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NFL Rule Changes: New Overtime To Apply To Regular Season, Turnovers Subject To Automatic Review

The NFL has passed a couple of rule changes during the owners meetings, bringing the overtime rules to the regular season and making all turnovers subject to automatic review.

By James Brady
March 25, 2012; Palm Beach, FL, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell speaks during an press conference at the annual NFL meetings at the Breakers Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE
March 25, 2012; Palm Beach, FL, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell speaks during an press conference at the annual NFL meetings at the Breakers Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE

The NFL passed a couple of new rules at the owner's meetings on Wednesday, which will be in effect for the 2012 season. Most importantly, the NFL has decided to bring the overtime rules that have been in place for the playoffs over the last two seasons into the regular season. They've yet to be really exercised at all, but most have wondered why a rule was being "tried out" for the playoffs instead of the regular season, anyway.

Adam Schefter was the first to Tweet about the new rules. The rules state that both teams get a chance to possess the ball in overtime, unless the first team scores a touchdown. In that instance, the game is over. But the first team can no longer just go and kick a field goal to end the game like that. With only sixteen games in a regular season, one game can make all the difference, so if the rule is important enough for the playoffs, it definitely is for the regular season.

On top of that, Schefter Tweeted that turnovers are now subject to automatic review, and no longer require a challenge from the coach. Previously, all scoring plays have been subject to review, but things like turnovers, which can be just as important to the impact of a game, have required a challenge. Now, they'll all be looked at and confirmed before play resumes.