The AFC divisional round saw the Buffalo Bills sent packing after failing to touch the ball during overtime. Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs scored a touchdown on the opening drive of OT, which meant they won the game without having to bring their defense out, per the NFL's overtime rules.
Many fans sounded off after the game with suggestions on how the NFL could tweak its overtime rules. Former New Orleans Saints quarterback turned NBC Sports analyst Drew Brees offered up a trio of suggestions that he hopes the NFL implements next season.
Three things @NFL should modify for next year:
1. Roughing the Passer. Let’s evaluate the description of this rule…it’s become a game changer.
2. Protect receivers from the knee down (Chris Godwin)
3. OT – either both sides get a possession or go to college rules
— Drew Brees (@drewbrees) January 24, 2022
The first change Brees would like to see in the NFL would be an adjustment to the controversial roughing the passer penalty. A lack of consistency and the impact of the 15-yard roughing penalty has had significant effects on the outcome of games.
The second change proposed by the 43-year-old Brees was to provide added protection for wide receivers on hits below the knees. He was referencing to Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin, who suffered a knee injury after taking a low hit from Saints cornerback PJ Williams.
Finally, Brees addressed the elephant in the room: The overtime rules. Brees' offered a rather simple fix, which would simply be to implement a rule that declares both teams will get a chance on offense during OT. Alternatively, he suggests the teams adopt college football's overtime rules.
Whether the NFL heeds the advice of Brees on any of his suggestions remains to be seen, but like the rest of us, he is hopeful for some changes to the league's outdated rules.
Follow Us
Subscribe