NFL kickoff rule change hurting Eagles' Anderson

Several Eagles players have professionally framed copies of a group photo sitting inside their lockers.

The wide, panoramic-style picture features Michael Vick, DeSean Jackson, Asante Samuel, David Akers, Quintin Mikell and Colt Anderson, all in suits. They were the team captains for the Eagles wild-card game against the Packers in January.

That's four regular Pro Bowlers, along with Mikell, a veteran leader on last year's team. And then there's Anderson, a special teamer who had spent the first eight weeks of the season on the Vikings practice squad yet was a captain for the Eagles biggest game of the year.

The honor reflects the impact Anderson made covering kickoffs and punts in his short time in Philadelphia. He lived up to his captain's billing that day, forcing a fumble on the Eagles first punt and later downing a punt at the Packers 2-yard line.

"He lit a fire," said special teams coach Bobby April. "He showed what tenacity can do, and he was making plays even after [opponents] knew about him."

Anderson, though, has had few chances to make plays this preseason. With the NFL's new rules moving the kickoffs up to the 35-yard line, preseason kicks have boomed into the end zone with regularity. Opponents have only tried one return in the Eagles first two preseason games. No punts have been returned against the Eagles.

The lack of returns may devalue players such as Anderson and Eldra Buckley, who primarily make their contributions on special teams. Jarrad Page is a more experienced and accomplished safety than Anderson, and they may be battling for the final roster spot at the position.

"It's been tougher to evaluate the return game and the coverage game," April said.

April, obviously, hopes special teams play still factors into the final roster decisions.

"If you don't give it all on special teams, that means you're willing to forfeit a play to the opponent. I can't click with that," April said.

As the season goes on and it gets colder, April said he believes more kickoffs will be returned. But he said Reid won't be playing favorites when he trims the roster to 53.

"The head coach is only concerned about one thing, and that's winning the game. He doesn't have a pet area," April said.

Anderson pointed out that he doesn't only cover kicks. He covers punts and blocks on kick and punt returns as well.

"I'm going to go out every play like I'm going to make the play," Anderson said. "Until they blow the whistle, I'm not going to stop. Hopefully, [the rule] doesn't have an impact on roster spots."