The Detroit Lions have returned just 13 kickoffs all season. That could change this week vs. the Commanders.
The NFL changed its kickoff rules this year in an effort to increase the rate of returns. On a very basic level, it worked. Per ESPN, the percentage of touchbacks dropped from 73% in 2023 to 64.3% this season. However, that is still a higher touchback rate than any other season since at least 2000. It became clear halfway through the season that most teams preferred to just kick it into the endzone and allow opposing offenses to take over at the 30-yard.
Case in point, the Detroit Lions only had 13 kick returns all season, opting to kneel down just about every time the ball landed in the end zone.
That could possibly change this week.
The Washington Commanders—Detroit’s opponent in Saturday’s Divisional Round playoff game—stand in defiance as one of the few kickoff teams who have not been afraid to play coverage. In total, they’ve allowed 73 kick returns this season—16 more than the second-closest team. While the Commanders have allowed two kick return touchdowns this year—oddly both against the Cowboys in Week 12 and one of those being an onside kick—Washington still ranks ninth in kick return average allowed, ceding just 26.5 yards per return. They’ve also recovered two fumbles on kickoffs, more than any other team.
Lions special teams coordinator Dave Fipp has a ton of respect for the Commanders’ special teams unit. According to his own dataset, they’re the best unit in the NFL across all phases of special teams.
“According to my metrics, they’re the best in the NFL, this Washington team, on special teams,” Fipp said. “These guys are really good. They do a great job really in all phases, punt, punt return, kickoff, kickoff return. Their special teams coordinator is a guy that I respect a lot, both personally and professionally, Larry Izzo.”
But as it pertains to the opportunity to return kicks on Saturday night, Fipp is thrilled about the opportunity.
“It’s great. We’ll take them, for sure,” Fipp said. “We’re excited, let’s see what we can get.”
The opportunity lines up nicely for Detroit, as their primary returner and second-team All-Pro, Kalif Raymond, returned to the lineup last game after a short stint on injured reserve with a foot injury. While Raymond is at his best as a punt returner, he also gives the Lions’ kick return team a shot in the arm.
“Having him back there, there’s nothing like that,” Fipp said. “He’s an explosive player. He’s super competitive, you can feel his energy and urgency on those returns last game.”
Though it’s a small sample size, the Lions rank second in the NFL in kick return average (31.4). So we’ll see if Washington reverses course on Saturday night.
