A proposal by the Chiefs to give both teams the ball in overtime regardless of whether one team scores a touchdown on the opening drive was one of several rule-change recommendations sent to all 32 teams Friday, the league announced.
Kansas City's plan also called for getting rid of the coin flip after regulation. The team that wins the toss before the game would have the option to kick or receive in OT. In addition, overtime in the preseason would be eliminated.
The league's OT rules came under criticism again after the Patriots took the opening kickoff and drove for a game-ending touchdown to beat the Chiefs in the AFC championship game. Kansas City coach Andy Reid went to work on a plan to change the rule.
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"I don’t really see the downside of having (both teams get the ball). Especially when you have a player like (Chiefs quarterback and league MVP) Pat Mahomes," Chiefs general manager Brett Veach told Pro Football Talk last week. "It would have been a lot of fun. I think people, if they weren’t already tuned in for a great game, would have turned on that overtime."
The NFC championship game between the Rams and Saints also went into OT, but both teams got the ball. Los Angeles intercepted a Drew Brees pass to gain possession.
Proposed rule changes require approval from at least 24 teams.
The other proposals made by teams and sent leaguewide Friday focused on onside kicks (the Broncos proposed that a team should be able to attempt a play from scrimmage to get the ball back when it's trailing) and expansion of what should be subject to replay review.
The league said the Competition Committee's rule-change proposals will be finalized later in March.
