The Evolving CFL/NFL Overtime Rules

[Robbie]

In light of the recent conversations about the NFL overtime structure, let's use this thread to talk exclusively on the overtime procedure in both leagues especially since CFL changed their OT procedure as well. Added a poll as to what you think is the fairest procedure.

Did you like the CFL procedure from 1986 to 1999? I remember in the bittersweet 1991 Lions season the team went to overtime 6 times, winning 3 and losing 3. Three such games were at home while the other 3 were on the road. But the 3 home games that went to overtime, the Lions lost two of them to their Alberta rivals while the lone OT win at home was in the memorable game against the Argonauts. The last OT game was in Edmonton and for some reason the Eskimos decided to give possession to the Lions in both halves. The Lions managed to win with Lui purposely missing a field goal attempt on the last play to win by rouge.

In 2001, the Lions actually won the season series against the Stampeders 2-1 but was placed 3rd as Calgary gained a point with an OT loss.

[Kamloops Lion]

Wow. I was at that game at Commonwealth in 1991. I was sitting in the O Zone, getting pelted with all sorts of debris in my Leo garb. I recall clearly Lui just drilling the ball through the end zone from about 33 yards for the point and win. Was Kuharich coaching that day?

[Belize City Lion]

When games are tied, and it's the last play of regulation (or overtime) I don't know why teams don't choose to punt for a single instead of try a FG more often.

As for OT, I like the CFL 2003-2017 best. I don't like the rule change to force teams to attempt a 2 point convert. That should be a coaches decision.

Especially in a situation like this: Team A scores a TD first, then kicks a single PAT. Team B answers with a TD and could kick for a tie or try a 2 point convert for the win. What if you had a situation where a playoff position was on the line for team B, if they could win the game but a tie was not going to be enough?

[Toppy Vann]

I liked and voted for the 5 min OT back in the late 80s BUT that won't work unless double headers aren't too close back to back as they have recently.

Maybe the current system is okay but more clock stopping in the last 3 minutes of the game so no team can run the clock out.

NFL OT - a freaking joke. How is that a team who wins the toss can get a TD and the other team no chance!!! That's like soccer or hockey having a shootout and it's game over if the team to shoot first scores and their opponent gets no chance to shoot!

[KnowItAll]

none of the above, exactly

I like the idea of minimum 2 possessions starting from OWN 50 yard line in post season play and only 2 possessions in reg season play. No forced 2pt convert. No point for loser.