# NFL Overtime Rule - Simple Fix

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-overtime-rule-simple-fix/480964>\
**Category:** The Game Room\
**Created:** [January 12, 2009, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-overtime-rule-simple-fix/480964 "2009-01-12T19:58:39Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 6

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**Author:** ![Lance\_Turbo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lance_turbo/32/6156_2.png) [@Lance\_Turbo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lance_Turbo)\
**Post date:** [January 18, 2009, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-overtime-rule-simple-fix/480964/101 "2009-01-18T17:54:14Z")

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I feel like a lot of people have a problem with the randomness of the coin flip determining possession.

Would the it better if possession was earned by something done on the field? I propose that the team that leads in time of possession be awarded the ball. Control the ball during the game to earn the right to control the ball in OT.

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**Author:** ![ekweizn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7c8e57/32.png) [@ekweizn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekweizn)\
**Post date:** [January 19, 2009, 8:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-overtime-rule-simple-fix/480964/102 "2009-01-19T08:04:07Z")

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Using time of possession to award the opening possession seems to penalize teams that pass rather than run. Why should that be the determining factor?

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