Colts propose monumental rule change for overtime
The Indianapolis Colts have proposed a rule change that could drastically change the NFL’s current overtime format.
After an amazing NFL postseason, one thing that left a bad taste in the mouth of NFL viewers was the current overtime structure. With the current design, if the first team with possession scores a touchdown, the game is over.
This model has a lot of pushback from fans, media, and players because one offense never gets to touch the ball in the extra period. However, that could soon change.
The Indianapolis Colts recently submitted a proposal that would allow each team to possess the ball at least once in overtime.
The Colts have submitted a proposal to guarantee each team an OT possession, according to a league source -- if approved, the rule change would apply to regular AND post-season. Again, unclear how much support there is for such a change.
— Judy Battista (@judybattista) February 28, 2022
Colts propose each team gets possession in overtime
The recent outrage with the current structure was sparked by the AFC Divisional game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills.
Buffalo and Kansas City battled in an all-time, back-and-forth classic. Led by the young elite quarterbacks, Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes, the game was tied at 36 at the end of regulation. The Chiefs won the toss, received the ball, and drove to score a touchdown, ending the game.
Josh Allen, who completed 27-of-37 passes that game for 329 yards and four touchdowns, never got to see the field. The rule, if implemented, would allow Allen and the Bills offense a chance to respond.
The initial proposal is for overtime in general, regular and postseason. However, it’s possible the rule could be amended just for the playoffs, with the current structure remaining in place for the regular season.
There’s also no guarantee that the rule is adopted at all. For the rule to go into place, 75% of the owners, 24 out of 32, would have to vote in favor of it. In the past, the owners have not been on board with such change.
This same conversation was had in 2019 when Kansas City made a similar proposal after they were on the other side of an overtime loss in the AFC Championship. It was Mahomes and the Chiefs offense that didn’t get a chance to respond.
The owners shut that proposal down, not even bringing it to a vote due to a lack of support. Maybe things will be different this time around.
