Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Sudden Death?



Yesterday the NFL altered their overtime rule slightly. Now instead of a sudden death overtime, the team that loses the toss has a small chance.

If the team who wins the toss scores a field goal on their first possession, then the team that loses the toss gets a chance to win. If the team that wins the toss scores a touchdwon then it's sudden death and they win.

This rule applies only for the playoffs as of now but may be expanded to the regular season at the NFL's next meeting in May.

One interesting point is that one team that voted against the rule was the Minnesota Vikings. After losing to the Saints in OT on a field goal, the Vikings owner voted against the trade saying that there should be consistency between the regular and post season.

Overall, its not a terrible rule change, but I see it as a baby step. I think NFL overtime has needed an overhaul for awhile now and this is a step in the right direction. However, I think the NFL needs to adopt the college overtime policy. I have heard the arguments that the players would get too tired, however I think that if a college student who at most is getting a full ride (Cant be more than 1,000,000 total) can play a few OTs and keep up with academics and practices, then a man who gets paid multimillion dollars with only practice outside of the games should be able to pull it off.

3 comments:

  1. I believe the issue is Television networks moving into prime time or overlapping games more than stamina of an NFL player.

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  2. If its in a double overtime situation, then I believe the game qualifies as prime time TV.

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  3. Agreed. I think it's interesting, but i liked the old one just as much as this one. GO BEARS!

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