NFL Changing OT Rules in the Playoffs?

[Adam]

I've heard the proposal, "first team to score 6 in OT wins." This works just as well.

[bniu]

i like it the way it was. those are million dollar players, they should be able to play some defense. i don't want to see it in college or high school but NFL, it's fine the way it is.

[mikesears]

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

I've heard the proposal, "first team to score 6 in OT wins." This works just as well.

How about the first team to score at least 5. We have to consider the possibility of a safety. Does the NFL have the 1 point safety rule?

[Raymond]

Originally Posted by mikesears

How about the first team to score at least 5. We have to consider the possibility of a safety. Does the NFL have the 1 point safety rule?

I like first to 4. Meaning you need a TD or at least 2 scores of any other type. But then again, I have no heartburn with the current NFL OT rules set. Only change that might be needed is moving the kick-off up to the 35 for OT. Saw a statistical analysis that showed when the NFL moved the kick-off from the 35 to the 30 thats when there was a significant rise in 'first possession" FG's.

Found it:

Prior to the change in 1994 coin-toss winners were 94-94-13 in OT.

After the change coin-toss winners were 145-95-4 through 12/31/09.

[Mike L]

Why not just ban field goals in OT?

[Robert Goodman]

They're pros, they ought to be able to play full periods.

[Texas Aggie]

I think both the NFL and the NCAA should take the kicking game entirely out of OT -- no FGs, extra point FGs, or (NFL), free kick FGs.

That, of course, doesn't rule out safeties, but they are so unusual in OT periods (probably unheard of in the college game), that it won't matter much. The first to 4 (NFL) makes a lot of sense.

[Andy]

College has it right...each team gets a chance..you have to play offense and defense.

IMHO, the NFL should use the college format with each team starting from the opponents 40 yard line.