have already been adjusted since its adoption in March. However, Rodgers has received positive feedback from players which is encouraging heading into offseason preparations.

"The guys are excited about it; they're ready to compete in this play," Rodgers added. "They said last year's return rate was 22 percent on kickoffs; I imagine that will triple this year... The kickoff is real; it's back."