We’re barely into the NFL season, and I’m already frustrated by a few things. First, can someone explain to me what’s going on with this "illegal formation" nonsense that kept popping up in the Ravens vs. Chiefs game? I understand that the league wants to limit how much room offensive linemen have when it comes to pass protection, but this imaginary line from the center’s waistline—where the helmet must be inside that line or else it’s a penalty—seems excessive. Do we really need more penalties in the NFL? How many plays did Baltimore lose because of this ridiculous rule? And seriously, why isn’t anyone telling the linemen, "Step up, you big oaf!"?   

Next on my list is this new kickoff format. Teams now line up farther down the field, and they’re only allowed to move when the ball is touched by the returner. But what if a team wants to attempt an onside kick? Do they have to inform the ref so they can reset the players in the traditional formation? Does that mean they’re locked into the onside kick and can’t change their mind and kick it deep? This rule eliminates the element of surprise some teams use with onside kicks during the game, not just in late-game situations. Teams could catch opponents off guard before, but now that’s gone.

Kickoffs still haven’t become more exciting. The kicker’s position hasn’t changed, and we’re still going to see just as many touchbacks as before. So, what was the point of this rule change? Maybe it’s just me and my old-school mindset, but we’re only a couple of games into the season, and I’m already irritated. Am I the only one feeling this way?