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Hopefully, one day, the Bills will be back in the playoffs and this will be more "Bills Related" than it is now, but, reading the NFL Overtime Rules in the playoffs, I thought this was interesting discussion topic:
First here's the link: http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d...overtime-rules
The relevant parts:
So, here's my loophole...
Say I'm the coach of a team and we're about to start Overtime in the playoffs. My team has lost the toss and the other team has elected to receive.
My playcall? Surprise onside kick.
Initially, the thought probably is "Is this guy NUTS?" But, read the parts of the rules I have quoted again...
So, if my team recovers the onsides kick, the opposing team has had their opportunity. I can now go down, kick a FG and win the game.
Even if the other team recovers the onsides kick, as long as they don't score a TD, my team is gonna get the ball.
Yes, not recovering the kick gives my opposition a short field in which to get a TD, but if my Defense is playing well, combined with the obvious surprise an onsides kick in that situation would be, I have a fairly decent chance of getting that kick, as the opposing team wouldn't be expecting it, wouldn't have their hands team out, etc.
Of course, if they do recover and score a TD, the media is gonna kill me for making the call... But, if it works, I'm the smartest guy in Pro Football.
-Bill
First here's the link: http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d...overtime-rules
The relevant parts:
The system guarantees each team a possession or the opportunity to possess, unless the team that receives the opening kickoff scores a touchdown on its initial possession.
Key Definitions:
» Possession: Actual possession of the ball with complete control. The defense gains possession when it catches, intercepts, or recovers a loose ball.
» Opportunity to possess: The opportunity to possess occurs only during kicking plays. A kickoff is an opportunity to possess for the receiving team. If the kicking team legally recovers the kick, the receiving team is considered to have had its opportunity. A punt or a 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 receivers. Normal touching rules by the kicking team apply.
» Possession: Actual possession of the ball with complete control. The defense gains possession when it catches, intercepts, or recovers a loose ball.
» Opportunity to possess: The opportunity to possess occurs only during kicking plays. A kickoff is an opportunity to possess for the receiving team. If the kicking team legally recovers the kick, the receiving team is considered to have had its opportunity. A punt or a 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 receivers. Normal touching rules by the kicking team apply.
Say I'm the coach of a team and we're about to start Overtime in the playoffs. My team has lost the toss and the other team has elected to receive.
My playcall? Surprise onside kick.
Initially, the thought probably is "Is this guy NUTS?" But, read the parts of the rules I have quoted again...
The opportunity to possess occurs only during kicking plays. A kickoff is an opportunity to possess for the receiving team. If the kicking team legally recovers the kick, the receiving team is considered to have had its opportunity.
Even if the other team recovers the onsides kick, as long as they don't score a TD, my team is gonna get the ball.
Yes, not recovering the kick gives my opposition a short field in which to get a TD, but if my Defense is playing well, combined with the obvious surprise an onsides kick in that situation would be, I have a fairly decent chance of getting that kick, as the opposing team wouldn't be expecting it, wouldn't have their hands team out, etc.
Of course, if they do recover and score a TD, the media is gonna kill me for making the call... But, if it works, I'm the smartest guy in Pro Football.
-Bill
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