The NFL experienced a steep decline in kickoff returns last season, with a record-low 22% being brought back, and only four resulting in touchdowns. This led to a significant rule change for the 2024 season aimed at encouraging more returns while reducing touchbacks and injuries.
In Week 1 under the new format, Cardinals returner DeeJay Dallas electrified the crowd with a stunning 96-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. Dodging three tackles at the 40-yard line and diving past Bills kicker Tyler Bass, Dallas’s return cut Buffalo’s lead from 31-20 to 31-28. James Conner’s successful two-point conversion further tightened the game.
This was the first career kickoff return touchdown for Dallas, who has a history of returning kicks in his NFL career. The rule change appeared to slow initially, but Week 1 saw excitement with three returns exceeding 50 yards — a significant increase from the 10 such returns in the entire 2023 season.
The Bills ultimately secured a 34-28 win over the Cardinals, starting their season 1-0. They will next face off against the Miami Dolphins in Week 2’s “Thursday Night Football.”
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