NFL could change overtime format for playoffs

[improbus]

How about this. The first team to six points in OT wins. A touchdown should end the game as it gives the defense ample chance to stop the offense (unlike a FG.)

Also, imagine the decisions that this would create. A team 4th and 2 on the 35 would have to debate on whether to go for it or kick the field goal, hope for a stop and kick another one. It seems like a way to reward good offense, good defense, and good special teams.

This seems like the proper compromise.

[dabvu2498]

Start the ball on the 50. Visiting team gets 4 downs. Home team gets 4 downs. No kicking or punting.

Whosever side of the 50 the ball ends up on, loses.

Touchdown or turnover, game over.

8 plays or less and you're done. Each team gets a chance unless they give up a big play or a turnover.

What say you?

[paintmered]

I've always thought the "first to six" plan was the best idea. It encompasses the whole game, isn't completely dependent on the outcome of the coin toss and avoids the absurdity of the college OT format.

Kudos, NFL.

[Sea Ray]

Originally Posted by paintmered

I've always thought the "first to six" plan was the best idea. It encompasses the whole game, isn't completely dependent on the outcome of the coin toss and avoids the absurdity of the college OT format.

Kudos, NFL.

Such a format does not address the main problem people have with the current system and that is that sometimes the losing team never gets a possession. If this is as far as they want to go my suggestion is "don't bother"

[Hoosier Red]

I prefer the each team gets the ball and then sudden death because this leaves some strategic downside to getting the ball first(the opponent knows what it needs for its' possesion) but also downside for the 2nd team(if they tie the game up, the first team has a big advantage like they do now.)

[Yachtzee]

Why not just take a page out of the soccer book and have a field goal shoot out. Each kicker starts kicking with the ball snapped from the 5 yd line. If each kicker makes it, move the ball back 5-10 yds and go again. If both miss, they both go again from that spot. If one makes and one misses, game over. Teams may bring in alternate kickers (e.g. put the punter in to kick if it's beyond the regular kicker's range). If the kickers are accurate enough, it would be pretty fun watching them try to boom it in from 55-60 yards.

[Sea Ray]

Yeah, let's lower our game to the level of European Futball...

[Razor Shines]

Originally Posted by Sea Ray

Such a format does not address the main problem people have with the current system and that is that sometimes the losing team never gets a possession. If this is as far as they want to go my suggestion is "don't bother"

Actually I think most people's biggest gripe is that one team may not even get the ball because sometimes the other team only has to go 40-50 yards and kick. I think most would agree that if you give up a TD on the first possession then you have nothing to complain about.

[Eric_the_Red]

What happens when the opening OT kickoff is returned for a TD? The defense didn't even touch the field and the game is over.

I say each team must get one possession, if you are going to change it. That way all three aspects of the game- offense, defense and special teams- figure into the result.

[Sea Ray]

Originally Posted by Razor Shines

Actually I think most people's biggest gripe is that one team may not even get the ball because sometimes the other team only has to go 40-50 yards and kick. I think most would agree that if you give up a TD on the first possession then you have nothing to complain about.

I can't speak for everyone but apparently Eric the Red and I disagree with you. If I kick off to you and you score a TD then I want the chance to match you and even beat you if I decide to go for two.

[cumberlandreds]

Why not play one extra 15 minute overtime of regular football. The team that scores the most points win. In the regular season if both teams are still tied at the end of the OT then call it a tie. in the Playoffs if both teams are still tied then go to sudden death format like it is now. That way both teams would have had equal opportunity to win in overtime.

[Eric_the_Red]

Originally Posted by cumberlandreds

Why not play one extra 15 minute overtime of regular football. The team that scores the most points win. In the regular season if both teams are still tied at the end of the OT then call it a tie. in the Playoffs if both teams are still tied then go to sudden death format like it is now. That way both teams would have had equal opportunity to win in overtime.

I don't think players are conditioned to play another 15 minutes. Even in basketball OT is only 5 minutes. Playing another 15 full minutes of football would lead to too many injuries.

[Sea Ray]

Originally Posted by cumberlandreds

Why not play one extra 15 minute overtime of regular football. The team that scores the most points win. In the regular season if both teams are still tied at the end of the OT then call it a tie. in the Playoffs if both teams are still tied then go to sudden death format like it is now. That way both teams would have had equal opportunity to win in overtime.

You've got to have a system that first and foremost determines a winner. If an OT can end in a tie then it didn't do what it was intended to do.

[Roy Tucker]

Originally Posted by cumberlandreds

Why not play one extra 15 minute overtime of regular football. The team that scores the most points win. In the regular season if both teams are still tied at the end of the OT then call it a tie. in the Playoffs if both teams are still tied then go to sudden death format like it is now. That way both teams would have had equal opportunity to win in overtime.

I think its TV. They don't want their schedule wrecked. Another quarter adds 30-45 minutes which goes over into the next game or into 60 Minutes.

With sudden death, games don't usually go that long.

[cumberlandreds]

Originally Posted by Roy Tucker

I think its TV. They don't want their schedule wrecked. Another quarter adds 30-45 minutes which goes over into the next game or into 60 Minutes.

With sudden death, games don't usually go that long.

That's probably it more than anything.