The New Playoff Overtime Rules Explained

By: The Football Girl | Posted: January 05, 2011

Yesterday, Darrelle Revis and Bart Scott admitted to not knowing the new playoff overtime rules, a bit of a problem since they may very well apply come Saturday night.  So Barty and Reves (my imaginary nicknames), I’m here for the assist.

Basically, sudden death is out. Fair and balanced is in. Well, at least in relation to field goals.  Here’s the drill:

If the team with the ball first scores a field goal, the game is not over.  The opposing team will have one opportunity to tie with a field goal or win it with a touchdown.  If the opposing team only ties it with a field goal, then it reverts to sudden death overtime. And, of course, if the oppposing team fails to score at all, they lose

If the team with the ball first is forced to punt or turns the ball over, we’re back to sudden death.

But if the team with the ball first scores a touchdown, they win. 

So what will Rex Ryan do on that 4^th and 2 at the Colts’ 25 yard line?  New rules = increased strategizing and intrigue.

In the interest of fairer competition, I think this was a great modification by the NFL.  Agree or disagree?

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Millie T.
Posts: 7

Confused
Reply #4 on : Fri January 14, 2011, 12:52:26

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So if the opposing team does not score will the team with the first drive field goal win by default?

Anonymous
Posts: 7

Re: The New Playoff Overtime Rules Explained
Reply #3 on : Sun January 09, 2011, 18:04:09

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it's not a joke it's the fairest way to do overtime. i think that both teams should have a chance and that's what they did. the nfl should not be ashamed of themselves and i think they did the right thing.

dawn
Posts: 7

Re: The New Playoff Overtime Rules Explained
Reply #2 on : Sat January 08, 2011, 19:12:08

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this is really stupid and confusing, keep it the way it was. if they played better there wouldnt be overtime anyway. win during regulation and you wont have to worry about stupid overtime rules.

chris
Posts: 7

Re: The New Playoff Overtime Rules Explained
Reply #1 on : Sat January 08, 2011, 11:24:23

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this is a joke the nfl should be ashamed of themselves