NFL the offseason

[Rhom]

The NFL is considering changing the OT rules for playoff games.

First, let me say that I am adamantly opposed to changing the format of any sport for post-season play as compared to the regular season. (The obvious exception being that post-season games can't end in a tie.) That said, I'm not entirely opposed to the concept of a "First team to score six points" type of overtime. Either that, or I feel that the kick-off should be moved forward 10-15 yards for OT to better ensure that a team will need to move the ball almost 50 yards to approach field goal range.

Many feel that this rule is being looked at as a "Favre Rule" due to the fact that the Vikings never touched the ball in overtime of their loss to the Saints.

[Kalbear]

I think they should simply make them play an additional quarter.

[Rhom]

I think they should simply make them play an additional quarter.

That'd be a scheduling nightmare for the networks. And we all know that money talks.

[Maithanet]

I think they should simply make them play an additional quarter.

I've always wondered why this doesn't get put out there more seriously. Football just doesn't strike me as a sport where Sudden Death makes sense. I think even if it were just ten minutes of extra time, that would be fine (both teams would get the ball, and if not, then the losing team deserves it for getting run over so badly).

The disadvantage is that football is a brutal game, and playing that much more is going to take its toll on the players. But I have trouble believing that if players are forced to play an additional 10 or 20 minutes of football that they are at a competitive disadvantage the following week. As for injuries, it's not like the guys aren't well paid, so increasing the risk of injury to improve the fairness of the result is a valuable tradeoff to me. And consider that there are maybe 1-2 OT games per team per season. So out of 64 quarters of football in a typical regular season, this proposal would increase that to 65-66 quarters? If that is an unreasonable risk of increased injury, it strikes me as silly.

[Prince of the North]

Yes, I used to think changing the OT rules to "the first team to score 6 points wins" was the best option because it eliminates only needing a FG to win. But, of course, that devalues the kicking game just as assuring each team touches the ball at least once in OT devalues playing defense (you could just as easily tell a team that loses the toss in OT and wants the ball that they'd better play some damn defense then).

I think what's just been suggested here by Kal is the best option. Simply lose the sudden-death OT format and have the teams play an additional time period. It doesn't even have to be a full quarter.

[Kalbear]

That'd be a scheduling nightmare for the networks. And we all know that money talks.

For the playoffs, it's not an issue at all; there's already a 1-hour buffer between games, and that's more than enough for one quarter no matter what.

This is the playoffs. This is where important games are supposed to go. Is it any more 'satisfying' if a team strips the other team 30 seconds in and returns that for a TD? Does that really 'prove' much?

Just do what most other sports like football do, and do another quarter. It can even be an abbreviated one if you're that worried about it.

[Space Bandito]

Pro Football Talk is reporting (per Jay Glazer) that the Panthers have finally had enough of Jake Delhomme and will be cutting him soon. About two seasons too late. Time for Delhomme to sit on the bench as the "Old Guy backup". I'm sure there will be Vick rumors but they have got to be thinking youth right?

[Jaime L]

Also, speaking of the Panthers, looks like the Redskins and Bears are going to fight over Peppers...like they fought over Cutler. Honestly, I'm kinda blindsided by this. Considering the Skins went in heavy on Haynesworth last year and Orakpo emerged as a very nice edge rusher, I wouldn't think any more resources needed to be dedicated to the D-line. Especially considering the glaring needs elsewhere. Especially considering Peppers has a rap for not trying hard every down...a little like Fat Albert. Sure I wouldn't mind having him, but likely not at the price they'll have to pay. The whole thing feels a little like installing marble countertops when you still don't have a roof.

[Space Bandito]

I would say that is the same for both teams. Strange. They are probably just driving his price up even more. However wasn't it the Bears who said that they would have their own salary cap despite other teams supposed discipline? Perhaps Kalbear's prediction of team spending sprees will come true.

[Jaime L]

I would say that is the same for both teams. Strange. They are probably just driving his price up even more. However wasn't it the Bears who said that they would have their own salary cap despite other teams supposed disclipline? Perhaps Kalbear's prediction of team spending sprees will come true.

I think after years of being spendthrifts the Bears are now desperate to prove they'll do whatever it takes to win. They're also pursuing Antrel Rolle which I think would be an even bigger blunder as he is demonstrably not among the elite at his position but he'll want to be payed like it.

[Trebla]

He does kind of make sense for the Bears. Their their blind faith committment in the cover 2 requires a pass rush specialist. It really doesn't make sense for the Skins. Orakpo and Andre Carter? And arent they going to a 3-4? I guess they they wanna jettison Carter?

Chargers re-sign Sproles and release Jamal Williams. Williams must really be hurt or something. 3-4 nose tackles are VERY hard to come by.

[DanteGabriel]

Especially considering Peppers has a rap for not trying hard every down...a little like Fat Albert.

Just think what a terror they'll be on those downs when both Haynesworth and Peppers are trying, though. ;)

[Space Bandito]

Jet fans will be happy at the possibilities as it seems they have traded for Antonio Cromartie

for a 2011 3rd round pick that can turn into a 2nd.

Moss and company will have some problems with that tandem. Considering that right now my Pats don't have a TE on the roster (beyond practice squad scrubs) unless they resign Ben Watson. TE and legit 3rd WR are top priorities for this draft.

[Jaime L]

Just think what a terror they'll be on those downs when both Haynesworth and Peppers are trying, though. ;)

Only way to guarantee that is if a team decides to play a giant ham hock at QB. And the Raiders aren't on the Skins schedule this year. :crying:

[Jaime L]

Jet fans will be happy at the possibilities as it seems they have traded for Antonio Cromartie

for a 2011 3rd round pick that can turn into a 2nd.

Maybe watching Revis in practice every day and playing for Rex Ryan is what it takes for Cromartie to regain his fire. Lord knows the guy is as talented as any CB ever. Yes, I'm talking Deion-like natural ability (if not cover skills)...as well as Deion like tackling.

ETA: In theory, this closes up one of the few holes on the Jets defense. Though it wouldn't surprise me at all if it goes the way it did for the Raiders when they paired DeAngelo Hall with the resident stud corner. Cromartie should expect to be targeted all day long...and we'll see if he's all bluster like Hall was.

[awesome possum]

I think after years of being spendthrifts the Bears are now desperate to prove they'll do whatever it takes to win. They're also pursuing Antrel Rolle which I think would be an even bigger blunder as he is demonstrably not among the elite at his position but he'll want to be payed like it.

Jerry Angelo knows that he's as much on the hot seat as Lovie Smith. If the Bears don't make the playoffs, it's time to clean house and maybe begin the Cowher era.

I think Rolle is almost guaranteed to be a Bear. He may not be elite and he probably will be the highest paid safety in the game, but he's light years ahead of what the Bears currently have.

Wouldn't be surprised to see them targeting Kampman (since they likely won't be able to match the Redskins on Peppers), one of Dunta Robinson/Leigh Bodden/Lito Sheppard, and one of the veteran RBs (wouldn't mind seeing Chester Taylor or Thomas Jones back). If a team bites on one of their restricted agents with third round tenders, I could see them trading that for a chance at Boldin.

Also wouldn't be surprised to see Greg Olsen traded for a second round pick or a good offensive linemen, since reports are he's unhappy and wouldn't fit in Martz's offense anyways.

[AndyP]

Damn it is like the count down to free agency 1 minute and counting

[Space Bandito]

Olson is rumored to be a target of the Pats. We'll have to see.

[Jaime L]

Brutal cutdown day at Redskin Park. Goodbye Randy Thomas, Fred Smoot, Antwaan Randle-El, Cornelius Griffin, Todd Collins, Ladell Betts, Rock Cartwright...lot of guys who've defined the team since 2004. But really can't argue with any of these cuts...none of these guys were difference makers. These were some of the defining players on a 4 win team...you are what you are.

Wouldn't be surprised to see them targeting Kampman (since they likely won't be able to match the Redskins on Peppers)

I dunno, the Bears outmaneuvered the Skins for Cutler, could very well see them doing it with Peppers. I kinda wanted the Skins to get Kampman as a cheaper alternative to Peppers. But really I don't know if any of this is real. Including a transition to the 3-4. Shanahan's sent out just about every kind of signal possible, think he even mentioned the Skins going to the Veer in 2010. A lot of these have to be feints because it's physically impossible for all of it to be true.

[Slurktan]

Brutal cutdown day at Redskin Park. Goodbye Randy Thomas, Fred Smoot, Antwaan Randle-El, Cornelius Griffin, Todd Collins, Ladell Betts, Rock Cartwright...lot of guys who've defined the team since 2004. But really can't argue with any of these cuts...none of these guys were difference makers. These were some of the defining players on a 4 win team...you are what you are.

Like you I'm not really against any of these cuts except maybe Randy Thomas or Cornelius Griffin but neither can stay healthy anyways. I'm actually very, very pleased at Randel El leaving. Never liked him, particularly as a returner as he puts way too many balls on the field.