After the Green Bay Packers lost to the Arizona Cardinals in overtime in the divisional playoffs, Packers linebacker Clay Matthews was one of the first guys to rail against the NFL’s overtime rules.
The Packers had just lost in overtime in the playoffs for the second year in a row without touching the ball in the extra period. Matthews was predictably sick of that and suggested that the NFL go to college overtime rules, which gives each team a shot with the ball at the opponent’s 25-yard line.
Matthews was pushing that idea again on Thursday to CBS Sports’ Doug Gottlieb.
Do we like the NFL’s overtime rules?
Not really.
We don’t favor the college rules either though. One of the coaches who was quizzed about that option said it best. The college overtime rules make it a totally different game. You play one way for 60 minutes and then, instead of having to drive the entire field, you get handed the ball at the opponent’s 25.
Great for college, but doesn’t make a lot of sense in the NFL.
The solution is simple.
Both teams get to possess the ball regardless of what happens on the first possession. If the first team with the ball scores a touchdown on their possession, the second team has to match or game over.
Logic!
Too bad Ginger Gap Tooth can’t find it within himself to push for that change.
