49ers Clubhouse

Sacramento Bee

League to review its sudden-death overtime format

January 22, 2003

By Jim Jenkins -- Bee Staff Writer
SAN DIEGO -- The NFL will take a serious look at changing its sudden-death overtime format.
Under the current system, the team receiving the kickoff can win with any score, without the opposition touching the ball. That's in contrast to the college rule, which gives each team at least one possession from the 25-yard line.
This season, more teams that began the overtime with the ball won, creating a concern of unfairness.
"There is talk (of change), definitely within the league itself," said Rich McKay, the general manager of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and co-chairman of the NFL's competition committee.
The committee will begin reviewing various proposals before the league's annual spring meeting. The group will then forward its recommendations for a vote by the owners once they gather March 22-25 in Phoenix.
Et cetera -- Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre will sit out the Pro Bowl on Feb. 2 for the third straight time. He is still recovering from a sprained ankle. Also, Packers receiver Donald Driver will play in place of Minnesota's Randy Moss, who has a sprained knee. Packers running back Ahman Green, who is nursing a knee injury, will be replaced by Minnesota's Michael Bennett.
* James Harris, the Baltimore Ravens' director of pro personnel, will interview for the Seattle Seahawks' GM job Friday.
* Former Cleveland Browns linebacker Eddie Johnson, known for his hard tackles, died after a two-year battle with colon cancer. He was 43.
* The New York Giants hired Turk Schonert as quarterbacks coach.

Tell us what you think on the new 49ers Clubhouse message board.

By Jim Jenkins -- Bee Staff Writer

SAN DIEGO -- The NFL will take a serious look at changing its sudden-death overtime format.

Under the current system, the team receiving the kickoff can win with any score, without the opposition touching the ball. That's in contrast to the college rule, which gives each team at least one possession from the 25-yard line.

This season, more teams that began the overtime with the ball won, creating a concern of unfairness.

"There is talk (of change), definitely within the league itself," said Rich McKay, the general manager of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and co-chairman of the NFL's competition committee.

The committee will begin reviewing various proposals before the league's annual spring meeting. The group will then forward its recommendations for a vote by the owners once they gather March 22-25 in Phoenix.

Et cetera -- Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre will sit out the Pro Bowl on Feb. 2 for the third straight time. He is still recovering from a sprained ankle. Also, Packers receiver Donald Driver will play in place of Minnesota's Randy Moss, who has a sprained knee. Packers running back Ahman Green, who is nursing a knee injury, will be replaced by Minnesota's Michael Bennett.

* James Harris, the Baltimore Ravens' director of pro personnel, will interview for the Seattle Seahawks' GM job Friday.

* Former Cleveland Browns linebacker Eddie Johnson, known for his hard tackles, died after a two-year battle with colon cancer. He was 43.

* The New York Giants hired Turk Schonert as quarterbacks coach.

Tell us what you think on the new 49ers Clubhouse message board.