By Joe Capo
January 28, 2022
***The current NFL overtime rule gives both teams the opportunity to possess the ball at least once in overtime unless the team that receives the kickoff scores a touchdown on its first possession. The only other way a team can end the game on the opening possession is via a safety. If a field goal is converted on the first possession, then the other team gets an opportunity to receive the ball by matching with a field goal. After that, it’s sudden death.***
(The above rule was installed for the 2010 playoffs and 2 years later the rule applied to ALL NFL games)
Since last Sunday’s epic matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills there has been so much discussion as to whether they should now change the overtime rule moving forward. I’ve had this discussion with at least 5 different people since last weekend. So here we are with my take on this possible rule change.
I’m probably in the minority here, but I believe they should keep the rule exactly how it is. They have had this overtime rule for over 10 years now and no one has said a word. It seemed like everyone loved the rule, and how can you blame them, being that the old rule of sudden death was terrible. Now, ONE GAME, and everyone is throwing their hands in the air screaming “This rule is awful! They have to change this!” Really?!? Yes, both the Chiefs and Bills were moving the ball up and down the field, with under 2 minutes left, like the defenses were made of cardboard cutouts. I get that, but do we forget that Buffalo had the #1 ranked defense in the league? I’m sorry, but you have to make a stop there. At least hold them to a field goal! Do I feel bad for the Bills? No, not in the least. You had the game in hand with 13 seconds left on the clock. THIRTEEN SECONDS!!!! The game never should’ve gotten to overtime, where a coin toss basically sealed the Bills fate, because defense, on both teams, was non-existent late in this game.
There have been 11 playoff games with the current overtime criteria. Of those games, the team that has won the coin toss is 10-1. Wow! Yes, that sounds lopsided, but let’s pump the brakes for a second. 7 of those 10 wins were where the team scored a touchdown on the first possession. So, we’re really looking at 7 of the 11 overtime games were won without the other team touching the ball…or 64 percent. Sixty four percent all of a sudden doesn’t sound as strong as 10-1, does it? Also, I don’t know if 11 games are much of a sample size. If you add the regular season to that lopsided playoff record, you’ll find that 163 total games have gone to overtime. The teams that win the coin toss are 86-67-10; winning 53 percent of the time. Now that’s a sample size. No need for change!
Finally, if you’re going to cause a commotion and get crazy about the Bills not getting their chance to touch the ball, and therefore demand an overtime rule change, please give me a suggestion for a new rule. I don’t want to hear your complaints unless you have a solution. Here are some of the gems that I’ve heard since last week.
Go back to sudden death. Seriously?!? This sounds like a suggestion from Dano’s Rankings (a local publication, with not much of a following.) I mean, what genius really thinks going back to sudden death, where a team can now just kick a field goal and win the game, is a better scenario than what we’re currently working with? Terrible.
Then I heard the 10-minute overtime. Ok, I suppose a timed session has promise. Both teams will most likely possess the ball. The game can’t end with an opening touchdown, very few teams can put together a 10-minute drive, and at least you know what you’re up against by receiving the ball second. Plus, you get to work the clock, leaving your opponent with very little time, if any, to receive the ball a second time. However, what happens if it’s a tie after 10 minutes? Another 10 minutes? Seems like too many uncertainties to me. You can end up playing 4 overtimes. No thanks.
I’ve also heard a crazy idea where the loser of the coin toss choses the yard line, and the winner of the toss decides if they want to play offense or defense from that spot. That sounds to me like an idea that follows a little puff-puff-give. I mean, WTF! As much as I would love to see that scenario played out once, just for entertainment purposes, I don’t think that’s the solution either.
The one suggestion that I found interesting is 8 points wins it on opening possession only. If you have the first possession and score a touchdown, do you go for two to try and end it? If you miss the 2-point attempt, are you willing to let your opponent now win the game with a touchdown and an extra point? I like the strategy that’s involved with this idea.
Do you change the rule simply by guaranteeing each team a possession? Even with a touchdown, let the other team get a chance to respond, then go to sudden death from there, after each team has received the ball once…or make the team receiving the ball second have to go for the 2-point conversion. Do you change to the old college football overtime rules where each team gets a possession from the opposing teams 25-yard line? There will definitely be a lot to discuss and debate this coming offseason. Again, i like the rule the way it is, but I’m open to change if a better solution presents itself. Time will tell. Until then, enjoy this weekend’s Conference Championship games.