NFL Changes Playoff OT Rules!

The NFL voted on a new rules system for overtime. While its only for playoffs at this point, there is a chance they will amend the rule to allow it to be used during the regular season.

Here are the new rules from an article on espn -

҉ۢ Both teams must have the opportunity to possess the ball once during the extra period, unless the team that receives the opening kickoff scores a touchdown on its initial possession, in which case it is the winner.

• If the team that possesses the ball first scores a field goal on its initial possession, the other team shall have the opportunity to possess the ball. If [that team] scores a touchdown on its possession, it is the winner. If the score is tied after [both teams have a] possession, the team next scoring by any method shall be the winner.

• If the score is tied at the end of a 15-minute overtime period, or if [the overtime period's] initial possession has not ended, another overtime period will begin, and play will continue until a score is made, regardless of how many 15-minute periods are necessary.”

Now, this will have big implications for Madden 11, however we will see if EA chooses to implement it for Ranked Games only, or only in season/franchise mode during playoff games.

At Orlando MLG, they used a system in the finals where a 1-1 series was decided by each player getting two possessions. It wasn’t quite the same, but the same concept was used and allowed each players a few chances with the ball and not to be held to the mercy of a FG.

Madden kickers can kick the ball extremely long and accurate anyway, so this should make for a fun add-on to OT games.

Are you excited for the new rules and should EA use them for ranked games?

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