New OT rule

[dschddny 0]

What if the team that wins the coin toss and receives the opening kickoff in OT punts and the opponent muffs the punt? They never had a possession, so if the initial team then kicks a FG, do they still not win?

[Patriotsfatboy1 1,432]

Very interesting scenario. I sure hope that they have tight language in it, but given the timing, probably not.

 

Some others:

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/...nder-new-rules/

Nine-point overtime win is possible under new rules

Posted by Mike Florio on March 24, 2010 1:07 AM ET

So what happens under the new overtime rule if the team that receives the kickoff to start the process scores a field goal, kicks off, and forces a turnover?

 

It's not as simple of a question as you might think.

 

A reasonable argument could be made that, because the other team's possession ends at that point, the game ends at that point as well, with the defense leading (and winning) by three.

 

But this isn't the same thing as a failed two-point attempt. The play is still alive and, in theory, the defensive team can return the ball for a touchdown, extending the final margin to nine points.

 

We ran the concept by the league office, and outgoing V.P. of officiating Mike Pereira said (via spokesman Greg Aiello) that the play would indeed continue until completion. So the team that scored the field goal on the first drive could score a touchdown and win by nine.

 

Which could be relevant, hypothetically, to some of the folks who watch football games.

 

Here's where it gets even more intriguing.

 

If the defensive team turns the ball over while returning the turnover, the team that started the play on offense can then recover the ball and take it to the end zone for a touchdown, winning the game by three. If the offensive team fails to score a touchdown on that same play, the game ends.

 

The obvious message to the defense in such circumstances? If you force a turnover, get down or out of bounds. The game is won as soon as the play ends; any effort to extend the play will only increase the risk of the other team getting the ball back and unleashing a Stanford band finish.

 

ETA: I think that this is your answer.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/...-overtime-rule/

 

Q. What happens if the team that received the kickoff scores a field goal and recovers an onside kick?

 

The game ends; the team that scored the field goal wins.

[FeelingMN 273]

I thought I heard on ESPN that if the opening kickoff was recovered via an onside kick, and that team went on to kick a FG, the game would be over even though only one team had possession. The caveat is that the receiving team had an opportunity for possession, but focked it up.

 

So in your example, the team that muffed the punt would be SOL. They had a chance to keep the ball, which seems to be the intent of the rule.....to give each team at least a shot at a possession.....not to have each team run offensive plays.

[Larry David 20]

I thought I heard on ESPN that if the opening kickoff was recovered via an onside kick, and that team went on to kick a FG, the game would be over even though only one team had possession. The caveat is that the receiving team had an opportunity for possession, but focked it up.

 

So in your example, the team that muffed the punt would be SOL. They had a chance to keep the ball, which seems to be the intent of the rule.....to give each team at least a shot at a possession.....not to have each team run offensive plays.

 

Exactly. The definition is "opportunity for possession" not "possession".

[swandown 0]

What if the team that wins the coin toss and receives the opening kickoff in OT punts and the opponent muffs the punt? They never had a possession, so if the initial team then kicks a FG, do they still not win?

The punt muffer loses. The new rule specifically states "A punt or field goal that crosses the line of scrimmage and is muffed by the receiving team is considered to be an opportunity to possess for the receiving team".

 

They blew their opportunity, so they don't deserve another possession.

[swirvenirvin 25]

I thought I heard on ESPN that if the opening kickoff was recovered via an onside kick, and that team went on to kick a FG, the game would be over even though only one team had possession. The caveat is that the receiving team had an opportunity for possession, but focked it up.

 

So in your example, the team that muffed the punt would be SOL. They had a chance to keep the ball, which seems to be the intent of the rule.....to give each team at least a shot at a possession.....not to have each team run offensive plays.

 

Interesting strategy might be to try for the onside kick then