Over the course of the last two decades the Philadelphia Eagles seemingly always have a rule change to propose to the Owners and NFL Competition Committee. This year is no different. According to reports from Adam Schefter and others, the Eagles and Colts have offered a new proposal to deal with the current controversial overtime playoff format.
The overtime rules have been debated often over the last few years. Following playoff games that saw QB’s like Patrick Mahomes, and Josh Allen lose games in overtime without ever touching the ball, it’s clear NFL teams are looking to change the current OT rules of “first touchdown wins”.
This proposal suggests an opportunity for both offenses to possess the football at least once, and if both teams score, the rest of the OT would be first score wins.
This is not the first time Philadelphia has offered multiple rule changes to the OT rule. Last offseason, the team proposed two rule changes, one for onside kicks, and the other to have teams either choose 1. the location of the spot of the ball, or 2. to start on offense or defense.
Tennessee also offered their own proposal suggesting that both teams be allowed to possess the ball unless the first team scores a TD, AND converts a 2-Pt conversion. There has been a 48% success rate for teams that go for 2-Pt conversions so it would basically be a coin flip to see who wins the game in overtime…again.
In order to change a rule within the NFL game, a minimum of 75% of the Owners (24 Owners) must rule in favor of said rule change. While there is speculation that the overtime rules will change, it’s clear the NFL is looking for new and creative ways to resolve this playoff overtime question.
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