They have finally changed the overtime rules for the NFL. But don't get too excited, it's still not perfect. But it is better, and I will take better.
The new rule states that the team that loses the coin toss will get a chance at redemption if the other team only scores a field goal. If the winner of the toss scores a touchdown, game over.
So it's a start.
If the team that lost the toss also scores a field goal, then it goes back to old rules where first team to score wins. Also, there will never be a tie again in the NFL. Finally. 15 minutes periods will continue infinitely until someone scores again. So a game could hypothetically go into 3 or 4 overtimes before the outcome is decided.
In my eyes, it should be a college type overtime in the NFL, with slightly adjusted rules. One of the main changes I would make is starting at the 40 yard line instead of the 25, as NFL kickers are much better than college kickers. Also, I think that the possessions should alternate regularly. What I mean is that in college, if you pick defense first, your team would go defense, offense, offense, defense. Why not just switch every other and go defense, offense, defense, offense?
Why does this matter? I believe fatigue affects the defense more than it affects the offense. Therefore, the team that has to go defense back to back would have a disadvantage. Not only would their defense become vastly fatigued, but the other teams defense would have two possessions to rest. Not fair. Make it even as possible.
Either way, kudos to the NFL owners for taking OT rules in the right direction. Now we just need to complete the job.
7 years ago
I thought the OT rules were just changing for the post season only...I could be wrong and I'm NOT looking it up
ReplyDeleteADAM.it is only for the post season...for now. they are looking to re-evaluate to add it into the regular season. Even though i agree with brian on the college style, 40yd line rules i have to disagree with the O,D,O,D thought and heres why; i think that luck should play a small part in sports along with strategy. Players often choose defense for strategic reasons as you mentioned with fatigue. Of course the losers will always bitch that its not fair if the circumstances arent COMPLETELY even but hey, thats sports. Sometimes its better to be lucky than good. The new NFL rules are one step closer to college rules and we all knew that they wouldnt go pure college style. I actually like the field goal rule because it adds an element of strategy and excitement to the game and gives fans another reason to either cry or gloat about their teams clutch decision. OUT
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