Truth & Rumors > NFL
Why NFL won't change OT format
When it comes to overtime, they are the two topics most often discussed: how a coin toss in sudden death can create a one-possession situation, and how games can end in less-than-satisfying ties. The discussion is usually followed by the question: Should the NFL adopt a different overtime format? Each year, the Competition Committee votes no, and one member of the influential eight-man board explained why last week. "When you're talking about overtime, the first thing that is important to understand is the history of the rule and why it was implemented in 1974," said Indianapolis Colts president Bill Polian. "Some of the founding fathers of the modern-day game wanted to eliminate ties because they thought they weren't good for the league." Since the overtime rules were adopted in 1974, there had been just 16 ties in 417 overtime games (3.8 percent). The Eagles-Bengals game last Sunday was the 17th. The committee then analyzes data regarding the impact of the opening coin toss, which from 1974-2007 look like this: Teams winning the toss winning the game, 53.5 percent Teams winning the toss winning the game on the opening possession, 29.5 percent Teams losing the toss winning the game, 42.7 percent Games ending in a tie, 3.8 percent Games decided by a field goal, 69.3 percent "The most prominent criticism of the system is that teams should have one possession each," Polian said. "But when you look at the statistics, 70.5 percent of the time both teams do have at least one possession, and that number has gone up in recent years."
Donovan McNabb, AP
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Comments (58) Add A Comment
Line up ten fat linemen from each team on opposite twenty yard lines, put a greased up football on the fifty yard line, blow a whistle, the team that ends up with the ball wins.
Wanted Man
Lincoln , NE
Total Comments (1425)
Heh, heh. That would be fun to watch. I second this motion. Let the games begin!!
HOOAH05!
Total Comments (15369)
OT is fine just the way it is. Please do not do that silly college business. That looks like a spring intra squad scrimmage....
50yearfan
Total Comments (8686)
I'm torn on this one 50. When it's my team I want them to get their own chance after the other team scores.
HOOAH05!
Total Comments (15369)
I still find it hard to believe that mcnabb didn't know there was ties, especially when there has been a couple during his time in the leauge not to mention 1 of them occured in his own division in a giants redskins game.
Was he playing dumb, or might is he ?
commiczar
Total Comments (576)
I wish you could edit posts. LOL
commiczar
Total Comments (576)
Yeah, that last one sounded like a drunk Yoda. LOL!
HOOAH05!
Total Comments (15369)
HOOAH05!..I understand the dilema, but it cuts both ways. On a windy, bad weather day in an outdoor stdium, starting on defense could be the way to go. Even in good weather, your defense may be your best chance.
I would like to see the kick off come from the 40 yard line though in OT. Now that would make it interesting. What if you had to most likely start from your own 20???? That is the change I would like to see.
50yearfan
Total Comments (8686)
the first USFL game did this (minus the fat guys) to see who would get the opening kick off.
one of the players had a year ending injury, so they scrapped the idea.
MATTUSA
Total Comments (7345)
I do remember a certain game in NY with a banged up E. Smith led my boys into an overtime win. That was a good outcome for me. Hee hee!
HOOAH05!
Total Comments (15369)
Never claimed to be original. But just imagine twenty D and O linemen colliding at a full run. Hey, it isn't any more hokey then the NHL shoot out.
Wanted Man
Lincoln , NE
Total Comments (1425)
I remember it too. After years of therapy, I am over it. Kind of.....
50yearfan
Total Comments (8686)
it would be different if there were more ties. it happens 2x a decade at most. the league has more pressing problems. blind refs, alcoholic players, end of the salary cap coming, the league's inconsistent fines for hits and non-hits during play this season, the dart board method of handing out suspensions that roDger uses, etc.
pw
New Baltimore , NY
Total Comments (2906)
The gamblers wouldn't aprove.
Wanted Man
Lincoln , NE
Total Comments (1425)
How often do ties actually happen? Leave things the way they are.
Canadian Eagles Fan
Total Comments (7206)
Just keep playing. You have to have a winner.
C-Smith
Total Comments (2180)
LOL! I'm guessing last year's playoff win in Dallas had a hand in your recovery process.
HOOAH05!
Total Comments (15369)
Coin tosses should not decide football games. They should go to the college OT system that is fair to both teams.
astall35
Total Comments (20)
I don't understand why they just can't play an extra quarter. That would assure that both offenses would have a chance to score. I don't think starting on defense is ever a good idea. Just ask Marty Mornhinweg.
robertkrz
Johnstown , PA
Total Comments (22)
I thought they did that in the past. Wasn't there a game between Miami and NY Jets that went well past midnight?
HOOAH05!
Total Comments (15369)
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