The last quarter of AFC qualifying series match Between the Buffalo Bills and the Chiefs of Kansas City on January 23, 2022, could not have been more exciting.
Three lead changes.
Five score discs.
Equality of 36-36 at the end of the regulation.
The overtime period, however, could not have been more disappointing.
A draw.
A touchdown reader.
Game finished.
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One of the most exciting qualifying games in recent memory – a quarter duel between Buffalo Josh Allen and Kansas City Patrick Mahomes – Suddenly ended in a victory of 42-36 chiefs when Mahomes connected with Kelce Travis On a pass of a touchdown of eight yards.
Unlike the fourth exciting quarter, Allen did not have the chance to answer because of The overtime rule The NFL was in place at the time.
Months later, This rule has been modified for the playoffs. This version remains in place in the playoffs, including Super Bowl Lix between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Chiefs February 9 in New Orleans.
Here is what you need to know about the rule:
What was the previous rule of the NFL for the playoffs?
The previous system was the same as that still in place for regular season matches. It is essentially a modified sudden death system which gives each team at least a chance to mark – with a large exception.
If the team that first has the balloon in overtime marks a touchdown (not a basket) on this disc, this team wins. The game is finished, the other offense never having the chance to take the ground in overtime.
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If the first team strikes a basket on the field, the other team obtains a possession to win the match with a touchdown or link it with a basket. In the latter case, the game continues until someone marks.
What is the current NFL overtime rule for eliminatory games?
It is fundamentally a amended Amended sudden death system which gives the two teams a chance to score.
Period.
If the first team marks a touchdown, the other team obtains possession to equalize (and therefore prolong) the game with a touch of their own. Everything else remains the same in the previous format.
When has the rule changed?
Team owners voted to modify the rules of qualifying series during annual League meetings on March 29, 2022 in Palm Beach, Florida.
Why did the owners have changed the rule?
It is no coincidence that the decision occurred just a few weeks after the eliminatory match of the Bills-Chiefs.
“In the Buffalo match this year, it was the largest 20, 30 minutes of football that I have ever seen,” said the president of the Falcons of Atlanta, Rich McKay, president of the competition committee, During the League meetings. “Thinking that it ended this way definitely mentioned the idea of:” Hey, is it fair? ” Does it work for everyone? I have no doubt who started the discussion. »»
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Between 2010 and 2022, 12 playoffs entered into overtime, with seven of them decided to the possession of the additional period.
“We are still listening to fans, this is the important thing,” said the commissioner of the League Roger Goodell during the meetings. what happened.”
How would the Bills-Chief 2022 eliminatory match finished under the new rule?
Of course, nobody knows who would have prevailed if Josh Allen and the Bills had the chance to link the game. He is sure to say, however, most fans would have found the end much more satisfactory, whatever the team who prevailed.
Find out more: Fans say that games are faked for chefs. Are the officials on the side of Kansas City?
This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
