The NFL will once again entertain proposed changes to the overtime rules.
Two different proposals are on the table for tweaks to overtime: one from the Indianapolis Colts and the Philadelphia Eagles, and one from the Tennessee Titans. Any proposals from the Competition Committee will come next week.
The Colts' and Eagles' proposal gives both teams a chance to possess the ball at least once in overtime. Then, "after each team has had an opportunity to possess the ball, if one team has more points than its opponent, then it is the winner."
The Titans' proposal is less conventional. It allows both teams an opportunity to possess the ball in overtime unless the team with the first possession scores a touchdown and also is successful on the two-point conversion.
Bills General Manager Brandon Beane said at the combine that he felt the focus of overtime changes should be geared toward the postseason, noting player safety as a factor. The Bills made an initial proposal that did not move along, but was based in having a set amount of time, and playing through that, with a possibility for multiple possessions.
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"I personally don't think ties in the regular season are as big of a deal," Beane said. "But in postseason, you've worked that long, you've played a 17-game season, you've been working since April or May. Everything on the line."
Both proposals Wednesday would apply to the regular season as well. Each listed a reason for the change as "competitive equity." Tennessee also listed "fan engagement."
After the Bills' season ended without a chance to match Kansas City in overtime, Beane joked that there would be "32 different proposals" for rule changes.
"I don't know that'll be the final result in March at the owners meetings," Beane said. "But I think there's going to be some good proposals and hopefully it at least comes to a point where both teams get an opportunity."
