New NFL Playoff OT Format Approved

Finally, after years of deliberation, the NFL has approved a new OT system - at least for the playoffs (for the time being)...

So what's the change? In an effort to give both teams the opportunity to not only score but defend against the score, they have given the team that lost the toss the chance to have an offensive possession IF (and this is what differentiates it from college) they are able to hold the toss winner to a field goal or less.

Why was it finally done this year and not years past? There are a few reasons actually. The first of which is that the percentage of victories by the team receiving the coin toss jumped to a little over 56% (which doesn't sound like a lot - but every win counts in the NFL) and also the fact that field goal kicker accuracy has skyrocketed to an average of over 80% - and 50 yard plus field goals, long considered a small percentage of success, has risen to over about 50%. Another underlying reason is that in an attempt to up scoring in games the NFL has twice moved the kickoff mark back to give the offense better starting field position - in effect making an offense only go about 30 yards for a viable scoring opportunity.

So my feelings on the change? It's better then what we had - at least a fluke 20 yard play against your normally staunch defense won't necessarily spell doom anymore. My only semi-issue with it is why are they keeping field goals at all? Make the team score a touchdown. If they do then give the opposing offense a chance to score as well. If they do then you go to another over time - at least that's my thinking...