Turning a Blind Eye

One of the most absurd parts of the NFL overtime rules issue is that people in positions of power within the organization often recognize and remark upon the problems with the rules. Despite there being ardent traditionalists who want the rules to stay “as is,” many coaches, players, and other NFL officials have publicly acknowledged the problems with the current rules. Others express support for the current rules, but seem to also contradict themselves when talking specifics.

My favorite example of this comes from Rich McKay, president of the Atlanta Falcons and co-chairman of the Competition Committee: “Sudden death is a good procedure. It's fun and everyone knows the rules," McKay said. "I would like to see the stats change because I don't like the fact that the team winning the coin flip now wins 60% of the time, and the team winning the coin flip, 40-plus% of the time, wins it on the first possession." So Mr. McKay acknowledges the inequity the stats back up, yet supports the system that creates such stats and inequity? This seems to be the mindset many officials publicly display. You can’t have your cake and eat it too; the system must change for the stats to change.

Jeff Fisher, coach of the Tennessee Titans, also acknowledges the unfairness of the coin flip, as well as the complacency to stay with the status quo. “"I think it's a system we're all used to and you're always concerned when a random coin toss determines the outcome of a game," he said. In my opinion, this sums it up. The current system has been in place for decades, and those close to it get familiar with it. However, each year a situation arises which brings the overtime system into the spotlight, and provokes discussion on whether the rules ought to change. I guarantee that if a Super Bowl ever is determined in overtime, especially on the first possession, suddenly the status quo will become a lot more challenged.

Why not proactively look into alternative methods which may reflect the nature of the game better and not allow the random flip of a coin to influence the outcome? Coaches, players, officials, and Mr. Goodell, please seriously start pursuing a path towards a new overtime system today.

SOURCES:
USA Today article