NFL Overtime Rule, Clarification of Networks Paying NFL in Work Stoppage

The NFL Overtime Rule Change
I wrote in a previous post that I somewhat like the playoff overtime rule change that it didn’t go far enough.

My biggest problem with the change is that teams are playing under a different set of rules in the post season. In the regular season, a coin toss, field position and a kick can win a game. In the post season it won’t. Why different criteria for overtime playoff wins?

I do think the change is a step in the right direction but it needs to extend to regular season and tweaked some more.

At the very least, both teams should be given one possession and a chance to win the game. Regardless of a first possession touchdown, let the other team get a shot at winning the game.

I find one possible change interesting. I would allow a sudden death one possession victory under one circumstance. The current playoff rule will allow a one possession win if a team scores a TD. I say take the one possession rule one step further. A TD alone doesn’t warrant a victory. I propose changing the rule to allowing a sudden death victory only if a TD and successful two point conversion are scored.

A missed two point attempt leaves a six point lead and allows the second team a shot at winning with a TD and one point conversion. I think it is a simple tweak that would make for more interesting finishes. A coach could gamble to seal the deal on a two pointer or play it safe and go for one. It’s a high risk but high reward scenario. If after one possession for each team then the game reverts to sudden death on any score. Even if a team fails to score the two points, they still maintain the advantage and can win the game with a defensive stop.

The downside is given the conservative nature of most coaches the two point conversion may never come into play.

I’m just throwing out some food for thought.

NFL Network Money and Work Stoppage
In Pro Football Weekly’s April 2010 issue, Barry Jackson quotes a network source about television money paid to the NFL in the even of a work stoppage. The source confirmed that the networks will pay the league but the amount of payments will be deducted from any money due once play starts up again.

Basically the networks will advance money to the NFL during a strike/lockout situation to help clubs keep in operations. Despite the stoppage, bills continue to accrue like stadium maintenance, staff payroll and other organizational needs. The money just comes out of the next year’s network payments.

Good to hear that cleared up. I know the networks pay out megabucks to the NFL for broadcast rights. However the payments for no product just didn’t make any sense on any level.

Jeremy Tyler Leaves Israel, New NFL Playoff Overtime Rules

I planned on writing up a blog about Jeremy Tyler. Tyler left high school after his junior year to compete professionally in Israel for Maccabi Haifa. He left the team earlier this week.

After searching his name on the web, I found I need to do some more reading before I write a blog. There is more information about him that I want see before I go off half cocked and rip him apart.

New NFL Playoff Rules
I don't get it. A rule change only for the postseason? You play the regular season under one set of overtime rules but change it for the playoffs? It doesn't make any sense.

I like the actual rule just not implementing it exclusively for the postseason.

The rationale behind the rule makes sense. If a team team that wins the overtime coin toss scores a touchdown on their first possession the game is over. If they kick a field goal the other team gets a possession to try to win or tie. If a field goal ties up the game then the game goes sudden death. The NFL reasons that the coin toss win gives the receiving team a higher percentage at a win. Kickers now kick more accurately and from greater distances. A team that wins the toss merely has to play for field position and kick a long field goal. A long kickoff return greatly increases the chance at victory. Now a coach has to decide to try for the field goal and let the other team have a crack at it or go for the win with a touchdown.

According to a story in the Houston Chronicle, there is a chance the owners may vote to implement the rule for the regular season. I hope they do. I'd like to see how it plays out over the course of a season.