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PrintThe NFL owners voted Tuesday to change rules for overtime playoff games.
Previously, all overtime periods were sudden death, meaning the first team to score won. Some opposed this format because a coin toss decides which team gets the ball first, and a team could lose without ever possessing the ball in overtime.
The new rule, which for now will apply only to playoff games, will give the team that loses the coin toss a chance to tie or win the game if the other team scores a field goal on its first possession. However, the team that loses the coin toss will not get the ball if the other team scores a touchdown on its first possession, which will end the game.
Also, ties will no longer be a possibility. The league will use as many 15-minute overtime periods as needed to decide overtime games.
The NFL's overtime system has long been contrasted with the format used in NCAA football, considered by many to be more fair and exciting. Both teams have a chance to score regardless of who starts with the ball. Teams start with the ball 25 yards from the end zone they are attacking, and overtime continues until one team scores more points in one of the overtime periods.
What do you think of the NFL overtime rule changes? Should the NFL consider adopting the NCAA's rules?
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i like the new rule.both teams should have a chance to score, not just who won the coin toss