NFL Considering Changes to Playoff Overtime

by Scott
from http://www.sportsuntapped.com/

NFL

The annual NFL owners meeting will kick off this coming Sunday. One of the issues on the table will be altering overtime rules for the postseason. Under the new proposal, each team would be given one possession. If the score is still tied after that, overtime will continue under sudden-death rules.

This change would apply to the playoffs only, not the regular season. In order for it to go through, 24 votes are needed. Evidently, better kickers and return men have shifted the statistics in favor of the team that wins the coin toss.

“Changes occurred over time, and the numbers have changed to 59.8 percent winning the coin toss and winning the game. The team that loses the coin toss wins 38.5 percent. We are trying to put in a system that emphasizes more skill and strategy as opposed to the randomness of the coin flip.”

Personally, I have no problem with the current system. As the old adage says, defenses get paid too. If one team can’t stop the other, then they deserve to lose. That being said, I do think the change would bring a new level of excitement to the playoffs, which are already pretty damn thrilling.

Will it pass? I’d put the chances at about 50/50. Owners are often resistant to rocking the boat. However, if they feel it can improve the viewing experience and competitiveness, they will pull the trigger. Stay tuned for the answer sometime next week.