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Colts and Eagles work together again

 

In addition to last years Carson Wentz trade, the Colts and Eagles got together on a joint proposal last month to modify the leagues overtime rules.  For post-season only, the proposal wanted both teams to have an opportunity to get a possession in overtime. 

The proposal passed, with only 3 teams voting against the change.  Unlike the most recent old rule, where if the team that lost the overtime coin toss gave up a TD automatically lost, that team will now have their chance to score a TD too.  If the score is tied after both teams have a possession, sudden death overtime commences (next team to score wins).  This new rule only applies to overtime games.

The Good:

  • This eliminates an over-emphasized importance on the coin flip
  • If, as in the recent Chiefs/Bills playoff game, the last team to score did so late in regulation, and then won the coin flip, an exhausted defense (in that case it was the Bills) was not positioned to fairly represent their club.
  • The Bills / Chiefs game was appropriately used an example of the classic situation  where both teams had a right to possess the ball in overtime.
  • This could also emphasize a highly entertaining play as well, the 2-point conversion.  A Team initially scoring might go for 2.  If not, the subsequent team, if they score, will also consider this option.
  • If eventually considered for the regular season, only 5 of 64 regular season overtime games have ended in tie.

The Bad:

  • A separate proposal (by the Tennessee Titans) would’ve allowed the initial scoring team in overtime to win the game then and there with a successful 2 point conversion.  Per this author, this option was appropriately NOT voted in.
  • The new approved rule is only for the post season only, establishing differing rules between regular season and playoffs, an inconsistency.  NFL executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent said: "If there was an appetite [for change], you want to be consistent. ... You don't want to have one set of rules for the regular season and another for the playoffs, but that's just me."

The Ugly:

  • Player safety has been an issue for some time.  Injuries become more common as game times extend and player exhaustion becomes relevant.  This rule will extend games further, potentially jeapordiing player health.  Clearly, that is something everyone wants to avoid.
  • The overtime is a 10-minute period.  Multiple overtime periods may be required to accommodate a minimum of 2 possessions. 

Eagles Lesson: The successful proposal is another way the Eagles are showing NFL leadership.  It is good to have an organization that cares about both gam quality and player health, and balances the rules to insure the best for both.

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