Football I Forgot About This. No More Sudden Death In Overtime For The Playoffs - Page 2

Stinger · 01-04-2011, 08:49 AM

So long, sudden death: Playoffs offer new overtime approach

Atlanta Falcons coach Mike Smith is glad his top-seeded NFC team got a first-round playoff bye -- and not for the usual reasons of players getting healthy, getting more time to game plan, etc.

The added few days allow Smith, and every other team with a bye, to prepare for new overtime rules that were implemented this offseason but not put into effect until the playoffs. The eight teams involved in this weekend's wild-card games have to cram in order to be ready for the chance they get to overtime.

"This can influence decision making, especially how you play the last couple minutes of a ball game, in terms of playing for the tie or win in regulation," Smith said. "There are a lot of situations that you have to coach differently in overtime."

Beginning Saturday, sudden-death as we know it, is history -- until next regular season.

Unlike regular-season overtime rules that have been in place for years, both teams could have the chance to score in overtime, even if the first team with the ball kicks a field goal. Normally, the team to score first, regardless of how, wins. Not necessarily in the postseason.

If a field goal is made by the team in the first possession in overtime, the other team gains possession. If that team scores a touchdown, game over. If it kicks a field goal to tie, then the next team to score wins. The only way the game ends on the first possession is if that team scores a touchdown or if the defense forces a safety or returns a turnover for a score.

The changes didn't sit well with coaches, especially since the first time they could encounter them could be with a Super Bowl berth on the line. Teams now have to add another layer of preparation to their practices, in the film room and on the field because of the variety of uncharted scenarios that could present themselves.

The possibilities have had coaches trying to sort out every circumstance possible -- and there are plenty. For example ...
The kicking game

» If a kickoff is booted deep into the end zone, a player could be coached to take the touchback rather than try and bring it out and risk a fumble or a penalty that could give them awful field position and result in a punt close to or from the end zone. Both could give the opposition ideal field position.

» If the team has to punt on its first possession, does the return team double team the gunners? By having additional bodies blocking near where the ball could land, it could increase the risk of the ball touching a player on the return team. If that were to happen, the punting team would regain possession in good field position and possibly win with a field goal since the turnover is considered a possession.

Look for teams to stack the box with eight or nine defenders to force max protection and reduce traffic coming off the edges near the return man, a league source said.
On defense

» Players could be coached that if they intercept the ball in the end zone on the first possession to take the touchback. Should they return it and fumble in the process, it could give the opposing team possession in field goal range. The fumble of an interception would mean that each team has had a possession and now a field goal wins the game.
On offense

» Teams who get the ball first could be more aggressive trying to score touchdowns (one of the reasons the rule change was applied) so the other team won't get the ball back.

» If you trail by a field goal and are getting the ball with a chance to tie or win, every possession is a four-down possession, so play-calling on both sides of the ball could be different.

http://www.nfl.com/superbowl/story/0...approach-to-ot

Mark Humphrey / Associated Press
The Saints' victory in the NFC Championship last season was just one of three playoff games that ended with a field goal on the opening possession of overtime. The winners of two of those games went on to claim the Super Bowl title.

OT playoff games won with FG on first possession:

2009 NFC Championship
Saints 31, Vikings 28

2002 AFC Divisional playoff
Titans 34, Steelers 31

2001 AFC Divisional playoff
Patriots 16, Raiders 13

suzzer99 · 01-04-2011, 11:02 AM

My version that I was preaching for years was that the if the first team to get possession scored, the second team simply had one chance to beat that score. So even if the first team scores a TD+1, the second team has a chance with a TD+2. But they have to beat it - a tie doesn't help them. So the game never lasts more than 1 extra possession over the current system.

suzzer99 · 01-04-2011, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Farzin

I'm not saying flip a coin. I'm saying play defense. If a defense cannot stop the offense, then people just need to accept that their team got beat.

What if you have two offensive juggernauts with terrible defenses? Then a huge part of it comes down to chance.

My point is the whole "you already had 60 minutes" argument doesn't really negate perceived unfairness in the overtime scenario. If fans leave the stadium feeling cheated because their team never touched the ball in OT, that's not the best thing for the game.

Stinger · 01-04-2011, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Farzin

I just remembered something..

What if a team makes a FG, and recovers an unexpected onside kick? Not that it would be a wise thing to do, but wouldn't surprise me a whole lot if Todd Haley did that. I never remember that being discussed when the rule came out, but I guess the team who made the field goal wins, as long as they recover the ball.

I believe under this rule that if you score and recover and onside kick that would be the game and the other team would not have a possession.

Chiefnj2 · 01-04-2011, 11:15 AM

From masnsports.com

"In case you need a refresher, here's how the new system will work:

While there is still a sudden-death element of the rule, the first score does not necessarily win the game. Under the new rule, both teams have the opportunity to possess the ball once during the overtime period, unless the team that receives the opening kickoff (we'll call that team "Team A") scores a touchdown on its initial possession. In that case, Team A is the winner.

If the team that possesses the ball first on its opening possession scores a field goal, the other team (Team B) will have an opportunity to get a possession as well. If Team B scores a touchdown on its possession, it is the winner. If the game is tied after both teams have a possession (meaning either that neither team scored or each team kicked a field goal), then the next team to score by any method is the winner.

If the score is tied at the end of the 15-minute overtime period, another OT period will begin and the game will continue until a team scores.

So, to summarize, if Team A scores an opening-drive touchdown, they win. An opening-drive field goal by Team A, however, no longer wins the game.

This takes away some of the weight of the coin toss, which in the past, had obviously played a major factor in overtime results.

Turnovers and trick plays could make the new system even a bit more confusing. "The opportunity to possess the ball" means that you are on the field to receive a kickoff. If you fumble the kickoff or if the kicking team recovers an onside kick, that still counts as your opportunity to possess the ball.

It might be important to note - or it might not, really - that only four teams voted against the new rule when it was proposed at the owners meetings, and one of those teams was the Ravens."

Swanman · 01-04-2011, 11:15 AM

I liked the XFL "can you beat this" overtime rule. It was similar to college overtime rules, as each team got the ball on the 25. However, the added wrinkle was that if Team A scored a touchdown in 3 plays, for example, then Team B had to score a touchdown in 3 plays to force a second overtime or less than 3 to outright win the game. It was a goofy rule that I wouldn't advise putting in the NFL, but it was a fun rule for the circus sideshow that was the XFL.

Skyy God · 01-04-2011, 11:24 AM

Don't feel bad, so did McNabb.

**Nzoner** · 01-04-2011, 11:43 AM

I'm really going to have to think about my bets on the over/unders now,damn the extra work.

WebGem · 01-04-2011, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by philfree

I don't have this years OT stats in front of me but I think what happened in OT games this years shows taht this was a dumb rules change. I don't think the games were won on the first possession in half the games.

PhilFree

If the Chiefs scored first I doubt Haley calls an onside. He'd rely on the defense at that point.

milkman · 01-04-2011, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiefsFan5840

If the Chiefs scored first I doubt Haley calls an onside. He'd rely on the defense at that point.

I don't know.

I can see either he, Bellichick or Sean Payton being the ones to do it.

**OnTheWarpath15** · 01-04-2011, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkman

I don't know.

I can see either he, Bellichick or Sean Payton being the ones to do it.

I don't see any of them taking the risk.

Don't recover, and the opposition needs 5 yards for a tying FG, and 40 yards for a win.

Cover the kick and play defense.

**wazu** · 01-04-2011, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Farzin

I dislike it, strongly. When fans, coaches, players say "Our team never got the ball in OT," I always say to myself, "Sure they did. They had 60 minutes before the OT period."

I just think people use that as an excuse because they lost. I liked sudden death, personally.

Totally agree. Every team loves to play for overtime, then bitch about how overtime is a coin toss. Go for 2 when you score that last TD if you want to have the game in your own hands. If you want a coin toss, then just kick an extra point and stop whining.

VAChief · 01-04-2011, 12:14 PM

I guess I am missing something here. Seems like an easy change to me with little downside and plenty of upside. Touch back coaching really? What would be different than the current OT system? Even in the current sudden death system you would want your return person to be careful with their decisions, protect the ball, etc. This isn't brain surgery.

I like giving each side a chance, especially in a playoff situation. Can you imagine a Final Four or NBA finals game going to OT and telling the team that wins the toss, ok first one to score wins...Tough noogies to you if you don't play defense good enough to stop them you had your chance the first 40 or 48 minutes. Or baseball going to first one to score.

This isn't perfect but its better than what they have now.

**wazu** · 01-04-2011, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OnTheWarpath58

I don't see any of them taking the risk.

Don't recover, and the opposition needs 5 yards for a tying FG, and 40 yards for a win.

Cover the kick and play defense.

Agreed. I'd much rather see an attempt on fourth down than an onside kick after a field goal.

Chiefnj2 · 01-04-2011, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OnTheWarpath58

I don't see any of them taking the risk.

Don't recover, and the opposition needs 5 yards for a tying FG, and 40 yards for a win.

Cover the kick and play defense.

But don't kick to Devin Hester.

Chiefnj2 · 01-04-2011, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OnTheWarpath58

I don't see any of them taking the risk.

Don't recover, and the opposition needs 5 yards for a tying FG, and 40 yards for a win.

Cover the kick and play defense.

If you were playing a Marty-esque coached team, would you onside knowing there is a good likelihood he will just try 2 yards and a cloud of dust and automatically settle for the FG, giving you the ball back where you can go for the win?

01-04-2011, 08:49 AM
Stinger Bazinga Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Springfield, MO Casino cash: $3344507	I Forgot About This. No More Sudden Death In Overtime For The Playoffs So long, sudden death: Playoffs offer new overtime approach Atlanta Falcons coach Mike Smith is glad his top-seeded NFC team got a first-round playoff bye -- and not for the usual reasons of players getting healthy, getting more time to game plan, etc. The added few days allow Smith, and every other team with a bye, to prepare for new overtime rules that were implemented this offseason but not put into effect until the playoffs. The eight teams involved in this weekend's wild-card games have to cram in order to be ready for the chance they get to overtime. "This can influence decision making, especially how you play the last couple minutes of a ball game, in terms of playing for the tie or win in regulation," Smith said. "There are a lot of situations that you have to coach differently in overtime." Beginning Saturday, sudden-death as we know it, is history -- until next regular season. Unlike regular-season overtime rules that have been in place for years, both teams could have the chance to score in overtime, even if the first team with the ball kicks a field goal. Normally, the team to score first, regardless of how, wins. Not necessarily in the postseason. If a field goal is made by the team in the first possession in overtime, the other team gains possession. If that team scores a touchdown, game over. If it kicks a field goal to tie, then the next team to score wins. The only way the game ends on the first possession is if that team scores a touchdown or if the defense forces a safety or returns a turnover for a score. The changes didn't sit well with coaches, especially since the first time they could encounter them could be with a Super Bowl berth on the line. Teams now have to add another layer of preparation to their practices, in the film room and on the field because of the variety of uncharted scenarios that could present themselves. The possibilities have had coaches trying to sort out every circumstance possible -- and there are plenty. For example ... The kicking game » If a kickoff is booted deep into the end zone, a player could be coached to take the touchback rather than try and bring it out and risk a fumble or a penalty that could give them awful field position and result in a punt close to or from the end zone. Both could give the opposition ideal field position. » If the team has to punt on its first possession, does the return team double team the gunners? By having additional bodies blocking near where the ball could land, it could increase the risk of the ball touching a player on the return team. If that were to happen, the punting team would regain possession in good field position and possibly win with a field goal since the turnover is considered a possession. Look for teams to stack the box with eight or nine defenders to force max protection and reduce traffic coming off the edges near the return man, a league source said. On defense » Players could be coached that if they intercept the ball in the end zone on the first possession to take the touchback. Should they return it and fumble in the process, it could give the opposing team possession in field goal range. The fumble of an interception would mean that each team has had a possession and now a field goal wins the game. On offense » Teams who get the ball first could be more aggressive trying to score touchdowns (one of the reasons the rule change was applied) so the other team won't get the ball back. » If you trail by a field goal and are getting the ball with a chance to tie or win, every possession is a four-down possession, so play-calling on both sides of the ball could be different. http://www.nfl.com/superbowl/story/0...approach-to-ot Mark Humphrey / Associated Press The Saints' victory in the NFC Championship last season was just one of three playoff games that ended with a field goal on the opening possession of overtime. The winners of two of those games went on to claim the Super Bowl title. OT playoff games won with FG on first possession: 2009 NFC Championship Saints 31, Vikings 28 2002 AFC Divisional playoff Titans 34, Steelers 31 2001 AFC Divisional playoff Patriots 16, Raiders 13
Posts: 10,200

01-04-2011, 11:02 AM	#16
suzzer99 In Search of a Life Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: L.A. Casino cash: $1504284	My version that I was preaching for years was that the if the first team to get possession scored, the second team simply had one chance to beat that score. So even if the first team scores a TD+1, the second team has a chance with a TD+2. But they have to beat it - a tie doesn't help them. So the game never lasts more than 1 extra possession over the current system. Last edited by suzzer99; 01-04-2011 at 11:10 AM..
Posts: 27,470

01-04-2011, 11:15 AM	#19
Chiefnj2 In Search of a Life Join Date: Mar 2007 Casino cash: $7684388	From masnsports.com "In case you need a refresher, here's how the new system will work: While there is still a sudden-death element of the rule, the first score does not necessarily win the game. Under the new rule, both teams have the opportunity to possess the ball once during the overtime period, unless the team that receives the opening kickoff (we'll call that team "Team A") scores a touchdown on its initial possession. In that case, Team A is the winner. If the team that possesses the ball first on its opening possession scores a field goal, the other team (Team B) will have an opportunity to get a possession as well. If Team B scores a touchdown on its possession, it is the winner. If the game is tied after both teams have a possession (meaning either that neither team scored or each team kicked a field goal), then the next team to score by any method is the winner. If the score is tied at the end of the 15-minute overtime period, another OT period will begin and the game will continue until a team scores. So, to summarize, if Team A scores an opening-drive touchdown, they win. An opening-drive field goal by Team A, however, no longer wins the game. This takes away some of the weight of the coin toss, which in the past, had obviously played a major factor in overtime results. Turnovers and trick plays could make the new system even a bit more confusing. "The opportunity to possess the ball" means that you are on the field to receive a kickoff. If you fumble the kickoff or if the kicking team recovers an onside kick, that still counts as your opportunity to possess the ball. It might be important to note - or it might not, really - that only four teams voted against the new rule when it was proposed at the owners meetings, and one of those teams was the Ravens." __________________ Mismanaging the clock.
Posts: 22,412

01-04-2011, 11:15 AM	#20
Swanman It's a league game, Dude Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Itasca, IL Casino cash: $9967354	I liked the XFL "can you beat this" overtime rule. It was similar to college overtime rules, as each team got the ball on the 25. However, the added wrinkle was that if Team A scored a touchdown in 3 plays, for example, then Team B had to score a touchdown in 3 plays to force a second overtime or less than 3 to outright win the game. It was a goofy rule that I wouldn't advise putting in the NFL, but it was a fun rule for the circus sideshow that was the XFL.
Posts: 4,719

01-04-2011, 11:24 AM	#21
Skyy God 11-5, baby Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Livin the dream Casino cash: $2191557	Don't feel bad, so did McNabb.
Posts: 22,416

01-04-2011, 11:43 AM	#22
Nzoner a haw haw haw Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: MIZZOU Casino cash: $26365802	I'm really going to have to think about my bets on the over/unders now,damn the extra work. __________________ *Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.*
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01-04-2011, 12:14 PM	#27
VAChief Comfortably Numb Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Virginia Casino cash: $3974657	I guess I am missing something here. Seems like an easy change to me with little downside and plenty of upside. Touch back coaching really? What would be different than the current OT system? Even in the current sudden death system you would want your return person to be careful with their decisions, protect the ball, etc. This isn't brain surgery. I like giving each side a chance, especially in a playoff situation. Can you imagine a Final Four or NBA finals game going to OT and telling the team that wins the toss, ok first one to score wins...Tough noogies to you if you don't play defense good enough to stop them you had your chance the first 40 or 48 minutes. Or baseball going to first one to score. This isn't perfect but its better than what they have now.
Posts: 5,664