The “sudden death” rule, which wins the first team to score a touchdown in overtime, is criticized the day after the Chiefs qualify at the expense of the Bills (42-36) during the National Football League playoffs ( NFL).
On Sunday, it was given to see one of the most indecisive and exciting meetings in the history of the professional league of American football. With the epilogue of a decisive touchdown from Travis Kelce on the receipt of a pass from Patrick Mahomes, which allowed Kansas City to have the last word over Buffalo and advance to the conference final.
According to the rules, both teams can have possession of the ball at least once in overtime, unless the one starting on offense (which is determined by coin toss) scores a touchdown. The question of the fairness of the rule arises again, because this is not the first time that this scenario has occurred.
Patrick Mahomes knows this only too well, having lost this way in 2019, in the conference final, against the New England Patriots. Tom Brady’s team was then on its way to its sixth Super Bowl.
“It was to our advantage this time, but when two teams are competing at such a level of play, it sucks not seeing each other. [quart-arrière] to be able to attack in turn, ”said the star of the Chiefs, referring to Josh Allen. The latter was indeed unable to continue a meeting that he nevertheless splashed with his class, with four winning throws, including the last two in the last 73 seconds of regulation time.
“This rule sucks. Both teams should have a chance to attack,” wrote 2017 Super Bowl-winning Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Torrey Smith.
“It is time to review this regulation,” asked Emmanuel Acho, ex-defender of the Cleveland Browns, consultant on television. “Allen has gained 329 yards, had four touchdowns, scored on three of his last four possessions and… has never touched the ball in overtime. Such an important game shouldn’t have been a toss-up. »
The person concerned, he seemed to better acknowledge the blow: “The rules are what they are. I can’t complain because if it were the other way around we’d be celebrating too. »
After their loss to the Patriots in 2019, the Chiefs proposed a rule change. In vain.