NFL works to modify overtime rules, but there are obstacles

Web page 69 of the NFL Guidelines Ebook started to be a serious drawback for lots of followers through the playoffs as a result of that’s the part that governs Rule 16. And Rule 16 is all about additional time procedures.

And followers, many boisterously rooting for the Buffalo Payments, need to see the additional time guidelines modified to permit each groups to own the soccer earlier than an additional time winner might be declared.

In final season’s divisional playoff spherical, the Payments misplaced to the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs, 42-36, with out ever touching the soccer within the further interval.

Effectively, beginning Monday, NFL homeowners right here at The Breakers Palm Seashore lodge will get an opportunity to vote on a number of proposals that may change the principles.

Indianapolis and Philadelphia have proposed to amend Rule 16 by permitting each groups a chance to own the ball in additional time.

Tennessee has advisable that each groups possess the soccer ball in additional time except the group receiving the kickoff scores a landing and follows with a profitable two-point conversion, which might then finish the sport.

The NFL’s competitors committee, chaired by Falcons president Wealthy McKay, has introduced each of these strategies to possession for consideration and a vote this week.

Kansas Metropolis Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) celebrates after scoring on an 8-yard landing run through the first half of an NFL divisional spherical playoff soccer sport in opposition to the Buffalo Payments, Sunday, Jan. 23, 2022, in Kansas Metropolis, Mo.
(AP Photograph/Charlie Riedel)

“One factor we’ve tried to do is make sure that additional time is designed to be conventional soccer,” McKay stated throughout a convention name with reporters, “and meaning we’re going to have particular groups, we’re going to have subject place, we’re going to have the flexibility to play protection. All these issues are components. We’ve by no means tried, as a committee, to get ourselves in any kind of gimmick within the soccer sport. We attempt to play conventional soccer.”

The present additional time guidelines state that the primary group to attain a landing wins the sport, however thankfully or sadly, offenses in as we speak’s NFL have gotten actually good at scoring. And so additional time outcomes have typically been selected a coin toss.

“The development of offense and the way environment friendly offenses are, particularly within the postseason the place in 12 additional time video games, the coin-toss profitable groups received 10 occasions and 7 of these on the primary drive, offenses progress so much,” McKay stated. “In order that’s why there’s a dialogue of a guidelines modification.”

This vote will undoubtedly please followers who need change. However the vote could be tough one as a result of 24 homeowners — two-thirds of the league — should vote in favor of one of many two proposals to vary the principles.

Aug 22, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Giants president John Mara watches warmups earlier than the sport in opposition to the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium.
(Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports activities)

And even folks in favor of adjusting the principles, comparable to Big proprietor John Mara, perceive that’s going to be tough.

“I feel with my historical past on this rule, it tells me that 24 votes are usually not straightforward to get,” McKay stated. “However I do assume that statistics completely warrant an examination of whether or not our additional time guidelines must be additional modified.”