The NFL rule shortfalls

[Doboji]

This is kind of a rant thread... hopefully it'll stir some debate.

I think there are few glaring shortfalls in the NFL rule system, starting with the way overtime works... sudden death overtime gives enormous value to the coin toss. I disagree with that fundamentally. I understand this would inevitably extend the length of some games, but I'd rather that than the bad taste in my mouth every time a game ends because of a lucky or unlucky heads/tails call. It really takes something away from otherwise amazing games.

I'm a bit frustrated with the NFL's approach to the concussion issue, and especially their approach for dealing with QB injuries. I think there's a simple rule for dealing with these issues.... Simply put: You must wrap when you tackle. This is how Rugby, an equally violent game is able to be played without helmets. You can't just throw your body at the ball carrier or QB, you MUST wrap him up. It's amazing how big a difference that small rule change makes.

 

[Gibsons]

I think instead of having a Super Bowl, they should just have a vote to decide the overall champion after the conference championships. Maybe use a computer rating as part of the vote also. That would be cool.

 

[meltdown75]

sudden death OT sucks...... i like the college OT much better.

 

[Arkaign]

I think instead of having a Super Bowl, they should just have a vote to decide the overall champion after the conference championships. Maybe use a computer rating as part of the vote also. That would be cool.

 

[JHoNNy1OoO]

About overtime, I was hearing Mike and Mike this morning and they were talking about instead of adapting something like the college system where both teams get a chance with the ball, to just add 5,10,15 minutes to the game. Sure injuries will play a role but, they play a role in every game so another 5,10,15 minutes isn't such a huge deal considering how rare overtime comes into play. Just when it does it's always a let down.

 

[spacejamz]

In addition to the red flag, they should also have a white flag. That way, a coach of a the losing team can throw it and we won't have to listen to him whine about the other team running up the score...

 

[Regs]

Instead of coin toss, they should have a tug-of-war. Cheerleaders should also have to wear g-strings.

 

[meltdown75]

In addition to the red flag, they should also have a white flag. That way, a coach of a the losing team can throw it and we won't have to listen to him whine about the other team running up the score...

bahahahahah

 

[dougp]

This is kind of a rant thread... hopefully it'll stir some debate.

I think there are few glaring shortfalls in the NFL rule system, starting with the way overtime works... sudden death overtime gives enormous value to the coin toss. I disagree with that fundamentally. I understand this would inevitably extend the length of some games, but I'd rather that than the bad taste in my mouth every time a game ends because of a lucky or unlucky heads/tails call. It really takes something away from otherwise amazing games.

I'm a bit frustrated with the NFL's approach to the concussion issue, and especially their approach for dealing with QB injuries. I think there's a simple rule for dealing with these issues.... Simply put: You must wrap when you tackle. This is how Rugby, an equally violent game is able to be played without helmets. You can't just throw your body at the ball carrier or QB, you MUST wrap him up. It's amazing how big a difference that small rule change makes.

This would be such a change to the way we play the game, it wouldn't happen. Period. Many people argue rubgy vs. football, but quite simply, the hits laid out in football are brutal compared to the way you play rugby because of what you say. The sport is becoming softer in the way basketball is - they're removing defense by adding the small penalties that make it become ticky tac.

As for overtime, I agree - I hate it.

 

[CPA]

This is kind of a rant thread... hopefully it'll stir some debate.

I'm a bit frustrated with the NFL's approach to the concussion issue, and especially their approach for dealing with QB injuries. I think there's a simple rule for dealing with these issues.... Simply put: You must wrap when you tackle. This is how Rugby, an equally violent game is able to be played without helmets. You can't just throw your body at the ball carrier or QB, you MUST wrap him up. It's amazing how big a difference that small rule change makes.

God no. The NFL has been wussified enough as it is. Bring back the days of clothes line tackles and "missile" tackles.

 

[BlackTigers]

College OT is so much fun to watch. NFL OT sucks.

I'd like to see a college-esque system, or maybe even just a shortened "fifth" quarter.

 

[HopJokey]

The easiest fix in my opinion is to play overtime the way it is now but make so the first team to score 4 (or more) points in OT wins. This forces you to score a TD if you want to win on your first possession. It also allows any two combination of scores (FG, Safety, TD) to win the game.

What does everyone think of this plan?

 

[CPA]

I think instead of having a Super Bowl, they should just have a vote to decide the overall champion after the conference championships. Maybe use a computer rating as part of the vote also. That would be cool.

I see what you did there. +1 for your wit.

 

[Genx87]

I wouldnt mind a 10 minute period for OT. I hate sudden death OT. Worst idea ever for football. When they moved the kickoff back 10 yards a few years ago. The % of the coin toss winner going on to win the game went up from like 55% to 80% of the time. It is simply too much emphasis on a single coin flip imo.

I dont mind some of the rules about protecting a QB in the pocket. They are a vulnerable player so hits to the head or tackling low and late need to be penalized. My only complint about vulnerable player rules are in the end zone. Ray Lewis hit this Jets reciever last week in the end zone causing him to not catch the ball. It was called hitting a vulnerable player. Well in the end zone there is no room for error. If Lewis doesnt hit him immediately then he catches the ball for a TD. Gives way too much benefit for the offense.

 

[Doboji]

The easiest fix in my opinion is to play overtime the way it is now but make so the first team to score 4 (or more) points in OT wins. This forces you to score a TD if you want to win on your first possession. It also allows any two combination of scores (FG, Safety, TD) to win the game.

What does everyone think of this plan?

Interesting.... I think that is alot better than the current system. Would also limit the games from becoming way too long. Still offers a big advantage to the team winning the coin toss, especially in offense heavy games. But definitely much better than the current crappy sudden death system.

 

[jalaram]

College OT is so much fun to watch. NFL OT sucks.

I'd like to see a college-esque system, or maybe even just a shortened "fifth" quarter.

I can't stand the college system for OT. Shortened extra periods is a better idea.

FWIW, winning the toss isn't everything. Ask the Packers in the wild card game or Hasselback's guarantee a few years ago. Plus, I've heard that the Vikings gave the Saints a lot of help in that OT drive. (My ReplayTV stopped recording when OT started, so I missed 90% of it).

 

[Yreka]

In addition to the red flag, they should also have a white flag. That way, a coach of a the losing team can throw it and we won't have to listen to him whine about the other team running up the score...

Good idea, that way the Lions can just fly the white flag out in front of Ford Field and save everyone the trip

 

[Genx87]

I can't stand the college system for OT. Shortened extra periods is a better idea.

FWIW, winning the toss isn't everything. Ask the Packers in the wild card game or Hasselback's guarantee a few years ago. Plus, I've heard that the Vikings gave the Saints a lot of help in that OT drive. (My ReplayTV stopped recording when OT started, so I missed 90% of it).

Refs gave the Saints a lot of help in OT. Phantom pass interferance on a play where Jared Allen is tackled from behind while he is going after Bree's. It was simply amazing too watch. Almost as amazing as watching the Vikings dominate both sides of the ball then turn the ball over so much they lose.

 

[Doboji]

God no. The NFL has been wussified enough as it is. Bring back the days of clothes line tackles and "missile" tackles.

I think it's a foregone conclusion at this point... you can't really get away with a mainstream sport leading to massive numbers of crippled/brain damaged players. As much as I would prefer the game to keep it's nasty edge, I'd rather they find a reasonable way to protect the players before it becomes two hand touch. And I honestly don't think it would take that much away from the game... you can still hit pretty damn hard while wrapping up.

 

[JeffreyLebowski]

I think OT should be 5 on 5 with the coach playing QB.

 

[Doboji]

Refs gave the Saints a lot of help in OT. Phantom pass interferance on a play where Jared Allen is tackled from behind while he is going after Bree's. It was simply amazing too watch. Almost as amazing as watching the Vikings dominate both sides of the ball then turn the ball over so much they lose.

Agreed... and I still think P. Thomas didn't get that first down.

 

[rockyct]

I think instead of having a Super Bowl, they should just have a vote to decide the overall champion after the conference championships. Maybe use a computer rating as part of the vote also. That would be cool.

Sounds great to me. Computers are smart.

 

[SunnyD]

Loser's bracket for the playoffs. Who gets 3rd place anyway?

 

[Udgnim]

http://www.maa.org/mathland/mathtrek_11_08_04.html

from 1974-2003, the team that won the toss won the game 52% of the time. the bias isn't that strong. I wouldn't mind seeing college style OT be implemented in the NFL because I think it's more exciting, but I also don't see a strong need to change current NFL OT rules.

 

[zinfamous]

sudden death OT sucks...... i like the college OT much better.

yeppers