NFL

NFL Owners Approve Rule Change for OT in Playoffs

Published

4 years ago

March 29, 2022

FNN NEWS

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell speaks during a press conference. Photo: Bob Leverone / AP

PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — It took a few years, and for many fans that probably was too long.

Still, the NFL has heard the cries of “unfair” and has adjusted its overtimes rules.

Only for the postseason, though.

The NFL is changing the sometimes controversial overtime rules to guarantee each side gets the ball in the playoffs.

Concerned that the coin toss to begin the extra period has too much impact on postseason game results, the owners voted Tuesday to permanently approve a proposal presented by the Colts and Eagles.

Beginning this season, if the team possessing the ball first in overtime scores a touchdown on that series, the opponent still gets a possession. In recent seasons, that touchdown would have ended the game.

That second possession of overtime would extend beyond the initial 15-minute period if needed. Should that team tie the game, it then would become sudden death.

In the 2018 season, New England won the AFC title on the first series of OT without Kansas City getting the ball.

When the same thing happened in Kansas City during this January’s divisional game between the Bills and the Chiefs, won by KC, a groundswell became an uproar.

“We always listen to fans,” Commissioner Roger Goodell said. “What brought this decision was the database and the facts. When you see that, this is an issue in the postseason.”

Rich McKay, the Falcons president and chairman of the competition committee, admitted that Kansas City’s victory over Buffalo was a factor in the balloting by owners. He said that was well beyond the required 24 votes, but would not reveal the exact numbers.

“I think what the stats show is there is a clear issue we can say since the change (in rules) in 2010,” McKay added, “and the problem comes in the postseason.”

Since the previous overtime rule was instituted for the regular season in 2012, the team that wins the coin toss has won the game half of the time (76 of 152 games). However, both teams have had at least one possession in 82% of the games (124 of 152).

Those numbers changed quite a bit in the postseason. Since 2010, when that rule was instituted for the playoffs, seven of the 12 overtime games have been won on an opening possession touchdown, and 10 of 12 have been won by the team that won the coin toss.

“That data was compelling to us and to the league,” McKay said. “An amendment was added (to the original proposal by the Colts and Eagles) to not make a change in the regular season, but in the postseason, where our problem principally lies.”

The Titans had recommended that both teams possess the ball in overtime unless the team receiving the kickoff scores a touchdown and a 2-point conversion. That would end the game. But the owners, perhaps believing the Tennessee suggestion was too gimmicky, went with the other proposal.

Under previous rules, the 10-minute overtime in the regular season only continued if the team getting the ball first failed to score or kicked a field goal. Should the side receiving the kickoff make a field goal, the team that first played defense would get a possession in which it can score a touchdown and win, or kick a field goal and play would continue — if time allowed.

Of course, in the postseason, when there are no ties, overtimes continue until someone has more points.

Goodell concluded the meetings by urging caution regarding the Deshaun Watson situation and the NFL’s investigation. The quarterback, who did not play for Houston last season after 22 women accused him of sexual misconduct, will not be indicted on criminal charges. Now with the Cleveland Browns after a trade, Watson still faces civil lawsuits.

“We’re going to let the facts lead us, find every fact we can,” Goodell said. “At least there is a resolution from the criminal side of it. Our investigation hopefully will have access to more information.”

As for a potential suspension for Watson, Goodell noted that a discipline officer jointly appointed by the league and players’ union would make that determination.

Goodell said if the league discovers a violation in Dolphins owner Stephen Ross’ conduct regarding the integrity of the game, the information would be released publicly. Former Dolphins coach Brian Flores has sued the NFL and three teams (Miami, Denver and the New York Giants), claiming racist hiring practices. Flores also has accused Ross of offering him a bonus to lose games in 2019, something the owner vigorously has denied.

Earlier Tuesday, Carolina coach Matt Rhule voiced his support of a potential change — something that many owners agreed with, if only for the postseason.

“You get a shot, I get a shot,” Rhule said, “and may the best team win.”

Troy Vincent, who oversees NFL football operations, echoed Rhule’s sentiment, saying that football fans have expressed the same opinion.

“The fan wants to see his quarterback touch the ball, and the data drove us to that,” Vincent said.

The owners also approved an anti-tampering rule that prohibits a team seeking an assistant general manager from asking permission for an interview until after the draft. As Vincent explained, someone in personnel for one team who has been involved in draft preparation should not be available for hire by another club until the draft is over.

Once the draft has concluded — this year that is April 30 — the employing team must grant permission for such interviews.

Jacksonville

Jaguars Lose Second of the Season to the Seahawks 20-12

Published

4 weeks ago

October 12, 2025

Mike Brodsky

Photo credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Florida National News) – The Jacksonville Jaguars (4-2) lost to the Seattle Seahawks (4-2) 20-12 at EverBank Stadium today. Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence was sacked seven times during the game.

The Jaguars were the first to score, on a Trevor Lawrence 21 yard touchdown pass to WR Brian Thomas Jr. K Cam Little missed his first ever point after touchdown, so the Jaguars were up 6-0 at the end of the first quarter. Little had held a perfect record of making his extra points, not just with the Jags, but even in college and high school.

In the second quarter, K Jason Myers kicked a 24 yard field goal for the Seahawks. Seattle added a 61 yard touchdown pass from QB Sam Darnold to WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and with Myers’ XP, the Seahawks were up 10-6. Cam Little missed a 50 yard field goal attempt for the Jaguars with a minute to go before the half. Myers added a 53 yard field goal shortly after, to put the Seahawks ahead 13-6 at halftime.

In the third quarter, the Vikings added another touchdown pass by Darnold for 11 yards to WR Cooper Kupp, followed by Myers’ XP. Late in the quarter, a Trevor Lawrence 54 yard touchdown pass to Brian Thomas Jr. was nullified by an offside penalty called against rookie WR/CB Travis Hunter. The Seahawks led 20-6 at the end of the third quarter.

On the first drive of the fourth, Trevor Lawrence completed a 26 yard touchdown pass to WR Tim Patrick, but WR Bhayshul Tuten missed a two point conversion attempt, to narrow the Jags’ deficit to 20-12. Myers later made a 27 yard field goal for Seattle that was reversed because of a holding penalty by the Jaguars’ DE Dawuane Smoot, but the final score remained 20-12.

Trevor Lawrence finished with 258 passing yards and 2 TDs. Travis Etienne Jr. led the Jaguars’ rushing with 27 yards. Brian Thomas Jr. was the leading receiver with 90 yards and 1 TD. Today’s attendance was 61,056.

Earlier this week, the Jaguars traded CB Tyson Campbell and a seventh round 2026 draft pick to the Cleveland Browns for CB Greg Newsome II and a sixth round 2026 pick.

The Jaguars helped to spread the word about fighting cancer through early detection and risk reduction as part of the NFL’s Crucial Catch initiative. Pink ribbons were handed out to fans before the game in the Fan Entertainment Zone, along with customizable “I Stand For” signs, in support of those who have been impacted by cancer.

Jaguars help spread the word about fighting cancer through the NFL’s Crucial Catch initiative. Photo credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News

The Jaguars travel to London to play the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Oct. 19 at Wembley Stadium. Kickoff is at 9:30 a.m. The Jags have a bye week after that followed by road games against the Raiders and the Texans before returning to EverBank Stadium on Nov. 16 to face the Los Angeles Chargers. Be sure to follow www.FloridaNationalNews.com for more.

Jacksonville

Jaguars Come From Behind to Beat Chiefs Monday Night 31-28

Published

1 month ago

October 6, 2025

Mike Brodsky

Jaguars vs. Chiefs in Monday Night Football Action (Photo credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News)

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Florida National News) – The Jacksonville Jaguars (4-1) came back late in the game to defeat the Kansas City Chiefs (2-3) 31-28. Today’s game marked the Jaguars’ 13th Monday Night Football appearance in Jacksonville, improving their all-time MNF record to 8-5 at home.

ESPN’s Monday Night Countdown Crew Photo credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News

The Chiefs were the first to put points on the board, with a QB Patrick Mahomes 2 yard touchdown pass to TE Travis Kelce, followed by the extra point from K Harrison Butker. The score remained 7-0 at the end of the first quarter.

Early in the second quarter, the Jaguars went for it on 4th and 1, but QB Trevor Lawrence was called for fumbling the ball as he tried to run up the middle for a touchdown. Officials reviewed the play which looked like a possible touchdown on the stadium replay, but the fumble ruling stood. On the next series, the Chiefs’ drive finished with Mahomes running 9 yards for a touchdown, followed by another Butker XP. But Lawrence’s 3 yard touchdown pass to WR Parker Washington, followed by K Cam Little’s extra point narrowed the gap. Just before halftime, LB Foye Oluokun got his 500th tackle as a Jaguar. The Chiefs led 14-7 heading into halftime.

In the third quarter, fans cheered loudly when Jaguars two-way rookie phenom WR Travis Hunter caught a 44 yard pass from Trevor Lawrence. Hunter followed with a 1 yard reception, but the scoring drive ended four plays later as Lawrence ran 10 yards for a touchdown followed by Little’s XP, tying the game. Late in the third quarter, LB Devin Lloyd intercepted a Patrick Mahomes pass and ran it 99 yards for a “pick six,” followed by Little’s XP, putting the Jags ahead 21-14.

In the fourth, a Trevor Lawrence pass intended for Parker Washington was intercepted by CB Trent McDuffie. That set up Chiefs’ RB Kareem Hunt, who ran up the middle for a 5 yard touchdown, followed by Butker’s XP to tie the game. Cam Little’s 52 yard field goal later put the Jags up 24-21. But Hunt ran for another 2 yard touchdown, and with Butker’s XP, the Chiefs pulled ahead 28-24, with just 1:45 remaining. Trevor Lawrence wowed the crowd leading an impressive drive downfield. A pass interference call set up a Trevor Lawrence 1 yard touchdown run, and with Little’s XP, the Jaguars pulled ahead 31-28 with just 23 seconds to go. The Chiefs were unable to score on a Patrick Mahomes end of the game Hail Mary, securing the Jaguars’ victory.

Donna Kelce came to Jacksonville to see her sons. Travis plays for the Chiefs, while Jason is now part of ESPN’s Monday Night Countdown crew. Mama Kelce also wore a Taylor Swift inspired cap, in support of her future daughter-in-law.

Trevor Lawrence finished with 221 passing yards and one TD. Travis Etienne Jr. Trevor Lawrence led the Jaguars’ rushing with 54 yards and two TDs. Brian Thomas Jr. was the leading receiver with 80 yards. Today’s attendance was 69,329.

Also at today’s game, the Jaguars showed off the first part of their major stadium renovations. The first of four new grand staircases opened, leading fans to the main concourse. Construction on the Jaguars’ $1.4 billion dollar Stadium of the Future will continue through August 2028. Click here to see video of the official opening of the new grand staircase: Grand Staircase

The Jaguars take on the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, Oct. 12 at 1:00 p.m. The Jags then travel to London to play the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Oct. 19 at Wembley Stadium. Be sure to follow www.FloridaNationalNews.com for more.

Jacksonville

Jaguars Topple Titans in Final Home Game of the Season

Published

11 months ago

December 29, 2024

Mike Brodsky

Photo credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Florida National News) – The Jacksonville Jaguars (4-12) beat the Tennessee Titans (3-13) 20-13 on a rainy afternoon, as Jacksonville remained under a tornado watch for much of the game. Today’s game was the team’s annual “fan appreciation game,” celebrating the fans’ support of the Jaguars all season long, and for the past 30 years.

The Jaguars’ first drive ended with a 48 yard K Cam Little field goal. But neither team managed to score during the rest of the first quarter, as the score remained 3-0.

In the second quarter, Jaguars LB Devin Lloyd intercepted a QB Mason Rudolph pass intended for RB Julius Chestnut, which excited the hometown fans. The Jags capitalized on that opportunity, as QB Mac Jones threw a 2 yard touchdown pass to WR Parker Washington, followed by Cam Little’s extra point, to extend their lead to 10-0. Little later added a 44 yard field goal, but the Titans scored their first points of the game at the end of the second quarter on K Matthew Wright’s 39 yard field goal. The Jaguars were ahead 13-3 at the half.

QB Mac Jones and QB Mason Rudolph (Photo credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News)

Midway through the third quarter, Mason Rudolph completed a 8 yard touchdown pass to TE Nick Vannett, followed by Matthew Wright’s extra point, narrowing the Jags’ lead to 13-10, which remained the score heading into the fourth.

Midway through the fourth, Mac Jones found WR Brian Thomas Jr. in the end zone for an 11 yard touchdown, followed by Little’s XP, to put them ahead 20-10. Matthew Wright’s 28 yard field goal moved the Titans within a touchdown at 20-13, just before the two-minute warning. The Titans had one final drive to score, but were stopped by the Jaguars defense.

DE Travon Walker’s sack today moved him into the top 10 in franchise history with 23.0, breaking his tie with Marcus Stroud and Bobby McCray. Brian Thomas Jr. also tied WR Randy Moss’ NFL rookie record of eight games with at least 60 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown.

Mac Jones finished with 174 yards and two TDs. Travis Etienne Jr. led the Jaguars’ rushing with 49 yards. Brian Thomas Jr. was the leading receiver with 91 yards and 1 TD. Today’s attendance was 61,995.

The Jaguars head to Indianapolis to face the Colts on Sunday, 1/5. Kickoff time has not yet been announced for this final game of the season. Be sure to follow www.FloridaSportsChannel.com and www.FloridaNationalNews.com for more.