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Seahawks Use 300-Pound Linemen on Kickoff Coverage, and It’s Working

Seattle is redefining special teams under the NFL’s new kickoff rule. In Sunday’s 38–14 win over Washington, 334-pound nose tackle Brandon Pili forced a fumble on kickoff coverage, a move that led to a touchdown one play later. Coach Jay Harbaugh’s bold idea uses heavier players in shorter-space collisions, maximizing power over speed. “New rules. New ideas,” one analyst said.