By Jordan Long
The NFL changed the overtime for the postseason only which will start this upcoming season. The NFL thought the modification that they passed on March 23, 2010 allowed both teams a possession unless the team who had the football first scored a touchdown. If a field goal was scored the game would still go on. The problem with this was the coin toss meant too much.
According to msn.com, an article written on January 24th stated that since the overtime rule change in 2010, teams who won the coin toss have won 10 of the 11 playoff games since these rules have been enforced over 90% which is far too high.
In last years’ playoffs, there were two different outcomes. In the Divisional Round when Kansas City faced the Buffalo Bills, Kansas City won the overtime coin toss and scored a touchdown to win the game 42-36. Now, this left a sour taste in my mouth. I wanted to see what Josh Allen could have done with the football. It was not fair that the Bills didn’t get a chance to possess the football. Maybe Josh Allen leads a drive for the Bills and they score a touchdown which would have tied the game. If they did maybe they gamble and go for two and win the game. The worst case is the Bills would have a turnover or don’t convert on 4th down.
In the AFC Championship game when Cincinnati played Kansas City, the game was tied at 24. This went to overtime and Kansas City won the overtime coin toss. I thought then Kansas City would win the game since they won the coin toss. Well, Kansas City’s quarterback Patrick Mahomes was picked off 3 plays into overtime. Cincinnati’s offense started at their own 45 yard-line and drove to Kansas City’s 13-yard line. Cincinnati’s kicker, Evan McPherson, nailed a 31-yard field goal for them to win the game 27-24 which sent Cincinnati to the Super Bowl. I thought this was a fairer way to do overtime because each team had a chance to do something with the football.
The NFL pondered a revision to overtime. They decided that it was time to allow both teams to have the football in overtime in the playoffs. Both teams will have the football for one possession no matter the score.
The NFL is right. It is time to give both teams the football in overtime for the playoffs. The only problem I have with this is it’s only in the postseason. In the NFL’s regular season, the team who has the football first and scores a touchdown, the game is over. Of course, a field goal and they keep playing. The coin toss still means too much. Why not give both teams the football? It’s not that hard. A playoff spot or even a divisional winner could be decided in overtime. At least it’s a change but hopefully, they relook at the overtime rules for the regular season as well.
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