by Robert Radich

Created on: November 10, 2010

Some people would argue the overtime rule as we see today eliminates the fairness of both squads that deserve an equal opportunity to win the game. The counterargument is the acceptance of tradition that first began in 1941 and adopted as a new rule in 1974. The traditionalist, as I classify myself, are not interested in sculpting a rule that stood for so long and has seen its moments of triumph and tragedy.

 I understand how some people may feel upset that if their team has fought so hard to come back to tie the game, then afterward, lose the game on a kickoff. However, when both team's captain meet at the 50 yards line for the coin toss, this becomes the overtime period where both teams have the same opportunity to win. An abundance of people that want to change the rule neglect the ability of the defense, in which I find disrespectful towards these NFL defensive players.

 There are two side in the NFL and the offense is not the only side that puts up points. For instance, Matt Hasselbeck of the Seattle Seahawks in the 2003 Divisional Playoff game against the Green Bay Packers was granted possession of the ball from the coin toss and said they were going to score. Al Harris, defensive back for the Packers didn't appreciate the comment and picked him off when Hasselbeck threw a 10 yard curl pass to his receiver. Consequently, Harris jumped in front, intercepted the ball, and ran 52 yards for the game winning touchdown that put the Packers in the NFC Championship game.

I've seen my share of heartbreak that involved my team, the Detroit Lions. Back in 07' a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Eddie Drummond, the kick returner for the Lions ran back one kick and punt return touchdown to tie the game in regulation. However, the Lion's defense could not stop Byron Leftwich from driving down the field for the game winning score on the overtimes first possession.

Moreover, the most persuasive argument that I've heard from a person about changing the overtime policy is that we've adopted the two point conversion rule from college football, why not accept their rule for post regulation play? Its a coherent and fair question to ask, considering college football first began official play in 1869, so the extensive time-line has creditability. I just feel the NFL and NCAA needs to keep a fair separation from each other so the two have a unique difference of play. If we adopted college football overtime, what rule will they accept next, the one foot inbound catch policy?

Bottom line, the overtime rule (before March of this year) in which one team scores first, has been an essential piece of American football because it helped us decide the winner in the most simplistic form. Why should the NFL alter this rule when, realistic, its going to create angered opinions; not just from the half that wants to keep the rule as is, but the people that voted for the new rule and has regret when their team scores on the first possession of overtime.

Robert Radich

Robertradich@yahoo.com

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