More than any other team in the NFL, the Pats have used the new kickoff rule to their benefit.
The rule gives the offense the ball at the 25-yard line after a touchback, which would seem to result in more touchbacks. But for New England's opponents, the opposite has happened. After 18 kickoffs in three games, the Pats have surrendered just 10 touchbacks. And they haven't allowed a single team to get the ball past the 25-yard line on a kickoff.
New England has accomplished this by utilizing the full strength of kicker Stephen Gostkowski's leg, calling on him to boot sky-high kicks that typically drop between the 10-yard line and the goal line. And much like a punt, the higher kicks result in more hang time, allowing for better kick coverage and forcing the returner into a more pressure-packed situation.
The play worked to perfection Thursday night against the Texans. Gostkowski's kicks produced two fumbles that were recovered by the Pats deep in Houston territory and led to scores.
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After the game, head coach Bill Belichick praised his special teams unit for its perfect execution on kickoffs.
"Tremendous, tremendous," Belichick said after the game. "Field position was phenomenal. It seemed like (the Texans) had to go 90 yards every time they had the ball. Our kickoff team, once again, came up big with field position; two turnovers. That's a very aggressive unit."
Per usual, New England has found a way to take advantage of what has only stymied others. The NFL had hoped the new rule would reduce the number of kickoff returns, but in doing so have clearly underestimated the ingenuity of coaches like Belichick.
