Multiple NFL Rule Changes Will Drastically Impact The Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears are focused on doing everything they can to improve their roster ahead of the 2024 season. They've already made strides in improving their overall depth and secured another playmaker on offense with Keenan Allen. It appears they are about to add a new quarterback with the #1 overall pick. That will be followed by more intrigue at the #9 pick. If the Bears can hit on both, they are poised to take a crack at the NFC North crown for the first time in six years.

However, there are also broader elements at play. One thing about the NFL is that it isn't a league that is prone to stagnating for long periods of time. None of the major four sports is more active when it comes to altering its rule book to help "enhance" the game, even if such rule changes are widely unpopular. It appears two new ones are about to go into effect this year, and they could impact the Bears significantly.

The Chicago Bears defense's job just got harder.

Defense has long been the identity of the Bears for many years. Unfortunately, the NFL continues doing everything in its power to make life harder for that side of the ball. They can't deliver big hits anymore. Horsecollar tackles were banned. You basically can't touch the quarterback anymore. The league has decided to complicate things even further by banning the hip-drop tackle. While it does lead to injuries, the fact is it's almost impossible to avoid when you're trying to tackle somebody from the side or behind. Policing this rule will be a nightmare. How will officials be able to tell the difference between a regular tackle and a hip-drop tackle at game speeds? One has to feel bad for Matt Eberflus and his defense. Stopping offenses is already hard enough.

Velus Jones may have a chance to revive his floundering career.

On the positive end, Devin Hester's aura is helping to save kickoff returns in the NFL. The league apparently noticed teams weren't bringing the ball out much anymore, decreasing excitement as a result. Rule changes to prevent high-speed collisions was the cause. So, they decided to adopt a rule that originated in the XFL with most players standing only five yards apart and nobody allowed to move until the ball is received. It found success in that league. To help encourage more returns, the NFL made sure to push back the starting spot on touchbacks from the 35-yard line to the 30. This rule change is a godsend for Velus Jones. The former 3rd round pick had a stellar year as a rookie returning kicks in 2022, but his value to the team tanked last season as return opportunities disappeared. The Chicago Bears might once again be able to unleash him with these new changes.