NFL will consider two OT rule changes, including one involving a two-point conversion
The Chiefs’ 42-36 victory over the Buffalo Bills in an AFC Divisional playoff game ruffled feathers all around the NFL.
Trailing by three with 11 seconds remaining in regulation, the Chiefs drove into field-goal range, forced overtime, won the toss and then scored the game-winning touchdown in overtime.
Many thought the Bills should have had an opportunity to possess the ball, and so once again teams have offered up a change to the overtime procedure.
Currently, a first-possession touchdown wins a game without making an extra point, but the NFL on Wednesday released proposals from clubs to change the rule.
The Indianapolis Colts and Philadelphia Eagles proposed a rule change that would allow both teams an opportunity to possess the ball.
That’s been a standard argument in football for years. But the Tennessee Titans suggested a new wrinkle to the current rule.
The Titans’ rule proposal would “allow both teams an opportunity to possess the ball in overtime unless the team with the first possession scores a touchdown and a successful two-point try,” the NFL said.
Under the Titans’ proposal, the Bills would have gotten the ball back in that playoff game if the Chiefs failed on a two-point try or simply kicked an extra point.
This overtime rule would give coaches something to think about if their team scores on the first possession in overtime: kick an extra point or go for two.
Any change to the overtime rule would be voted upon at the owners meeting and require 24 votes among the 32 teams to be enacted
This story was originally published March 16, 2022 at 6:57 AM with the headline "NFL will consider two OT rule changes, including one involving a two-point conversion."
