New NFL Overtime Rules: What They Are, How the Game Doesn't Change

The NFL, led by its 32 owners, voted to implement a new overtime rule starting in 2010. The rule sounds a bit convoluted at first, but in reality it is simple to understand.

The new rule states that if the receiving team successfully kicks a field goal, the other team will have a possession. If the second team to touch the ball kicks a matching field goal, the game enters a true sudden death scenario.

However, the first team to score a touchdown is the winner, or the victor will be the first team to score twice, by any means, should the game enter sudden death . Period. Again, no matter when or how, the first team to score a touchdown wins.

As of today, the new rule is only for the postseason, but NFL owners will vote on whether or not to implement the rule during the season when they meet again in May.

In fact, the game is still a sudden death game. The team which possesses the ball first controls the ability to win the game without the other team touching the ball.

To make it easier to understand, here is a look at the scenarios that guarantees a winner in the simplest way possible.

Offensive Touchdown

The first team to score a touchdown wins. If the receiving team marches right down field and scores a touchdown, game over. The new rule retains the game's sudden death feel because the rule still keeps intact the reality that a team can lose without touching the ball.

The new rule persuades the receiving team to score a touchdown. The new rule also removes the notion that a team can receive the kickoff, move the ball 30-40 yards. and end the game.

The new rule was not about removing the sudden death element, it was about simply giving the other team an opportunity to touch the ball following an opening field goal, yet simultaneously adding value to going the length of the field.

Defensive Touchdown

If the receiving team throws pick-6, that's the ballgame. If the defensive team first runs back a fumble recovery, that's the ballgame. An intercepted pass or a fumble recovery by the defense is run in for a touchdown, it is the same as an offensive possession. Pick-6 and pack your bags. It keeps sudden death in play.

Special Teams

If the receiving team runs back the opening kickoff of overtime for a touchdown, that's the ballgame. Again, it's another scenario that retains the sudden death element of overtime.

If the first team to touch the ball punts and the punt is returned for a touchdown, the game is over.

Safety

Though it will likely be a rare occurrence, if the team that receives the overtime kickoff gets pinned for a safety, the game is over.

This is the one way for the game to end without a field goal or a touchdown. That's because the receiving team will have had its one possession while the team that earned the safety receives the ball on the ensuing free kick. The team that received the two points will have two possessions without the other team scoring; hence, the game is over.

Essentially, ANY defensive point scoring means the game is over.

Sudden Death

If the overtime period is tied 3-3, the first team to score thereafter by any of the aforementioned means, wins.

If the first team to receive is skunked and scores zero points, the second possessor has a chance to win the game by just kicking a field goal.

The new rule is actually quite interesting because it opens up new, very difficult decisions for coaches to make especially when his team possesses the ball second. Or conversely, if the first team to touch the ball has one yard to go in the red zone, does the coach go for it or kick the field goal and take a chance on defense?

Does the Coin Toss Decision Change?

It shouldn't, barring any extreme adverse weather conditions, but even in such weather it is still better to possess the ball and control the flow of the game.

Under this new rule, coaches will still be foolish to kickoff first. Just like in true sudden death, the team should want the ball with the opportunity to score a touchdown and the end game without the other team touching the ball.

Additionally, when thinking ahead, it is preferable to possess the ball two of the first three times. Even if the game is tied 3-3 in overtime, the team who received first has the first opportunity to win when the game goes into true sudden death. There is no logical situation in which a team would desire to give the other team the opportunity to possess the ball two of the first there times.