NFL teams submit two proposals to change NFL's overtime rules

The Tennessee Titans are among the few teams proposing changes to the NFL’s overtime rules. 

According to a league announcement Wednesday, the Titans proposed that in overtime both teams should have an opportunity to possess the ball unless the team with the first possession scores a touchdown and a successful two-point try. 

The current rules allow the team that receives the opening kickoff to win the game with a touchdown on the first drive of extra time, denying the opponent a chance to respond.

The current rules have led to spirited debate in recent years. Many NFL observers felt it was unfair the Buffalo Bills were unable to get a chance to score during their wild AFC divisional-round loss to the Kansas City Chiefs last season. The Chiefs won the coin toss, then scored a touchdown on their first possession on what had been an intense back-and-forth game that featured 25 point scored in the last two minutes of reular.

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Coincidentally, Kansas City had tried to change the overtime rules that benefited it against Buffalo. During the AFC championship game following the 2018 regular season, the Chiefs lost to the Patriots in overtime without getting a possession. New England won the coin toss, Tom Brady led a game-winning drive and Kansas City was sent home. The Chiefs that offseason proposed a change to allow both offenses to possess the ball in OT, but it didn’t even reach a vote with the owners. 

The Indianapolis Colts and Philadelphia Eagles joined the Titans in submitting rule-change proposals, asking that both teams should have an opportunity to possess the ball in overtime. 

Competition Committee proposals will follow next week, according to the NFL. Titans coach Mike Vrabel is a member of the committee, which reviews all competitive aspects of the league, including rules, game-day operations and player protection.