The NFL has officially implemented a significant rule change that will impact all teams, as owners have passed a new overtime format for the regular season. Under this revised rule, both teams will now have the opportunity to possess the ball in overtime, regardless of whether the first team with possession scores a touchdown. This change is designed to promote fairness and ensure that both offenses have a chance to impact the game’s outcome.
Previously, in the regular season, the team that received the ball first in overtime could win the game immediately by scoring a touchdown, leaving the opposing offense without an opportunity to respond. This format often led to criticism, especially in games where a coin toss played a major role in determining the outcome. With the new rule, each team will be guaranteed at least one possession, creating a more balanced and competitive overtime scenario.
Additionally, the length of overtime will remain at 10 minutes, a rule that was first introduced in 2017 to help reduce player fatigue and minimize the risk of injuries in extended play. If both teams score on their initial possessions and the game remains tied at the end of 10 minutes, the game will result in a tie, except in the postseason, where overtime rules differ.
This change comes after years of debate and follows a similar rule implemented for playoff games in 2022, which ensured that both teams received at least one possession in postseason overtime. By extending this rule to the regular season, the NFL aims to create a more equitable playing field while maintaining the excitement and drama that fans love about overtime football.
Teams will now need to adjust their strategies for overtime, considering factors such as whether to kick or receive first, as well as how to approach play-calling knowing that an opponent will have a guaranteed possession. Coaches and players alike will have to adapt to this new structure, which is expected to make overtime games even more thrilling and competitive.
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