How would you change the overtime rules?

[GoSkins!]

We saw it in the Colts/Bolts game. The team that wins the coin flip gets to put their offense up against a tired defense and easily win the game. The other teams offense never has a chance to answer.

I've thought about it, looked at how college does it (don't really like that), and decided on a radically new idea: Keep the current NFL format with one major exception. The defense can also win the game if they force a turnover.

Now both sides have a big incentive to play aggresive. The defenses don't have to decide to just play prevent defense and offenses have to think twice before just heaving up the ball and hoping for a lucky pass interference or miracle catch.

What is your idea?

[44ever]

Originally Posted by GoSkins!

We saw it in the Colts/Bolts game. The team that wins the coin flip gets to put their offense up against a tired defense and easily win the game. The other teams offense never has a chance to answer.

I've thought about it, looked at how college does it (don't really like that), and decided on a radically new idea: Keep the current NFL format with one major exception. The defense can also win the game if they force a turnover.

Now both sides have a big incentive to play aggresive. The defenses don't have to decide to just play prevent defense and offenses have to think twice before just heaving up the ball and hoping for a lucky pass interference or miracle catch.

What is your idea?

Either this makes no sence or I'm not getting it, sorry. Are you saying the defense wins simply by intercepting? Under the current format if the defence intercepts they get the ball back and have a better chance because they usually end up with better field position.

The best way IMO is to just play out the OT till the end. Who ever has the most points wins. This insures both teams have equal play according to there ability and endurance.

[Skins4L]

^ haha i dont know exactly what he means either with the rules but...

Ive always thought that sucked... it all riding on a coin flip... after a hard fought game.
I think "Overtime Rule Change" would be better... but only following the same rules as College.

[GMScud]

Let both teams have the ball on offense. If the team that wins the toss drives down and scores, the other team should have a chance to match it. If not, game over. So similar to college rules I guess, only none of this starting from the 25 yard line BS. I think that's so dumb.

Although I think Dungy made a good argument for keeping it like it is- he said something along the lines of defense and offense both being equal parts of a football team, and both line up 11 men. If the team that goes on defense first in OT ends up losing, it's becuase their D didn't make the necessary plays. If the team that goes on offense first loses, it's because the O didn't make the necessary plays.

[ArtMonkDrillz]

All I know is that Donovan McNabb is really glad that the Colts/Chargers game didn't end in a tie.

[CRedskinsRule]

I actually like overtime, and Mike and Mike pointed out that 4 out of the last 5 playoff overtimes, the coin flip winner lost the game. (I don't know if that is true I did not check).
The one change I would make is to say that an overtime game has to be decided by 4 points or more, maybe only in the first 5 minutes, so that a cheap field goal doesn't decide the game. That's what I would like

[SBprimetime]

I don't think they would ever go to the college rules because it was screw up all kinds of TD records. We would have QB's throwing 50+ TD's a year constantly. Not to mention the fantasy football implications.

[FRPLG]

I say keep it the same. I agree with Dungy. You can't a football game with no defense so if they are the ones who have to do their jobs to give you chance then so be it. If there has to be a change then each team should have to alternate possessions with the same rules as regulation. One team kicks off if the recieivng team scores they kickoff if not they either punt or lose the ball on downs. Each team gets equal possessions.

[Schneed10]

I wouldn't change it one bit. What, because they didn't win the toss the defense doesn't have an opportunity to make a play?

Man up. If they get the ball first, it's do or die for the defense. Take it like a man, sack up, and stop 'em. Then you truly deserve to win.

I love the sudden death drama. And by the way, win on a turnover? WTF?

[44ever]

Playing all 15:00 of OT. Eliminates the BS field goal win. It also eliminates field position issues. 5 and 10 minute OT doesn't work because of the chance of a 6 minute drive by the recieving team.

What about a 8 min drive? Well, nothings perfect.

[firstdown]

I heard on one show that its like 53 to 47 % that the team who wins the coin toss wins the game. That did not factor in the team punting away then getting the ball back and scoring on their second drive so that even makes it closer. I don't think its that big of a deal but I could see them allowing both teams a chance with the ball then its who ever scores next.

[saden1]

I like the rules just the way they are. Football isn't all about offense, if you want to win play good defense and special teams. The college rules work for college, the NFL is the pro league...pros got to play like pros. No shortcuts, head starts, do-overs, or taking turns.

[CRedskinsRule]

^True enough, I just hate OT ending on a long FG try.

[firstdown]

Originally Posted by ArtMonkDrillz

All I know is that Donovan McNabb is really glad that the Colts/Chargers game didn't end in a tie.

Why would that matter because they are AFC and McNabb is in the NFC?

[SFREDSKIN]

I wouldn't. I'm sick of people saying that if you win the coin flip that you automatically win? That's not true, the team that loses the flip has to play defense and if they stop them, then they get their chance on offense. I've seen teams lose the flip and win in OT as much as teams winning the the coin toss. This system has been in place forever why change it now? It seems like this will be know as an era of WHINERS!!