Overtime Overhaul to Come in 2004?

After a lot of talk during the off-season, the NFL's competition committee decided to leave the current overtime system alone for the 2003 season, but, according to The New York Times, a variation of one of the proposals has surfaced and will be considered after this season. The new proposal, which has already been discussed by a few owners and commissioner Paul Tagliabue, would allow the team that has possession of the ball at the end of regulation to keep it and continue their drive from the spot they were at when time ran out. Down and distance will remain the same.

In an effort to give teams an incentive to try to win the game in regulation, if the team with the ball entering the overtime period scores on the extended drive, the other team will be given the opportunity to tie or win the game.

If approved by a vote of owners, the new system would be instituted for the 2004 season.