As the Chargers and Colts gathered themselves at midfield in this past Saturday's playoff game for the standard overtime coin toss, "GAME OVER" was yelled by Rivers after winning the coin toss. All league MVP Peyton Manning could do was watch from the sidelines as the Chargers led by Rivers marched down the field for a game winning touchdown in overtime.
The NFL rule is very specific about over time. A coin toss determines who receives the ball in a sudden death format where the first team to score wins. The NCAA allows both teams to have a possession. Both teams start at the same yard line and every subsequent tie moves the ball closer to the goal line for teams to start. Many fans have voiced their displeasure at the existing NFL rule after this game. It seems fair, plain, and simple. Each team has a defense. If the defense can stop someone to get the ball back their offense will have a chance. The Colts illustrated why a championship winning defense is important. The Titans or Ravens may not have fared any better on a game winning drive, but you'd like their chances better.
The college rules should stay in college. The NFL is a professional sport and as such a defense of professionals is paid to perform and stop the opposing team's offense the same as they're paid for the first 60 minutes.
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