There may be few bigger fans of the NFL's new touchback rules than Malik Washington.
The Miami Dolphins' kick returner is dangerous, when he gets a chance.
Last season, though, almost two-thirds of kickoffs ended in touchbacks. The league is hoping to reduce that number this year. The touchback ball placement point has been moved up to start drives at the 35-yard line.
Enter Washington, who gets an ideal return matchup in Week 1 vs. the Indianapolis Colts.
"Last season, Washington was a strong returner with 121 kick return yards over expectation (fifth-most in the league), per NFL Next Gen Stats," writes ESPN's Seth Walder. "Meanwhile, the Colts allowed 8.3 kick return yards over expectation per return (second most), including one touchdown. Indianapolis had only 13 kick returns from their opponents last season (tied for second fewest), so we'll see if Washington gets a chance to take one out with the new rules."
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Don't be surprised if Washington flips the field once or twice with big returns to put the Miami offense in great position.
That won't necessarily be his only contribution, either.
The Dolphins' WR room is led by Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. But Washington is likely the No. 3 wide receiver, and his explosiveness translates to offense, as well.
Miami will happily give him the ball on sweeps or reverses, and Tua Tagovailoa will throw it his way, too.
Washington's name might be known more as the season goes along, thanks to his return ability in the new format, along with a potential for offensive growth. And it could start Sunday.
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