So I'm not sure on these new NFL rules changes.
The kickoff thing is plain stupid, I've watched it in the XFL and it was dumb there and it will be just as dumb in the NFL. I believe the goal is to prevent injuries as the players can't get as much momentum, but I would love to see the actual stats on injuries on the kickoff, it can't be exceptionally higher than any other play. And if the goal is to see more returns then just move the kickoff back 5 to 10 yards, not this gimmick.
Then hip drop tackle being removed is also ridiculous. They might as well just move to flag football at this point. With the sheer amount of ways the defense isn't allowed to tackle, I'm not actually sure how you are supposed to get a guy down. Basically at this point you have to put a pillow down and gently lay the opposing player down or hope that you can slightly push them out of bounds.
This is a contact sport and unfortunately that leads to injuries. I don't believe players are purposely out there trying to hurt each other it just happens.
And if the league is truly concerned about player health and wants less injuries then how come they aren't concerned about the field quality and construction? I see more ACL/knee and achilles blown out due to bad field construction/composition than players getting hurt from a hip drop tackle. Mandate a very specific field composition and test it every week. Oh wait that's right that would cost owners money, wouldn't want to hurt those owners pockets. Let's just blame a specific tackle and call it good.