NFL Overtime Changes

NFL overtime rules are getting a facelift. The league and its 32 owners voted 28-4 in March to modify the current overtime format to ensure each team will receive an opportunity to have at least one possession in the extra session. Beginning next season, if a team wins the coin toss and then kicks a field goal, their opponent will get the ball, if that next series results in another field goal, play will continue under the current sudden-death rules. However, if the team winning the toss immediately scores a touchdown, than the game will be over. A large proponent for this change was NFL commissioner, Roger Goodell; also helping to pass the measure was a series of statistics indicating the coin toss had become too prominent in determining OT winners. The new rule applies only to postseason games. However, Rich McKay, the president of the Atlanta Falcons, and one of the co-chairman of the NFL's competition committee, said the rule could be implemented during the regular-season at some point. He says several owners are in favor and have expressed interest in further discussions on the subject at a later date. "There was a lot of sentiment in the room to change this rule for the regular season," McKay said, adding he doesn't expect that to happen this year. "Our thought is to take our time and study it a bit and make sure everyone understands the implications there would be for that." Find out what other players, coaches, front office executives and the NFL Players Association have to say about the rule change. Also discover my thoughts on the subject in Tuesday's edition of the McShan Sports Beat Report.

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• NFL Overtime changes
• NFL competition committee
• postseason
• NFLPA 2010
• Roger Goodell
• commissioner
• Rich McKay