I applaud them for putting in key assignments for kickoffs, but I'm not sure any system that keys individuals really works. Whether to key A or B players has been debated since time immemorial. Keying A players is simple and easy, but they are rarely the 'suspects.' Keying Team B may be a little more complex, but our attention is on the 'suspects' much sooner. If players on either team 'cross' before the 'merge,' the whole key thing gets out of whack anyway. Ultimately, our attention needs to be on the players when they finally 'merge,' typically around the B-35 (will that change with the new K/O rules? We'll see). Seems like using 'lanes' or 'zones' has been more effective than keying individual players. I think we end up doing that, anyway, regardless of who we key at the kick.
From the manual:
"Note: Team A player one is not accounted for in the keys as he normally is not threatened until he reaches the head linesman/line judge's zones."
Interesting conclusion. I wasn't sure I bought that when I first read it, but, the more I re-visualize, that may, indeed, be the case. But, that doesn't mean the F & S ignore these guys - he might step OB. The F & S gotta keep their #1 in their field of vision until they (F & S) must focus on a threatened 'key' player.
