The NFL, which cut the time of...

The NFL, which cut the time of exhibition games by an average of 14 minutes this year but eliminated an average of 10 plays, moved to put more plays back by restoring the clock stoppage after kickoffs.

The change was initiated by Commissioner Paul Tagliabue and approved by all 28 teams. Tagliabue estimated that it will restore an average of 1 minute 20 seconds to games and three to six plays.

So far this summer, exhibition games have averaged 2 hours 53 minutes, but coaches complained about having fewer plays.