Cardinals’ DeeJay Dallas scores first kickoff return touchdown of 2024 season under new format
The NFL saw a record-low 22 percent of kickoffs returned last season, and only four of those were returned for scores. The NFL is introducing significant changes to the kickoff rules for the 2024 season to increase the incentive for more players to return kickoffs — while limiting touchbacks and injuries.
In Week 1 of the new kickoff format, Cardinals returner DeeJay Dallas sparked a comeback with a thrilling kickoff return of 96 yards for a touchdown.
THE FIRST DYNAMIC TOUCHDOWN WITH THE KICKOFF.
DEEJAY DALLAS. 96 METERS.
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📱: photo.twitter.com/COYfonnYxR— NFL (@NFL) September 8, 2024
He sliced through three tackles at the 40-yard line, sprinted toward the end zone and dove past kicker Tyler Bass to score. The Bills, leading 31-20 with 8:44 left, regretted the deep kick. The Cardinals then capitalized on a successful two-point conversion by James Conner to close the gap to 31-28.
The touchdown was Dallas’ first kickoff return in his NFL and college careers. He does have experience returning kickoffs, however, having returned kickoffs in all three of his seasons in the league.
Although the new rule got off to a slow start, the first Sunday of the NFL season generated excitement with three kickoff returns of 50-plus yards. By 2023, there have been only 10 returns of 50 yards or longer.
The Bills held on to their lead, opening the season 1-0 as they defeated the Cardinals 34-28. Buffalo will take on visiting AFC East rival Miami during Week 2 of “Thursday Night Football.”
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(Photo: Brooke Sutton/Getty Images)
