My Proposal for NFL's Overtime

Nobody likes the NFL's overtime system. A coin flip determines possession, and the first team to score wins. Not too fair, and not that exciting. And even if it is fair to give one team the ball, and another team the task of keeping them out of field goal range; it's boring the way many NFL overtime games end. Kickoff-40 yards of offense-field goal.

Some propose switching to the college rules, which give each team a possession at the 25 yard line. This would clearly be the most exciting way to end a game, as anyone who enjoys college football will tell you.

But I think the NFL is slightly above that stuff. I think kicking off and returning are vital parts to the game and shouldn't be overlooked by simply placing the ball on the 25.

So how about this. No field goals on each team's first possession. If a team wins the coin toss, they have to go all the way to the end zone. That would be more a more legit way to win than just a field goal, and more exciting. After each team's had the ball, then field goals are OK. After all, we want to keep ties to a minimum.

to slightly modify this system, field goals could be allowed, but if Team A kicks a field goal on their first possession, then Team B gets a chance to tie or beat it. But if Team A gets a touchdown, then the game's over.

It's kind of complex, maybe too complex. But I think OTs that end in touchdowns are never questioned or bemoaned. And neither are OTs that end in field goals after each team has had the ball. But when that coin-toss-winning team gets a decent kickoff return, then moves the ball 30 yards, kicks it, and wins; I think everyone feels sour about it.

-The Commodore