PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — It took a few years, and for many fans that probably was too long.
Still, the NFL has heard the cries of “unfair” and has adjusted its overtimes rules.
Only for the postseason, though.
The NFL is changing the sometimes controversial overtime rules to guarantee each side gets the ball in the playoffs.
Concerned that the coin toss to begin the extra period has too much impact on postseason game results, the owners voted Tuesday to permanently approve a proposal presented by the Colts and Eagles.
Beginning this season, if the team possessing the ball first in overtime scores a touchdown on that series, the opponent still gets a possession. In recent seasons, that touchdown would have ended the game.
That second possession of overtime would extend beyond the initial 15-minute period if needed. Should that team tie the game, it then would become sudden death.
Outcries began back in the February 2017 Super Bowl when Tom Brady completed an incredible comeback from a 28-3 deficit to tie the game. The Patriots won the coin toss, marched to a touchdown and beat the Falcons.
In the 2018 season, New England won the AFC title on the first series of OT without Kansas City getting the ball.
When the same thing happened in Kansas City during this January’s divisional game between the Bills and the Chiefs, won by KC, a groundswell became an uproar.
“We always listen to fans,” Commissioner Roger Goodell said. “What brought this decision was the database and the facts. When you see that, this is an issue in the postseason.”
Rich McKay, the Falcons president and chairman of the competition committee, admitted that Kansas City’s victory over Buffalo was a factor in the balloting by owners. He said that was well beyond the required 24 votes, but would not reveal the exact numbers.
“I think what the stats show is there is a clear issue we can say since the change (in rules) in 2010,” McKay added, “and the problem comes in the postseason.”
Since the previous overtime rule was instituted for the regular season in 2012, the team that wins the coin toss has won the game half of the time (76 of 152 games). However, both teams have had at least one possession in 82% of the games (124 of 152).
Those numbers changed quite a bit in the postseason. Since 2010, when that rule was instituted for the playoffs, seven of the 12 overtime games have been won on an opening possession touchdown, and 10 of 12 have been won by the team that won the coin toss.
“That data was compelling to us and to the league,” McKay said. “An amendment was added (to the original proposal by the Colts and Eagles) to not make a change in the regular season, but in the postseason, where our problem principally lies.”
The Titans had recommended that both teams possess the ball in overtime unless the team receiving the kickoff scores a touchdown and a 2-point conversion. That would end the game. But the owners, perhaps believing the Tennessee suggestion was too gimmicky, went with the other proposal.
Under previous rules, the 10-minute overtime in the regular season only continued if the team getting the ball first failed to score or kicked a field goal. Should the side receiving the kickoff make a field goal, the team that first played defense would get a possession in which it can score a touchdown and win, or kick a field goal and play would continue — if time allowed.
Of course, in the postseason, when there are no ties, overtimes continue until someone has more points.
Goodell concluded the meetings by urging caution regarding the Deshaun Watson situation and the NFL’s investigation. The quarterback, who did not play for Houston last season after 22 women accused him of sexual misconduct, will not be indicted on criminal charges. Now with the Cleveland Browns after a trade, Watson still faces civil lawsuits.
“We’re going to let the facts lead us, find every fact we can,” Goodell said. “At least there is a resolution from the criminal side of it. Our investigation hopefully will have access to more information.”
As for a potential suspension for Watson, Goodell noted that a discipline officer jointly appointed by the league and players’ union would make that determination.
Goodell said if the league discovers a violation in Dolphins owner Stephen Ross’ conduct regarding the integrity of the game, the information would be released publicly. Former Dolphins coach Brian Flores has sued the NFL and three teams (Miami, Denver and the New York Giants), claiming racist hiring practices. Flores also has accused Ross of offering him a bonus to lose games in 2019, something the owner vigorously has denied.
Earlier Tuesday, Carolina coach Matt Rhule voiced his support of a potential change — something that many owners agreed with, if only for the postseason.
“You get a shot, I get a shot,” Rhule said, “and may the best team win.”
Troy Vincent, who oversees NFL football operations, echoed Rhule’s sentiment, saying that football fans have expressed the same opinion.
“The fan wants to see his quarterback touch the ball, and the data drove us to that,” Vincent said.
The owners also approved an anti-tampering rule that prohibits a team seeking an assistant general manager from asking permission for an interview until after the draft. As Vincent explained, someone in personnel for one team who has been involved in draft preparation should not be available for hire by another club until the draft is over.
Once the draft has concluded — this year that is April 30 — the employing team must grant permission for such interviews.
Source: Chiefs send Hill to Dolphins for draft picks
Kevin Hoffman/Getty Images North America/TNS
Had one of the truly great under-the-radar seasons in NFL history a year ago and the gold standard in terms of a passer who can also run (4,407 yards passing, 36 TDs, 763 yards rushing, six touchdowns). Solid offseason acquisitions for the Bills included guard Rodger Saffold, tight end O.J. Howard and pass rusher Von Miller.
Kevin Hoffman/Getty Images North America/TNS
Had one of the truly great under-the-radar seasons in NFL history a year ago and the gold standard in terms of a passer who can also run (4,407 yards passing, 36 TDs, 763 yards rushing, six touchdowns). Solid offseason acquisitions for the Bills included guard Rodger Saffold, tight end O.J. Howard and pass rusher Von Miller.
Source: Chiefs send Hill to Dolphins for draft picks
David Becker
The Chiefs added JuJu Smith-Schuster to an offense that already has Tyreek HIll and Travis Kelce. Still trying to figure out what happened to Mahomes in the second half of the AFC title game loss to the Bengals, but am going to assume it was just a bad day.
David Becker
The Chiefs added JuJu Smith-Schuster to an offense that already has Tyreek HIll and Travis Kelce. Still trying to figure out what happened to Mahomes in the second half of the AFC title game loss to the Bengals, but am going to assume it was just a bad day.
Source: Chiefs send Hill to Dolphins for draft picks
Mark LoMoglio
Had the Bucs on the verge of a miraculous comeback in the title game against the Rams until they got Cooper Kupp-ed. One concern — Brady lost both of his starting guards, Ali Marpet to a surprise retirement and Alex Cappa to free agency.
Mark LoMoglio
Had the Bucs on the verge of a miraculous comeback in the title game against the Rams until they got Cooper Kupp-ed. One concern — Brady lost both of his starting guards, Ali Marpet to a surprise retirement and Alex Cappa to free agency.
Source: Chiefs send Hill to Dolphins for draft picks
Lynne Sladky
You'll notice the Nos. 3 and 4 quarterbacks on this list were acquired specifically with the idea of making a good team a great one by their mere presence, and both delivered Super Bowl championships. Why draft and develop when you can fill football's most important position with a trade?
Lynne Sladky
You'll notice the Nos. 3 and 4 quarterbacks on this list were acquired specifically with the idea of making a good team a great one by their mere presence, and both delivered Super Bowl championships. Why draft and develop when you can fill football's most important position with a trade?
Source: Chiefs send Hill to Dolphins for draft picks
Adam Hunger
The Bengals signed La'el Collins and Cappa to upgrade the line that saw Burrow get sacked 51 times take a beating in the postseason. If Cincinnati gets its protection shored up, Burrow can put up much bigger numbers than last year's 4,611 yards and 34 touchdowns. He's that good.
Adam Hunger
The Bengals signed La'el Collins and Cappa to upgrade the line that saw Burrow get sacked 51 times take a beating in the postseason. If Cincinnati gets its protection shored up, Burrow can put up much bigger numbers than last year's 4,611 yards and 34 touchdowns. He's that good.
Source: Chiefs send Hill to Dolphins for draft picks
Jeff Bottari
Wide receiver Mike Williams was retained with a three-year contract extension, but offense wasn't the Chargers' problem. Watch how much better Herbert gets in terms of the bottom line if free agent cornerback J.C. Jackson lives up to his contract and with Khalil Mack as a bookend pass rusher to go along with Joey Bosa.
Jeff Bottari
Wide receiver Mike Williams was retained with a three-year contract extension, but offense wasn't the Chargers' problem. Watch how much better Herbert gets in terms of the bottom line if free agent cornerback J.C. Jackson lives up to his contract and with Khalil Mack as a bookend pass rusher to go along with Joey Bosa.
Source: Chiefs send Hill to Dolphins for draft picks
Jeffrey Phelps
Rodgers played poorly in the playoff loss to the 49ers and his penchant for being overly dramatic is wearing thin. He's also without Davante Adams, dealt to the Raiders. But he's won back-to-back Most Valuable Player awards and he's going to the Hall of Fame, so he can't be counted out.
Jeffrey Phelps
Rodgers played poorly in the playoff loss to the 49ers and his penchant for being overly dramatic is wearing thin. He's also without Davante Adams, dealt to the Raiders. But he's won back-to-back Most Valuable Player awards and he's going to the Hall of Fame, so he can't be counted out.
Source: Chiefs send Hill to Dolphins for draft picks
David Zalubowski
This one could go either way. But the guess here is Wilson regains his touch with Nathaniel Hackett running the offense and makes the Broncos a viable playoff contender in the quarterback-rich AFC West.
David Zalubowski
This one could go either way. But the guess here is Wilson regains his touch with Nathaniel Hackett running the offense and makes the Broncos a viable playoff contender in the quarterback-rich AFC West.
Source: Chiefs send Hill to Dolphins for draft picks
Emilee Chinn
Helped coax his longtime Fresno State friend Adams to Las Vegas in a deal that instantly makes the Raiders potentially something special on offense. With Adams, Darren Waller and Hunter Renfrow, Carr's red zone issues should be a thing of the past if the Raiders can protect him.
Emilee Chinn
Helped coax his longtime Fresno State friend Adams to Las Vegas in a deal that instantly makes the Raiders potentially something special on offense. With Adams, Darren Waller and Hunter Renfrow, Carr's red zone issues should be a thing of the past if the Raiders can protect him.
Source: Chiefs send Hill to Dolphins for draft picks
Zach Bolinger
Yes, he could be suspended and it's more than a little distasteful so many teams were willing to overlook 22 civil suits to throw bags of money at one of the NFL's dynamic talents. But if the guy is getting $230 million guaranteed, a lot of people will overlook his indiscretions and he'll be the biggest thing in Cleveland since LeBron James.
Zach Bolinger
Yes, he could be suspended and it's more than a little distasteful so many teams were willing to overlook 22 civil suits to throw bags of money at one of the NFL's dynamic talents. But if the guy is getting $230 million guaranteed, a lot of people will overlook his indiscretions and he'll be the biggest thing in Cleveland since LeBron James.
Source: Chiefs send Hill to Dolphins for draft picks
Roger Steinman
Should be good for another 4,449 yards passing and 37 touchdowns for the Cowboys. Still perplexed by the sight of Prescott running the ball up the middle and running out the clock against the 49ers in the playoffs, but that doesn't change the fact he's among the elite of the suddenly quarterback-thin NFC.
Roger Steinman
Should be good for another 4,449 yards passing and 37 touchdowns for the Cowboys. Still perplexed by the sight of Prescott running the ball up the middle and running out the clock against the 49ers in the playoffs, but that doesn't change the fact he's among the elite of the suddenly quarterback-thin NFC.
Source: Chiefs send Hill to Dolphins for draft picks
Danny Karnik
Atlanta's whiff with Watson turned out to be the best thing that could have happened to Ryan. He joins a far superior Colts team that has a great lead back in Jonathan Taylor, solid receivers and a good defense. In terms of decision-making and stability, a huge upgrade over Carson Wentz on a team that's ready to win.
Danny Karnik
Atlanta's whiff with Watson turned out to be the best thing that could have happened to Ryan. He joins a far superior Colts team that has a great lead back in Jonathan Taylor, solid receivers and a good defense. In terms of decision-making and stability, a huge upgrade over Carson Wentz on a team that's ready to win.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell answers questions from reporters at a press conference following the close of the NFL owner's meeting, Tuesday, March 29, 2022, at The Breakers resort in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
Rebecca Blackwell
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell answers questions from reporters at a press conference following the close of the NFL owner's meeting, Tuesday, March 29, 2022, at The Breakers resort in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
