By changing the overtime rules, how the game is played after four quarters would undeniably change. Right now, if you win the coin toss, you just have to push far enough into field goal range to be able to make those three points to win the game. With the increasing distances field goal kickers are making these days, this is becoming less and less of a challenge. By changing
the rules to any of the above mentioned alternatives, this strategy would no longer work. Coaches would have to think beyond that long field goal; this would make the game far more interesting and force coaches to make some tough decisions and use more strategy in order to pull off a win (like in regulation.)
This in turn keeps overtime procedure closer to the true nature of how the sport is played. A coin toss is in no way “real football.” Here’s a funny, sarcastic quote I found from NPR that really sums up how related football and a coin toss are: “In the NCFL, the National Coin Flip League, when a regulation coin-flipping contest…goes into overtime … the contestants settle the tie by engaging in a game of tackle football. Who knew?”
I want to encourage anyone who also feels the current system needs to be replaced to make their voice heard. Explain the current system to friends, neighbors, sports fans, anyone you feel should know about how crazy the NFL overtime system is. A lot of people are unaware of the rules! Join in appealing to Roger Goodell to use his influence to seriously pursue alternatives, before a Super Bowl is won on a first possession field goal!
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