Let's Talk Alternatives!

As the title says, it's time to talk about some overtime systems which could be considered to replace the current one. There are a multitude of ideas out there, all of which have their advocates as well as their critics. I will list some of the most popular and a few rather unique ideas--if you feel you have devised the perfect solution to the NFL overtime debacle, feel free to commend and add your own!

Some alternate overtime systems:

• Play a full 15 minute overtime quarter OR have equal possessions until one team scores and the other does not.
  Pros: it continues the game and allows the team with the highest stamina to win. Cons: potential for injuries, continued deadlock

• Give each team one possession before turning to sudden death. Pros: gives at least one equal possession opportunity Cons: turns to sudden death after one possession; therefore, team with possession first again has advantage

• Use the NCAA system with equal possessions, but in which each team receives the ball on the opponent's 25-yard line without having kickoffs. Pros: Equal possessions make it fairer and keeps it more like a normal game. No coin toss. Cons: Forgoing kickoffs and placing the ball on the opponent's 25-yard line means that "without moving an inch, a team is already in field goal range." (Time Magazine article)

• First team to score 6 points wins. Therefore, a field goal cannot win the game. Pros: The drastic improvements in where drives start and kickers' field goal conversion rates have allowed many games to be won on the first possession by a field goal. When the NFL implemented the overtime rules in 1974, kickers converted 13% of field goal attempts 50-yards or longer, vs. 52% last season. This rule eliminates the rising trend of games won by a field goal on the first possession of overtime. Cons: Game may still be determined by who wins the coin toss if a team scores a touchdown on their first possession.

• Let one team decide where the overtime kickoff will take place, and then let the other choose whether to kick or receive. Pros: No random coin toss. Cons: Still relies on a degree of chance. First team to have the football may win on their first possession.
  

• A rather bizarre option created by Packers' fan Chris Quanbeck: Auction off possession of the football based on field possession. The team that is willing to start closest to its own goal line receives possession. Use silent auction method in which each coach writes their choice, then hand it to the referee in a sealed envelope. Pros: No random coin toss. Drama and risk involved, but rewards risk with possession. Cons: Will likely never be considered because of the pressure it puts on the coaches. First possession may still win the game.

There are many other options floating around the internet and being discussed by football enthusiasts across the country. In my opinion, several of these systems are better than the current one in which a random coin toss, coupled with the rising conversions of field goals, make the overtime system increasingly outdated and ridiculous. My hope is that Mr. Goodell and the competition committee seriously consider such alternatives and commit to bringing some of them before the franchise owners for a vote within the next two years.

SOURCES:
The Fifth Down: NY Times NFL Blog
Tribune Review News
Fanhouse NFL Blog
Time Magazine
Sports Illustrated