A tie or draw in professional sports is a rare occurrence in North American sports. A tie means neither team scored enough points to give themselves a victory. It also means that neither team is good enough to play. In many 1000's of scenarios, ties are one of the least common occurrences in the NFL. So why do we already in post-Week 2 do we have already two games that ended in a tie? Numerous factors include, in my opinion:
- The 10-minute overtime period is very short when you consider that teams take 3-4 minutes each of drive time to get in a position to score. By the time that its over at least each team would've had the ball once during that period.
- The amount of pressure that the team that receives the first possession of overtime is staggering. The current overtime rule is that if the opening possession results in various scenarios: A touchdown wins the game for the team, a field goal doesn't. Let's just say that the team that possessed the ball first tried for a field goal but miss it. The team that gets the ball for the next possession ultimately can win the game on a field goal or touchdown.
- It's just not that exciting for a team to drive down the field after playing a game for nearly three hours. It has to be tiring. The eye test for the fans watching it on TV can see how exhausted they are.
There's a couple of ideas that I suggest that the NFL could try. Some of these are a little farfetched but the current system needs to change. Don't get me wrong, the whole "Drive down the field to kick a field goal to win the game" rules were stupid and should never go back to that... EVER!
- A shootout involving kickers where they have to make the field goal from 40, 45, 50, 55+, the team that gets the most field goals at the end of the shootout wins the game. If the NFL prefers the "player safety" side of things (which is very farfetched as well) then this could be very good.
- Both teams have 3-4 turns to get a touchdown from the 25 or 30-yard line. Both teams could do hail mary's, draw plays, or trick plays. The most points that each team has at the end of it, wins the game. No field goals. You have four chances to score it. Probably my favorite out of the two ideas, fans would be for it too.
I know what you're saying "Tom! Why would ties be good when you just made an argument against them?" Understandably, I get that. The beautiful thing about ties are just that, they're terrible. As long as the score doesn't end up as a 0-0 tie then you definitely put on a good effort for yourself, the fans, and your bosses. Despite all the changes to keep American Football a safer game for everyone to play, it is still pretty violent. If you want to see your favorite players still playing after the game is over, then ties are actually good. It keeps coaches from making terrible decisions, players making mistakes, and bosses from firing coaches (though I don't know about the last one, they could still be fired after a tie... who knows). Yes, you didn't win the game, but you didn't lose it either. A loss hurts more and it has more implications on the postseason picture than what a tie would.
Whether you like ties or not, one thing is for certain. The current NFL rules are final, there'll always be an overtime. Gone are the days where you play for 60 minutes and not a minute more. Whatever the league decides to change its overtime rules, one would hope that it would have both in the players and the fans mindset.
Week 2 of the NFL regular season featured: the Thursday night debut of Joe Buck and Troy Aikman, a rivalry renewed in Green Bay, and a shootout in Pittsburgh. The season is 1/8th finished already. Let's get to the recap! Reminder, TW is me, CV is Cardinal Viking, my roommate.
Baltimore 23, Cincinnati 34: TW: Ravens, CV: Bengals.
The Bengals have scored 34 points a game and have allowed 23 points a game. How do I know this? This game and last week's game against the Colts were both the same score. The biggest factor in the game was Joe Flacco's two interceptions in the game and that he put up 376 passing yards while his running game was subpar. The highest rushing yards were from Alex Collins who rushed for 35 yards on 9 carries. Still, it was weird to see Joe Buck and Troy Aikman calling an AFC matchup, much to the same whenever CBS calls an NFC matchup like they used to back before FOX took over in 1994.
TW: 0-1, CV: 1-0
Carolina 24, Atlanta 31: TW: Panthers, CV: Panthers.
The game was a close one. With the Panthers on the road and Hurricane Florence on their mind, the Panthers still put up quite a fight. Both teams put up quite the offensive numbers with Tevin Coleman of the Falcons rushing for 107 yards and Christian McCaffrey of the Panthers gaining 139 (102 receiving, 37 rushing) all-purpose yards. Sadly one of these teams had to win and the other had to lose.
TW: 0-2, CV: 1-1
Cleveland 18, New Orleans 21: TW: Saints, CV: Saints.
The game should've been a blowout by quite a margin. I think it speaks more to the Saints than it does to the Browns. Tyrod Taylor had a solid game for the Browns (despite throwing one interception in the game), Drew Brees for the Saints as well. If the Browns had a staple at kicker they'd probably won the game. Instead, they have yet to break their winless streak at 19 games.
TW: 1-2, CV: 2-1
Houston 17, Tennessee 20: TW: Texans, CV: Texans.
Another close one. The sophomore slump for Deshaun Watson continues as the Texans go 0-2 to start the season. The Titans had to start Blaine Gabbert in relief to the injured Marcus Mariota and put up good numbers against a volatile Texans defense. Kevin Byard, the Titans defensive back also threw a touchdown in the game for 66 yards.
TW: 1-3, CV: 2-2
Indianapolis 21, Washington 9: TW: Redskins, CV: Colts.
The Redskins looked to be quite the formidable team last week against the Cardinals. This week was kind of a complete 360. The rushing game which was the bread and butter for the Redskins last week looked inept to get much of a rhythm. For the Colts to walk away with two touchdowns (while throwing 2 interceptions) from Andrew Luck, they have to be looking good. For me, looking like a fool.
TW: 1-4, CV: 3-2
Kansas City 42, Pittsburgh 37: TW: Steelers, CV: Chiefs.
The game lived up to its billing, a shootout. Patrick Mahomes II threw for 4 touchdowns last week against the Chargers, he would throw 6 touchdowns this week. James Conner of the Steelers put up only 17 rushing yards for the Black and Gold, not quite the numbers he had last week. Ben Roethlisberger would throw for 60 times in the game, not quite the formula you're used to seeing in the Steelers. Chiefs win a game at Pittsburgh for the first time since 1986.
TW: 1-5, CV: 4-2
Los Angeles Chargers 31, Buffalo 20: TW: Chargers, CV: Chargers.
The Chargers had a rebound game in Buffalo. Philip Rivers of the Chargers threw for 256 yards with three touchdowns. The bigger story in this one would be the sudden retirement of Vontae Davis of the Bills. Davis would retire at halftime of the game. A rarity in the NFL these days. Not much to say, other than that Buffalo is terrible.
TW: 2-5, CV: 5-2
Miami 20, New York Jets 12: TW: Jets, CV: Jets
The NFL can be a cruel thing, one week it can give you joy, then the next week it gives you horror. The same can be said to Jets rookie quarterback Sam Darnold. Two interceptions from Darnold would spell doom for the Jets in this one when the Dolphins would capitalize on 14 points off of turnovers. Still, you have to give Sam Darnold a bit of a benefit of the doubt. The Dolphins are a surprise 2-0 coming out of the stretch.
TW: 2-6, CV: 5-3
Minnesota 29, Green Bay 29: TW: Packers, CV: Vikings.
The game for Green Bay was very productive on the offensive front during the first three-quarters of the game. Then all of a sudden forget how to chew clock and play conservative in the 4th. Quite honestly if you blow a 23-14 lead with seven minutes left to go, you don't deserve to win. I would've been happy with a loss or a tie. Very back and forth game. Ultimately both teams have a 1-0-1 record. Me and Cardinal Viking both get ties once again.
TW: 2-6-1, CV: 5-3-1
Philadelphia 21, Tampa Bay 27: TW: Eagles, CV: Buccaneers.
A very close game for both teams. Ryan Fitzpatrick having a Cinderella season with a four-touchdown performance for a consecutive week. The Eagles just looked rusty and played poor defense to keep Desean Jackson out of the end zone. Fitzpatrick's postgame conference outfit though. Conor McGregor would be proud.
TW: 2-7-1, CV: 6-3-1
Arizona 0, Los Angeles Rams 34: TW: Rams, CV: Rams
The Rams pretty much off went through the roof in this game. All aspects of the game were dominated by the Rams. Jared Goff had a good game, Todd Gurley and Malcolm Brown had quite a day on rushing. Brandin Cooks had quite the game gaining 159 receiving yards on seven catches. The Rams are off to their best start since 2001, back when they were the St. Louis Rams. For Arizona, it's another bad loss and there's no light at the end of the tunnel so far for them so far this early in the season.
TW: 3-7-1, CV: 7-3-1
Detroit 27, San Francisco 30: TW: 49ers, CV: 49ers
The biggest takeaway from the game was Marcus Breida of the 49ers having a day on the ground with 138 rushing yards on 11 carries. Both teams played it close to the gullet but ultimately it would be the 49ers that would win to avoid a 0-2 hole. Unfortunately for Detroit, its another 0-2 start to a franchise that is all too familiar with the term "bad starts."
TW: 4-7-1, CV: 8-3-1
New England 20, Jacksonville 31: TW: Patriots, CV: Patriots.
The rematch of the AFC championship game somewhat lived up to its billing. Unfortunately for Brady and company, they couldn't quite handle the 90+ degree (Fahrenheit) heat in Florida. The Jaguars had a game plan ready for the Pats and unfortunately, they just didn't have it in them. Could be a passing of the torch, who knows.
TW: 4-8-1, CV: 8-4-1
Oakland 19, Denver 20: TW: Broncos, CV: Raiders.
A story of two halves for both teams. The Raiders dominated the 1st half, the Broncos the 2nd. The 2nd half collapse of the Raiders was more or less about you giving an opportunity to give the Broncos a way to get back into the game. You have to remember that Denver was down 19-10 by the time the 4th quarter started. For Jon Gruden and company its a start they would've rather not have.
TW: 5-8-1, CV: 8-5-1
NY Giants 13, Dallas 20: TW: Giants, CV: Cowboys.
It was a rough day to be a Giants fan in this game. Eli Manning of the Giants was hammered by quarterback hits and sacks. It was a solid win for the Cowboys who got a lot of help from Wide Receiver Tavon Austin who set the tone very early in the game for the Cowboys. Ezekiel Elliot had a solid 78 yards rushing. Not a promising start for Big Blue.
TW: 5-9-1, CV: 9-5-1
Seattle 17, Chicago 24: TW: Bears, CV: Seahawks.
The week wrapped up with a Monday night showdown in Chicago. Both starting quarterbacks threw three combined interceptions in the game. I feel it proves that the Bears are a worthy team to fear. They have a solid defense fronted by Danny Trevathan and Khalil Mack and good offensive talent with Mitch Trubisky and a formidable running game and receiving corp. The Seahawks look like a shell of what they once were, much like the Bears now.
TW: 6-9-1, CV: 9-6-1
Record:
2018:
Week 1: 10-5-1
Week 2: 6-9-1
Overall: 16-11-2
Cardinal Viking
2018:
Week 1: 8-7-1
Week 2: 9-6-1
Overall: 17-13-2
See you guys on Wednesday/Thursday!
-Tom
The game for Green Bay was very productive on the offensive front during the first three-quarters of the game. Then all of a sudden forget how to chew clock and play conservative in the 4th. Quite honestly if you blow a 23-14 lead with seven minutes left to go, you don't deserve to win. I would've been happy with a loss or a tie. Very back and forth game. Ultimately both teams have a 1-0-1 record. Me and Cardinal Viking both get ties once again.
TW: 2-6-1, CV: 5-3-1
Philadelphia 21, Tampa Bay 27: TW: Eagles, CV: Buccaneers.
A very close game for both teams. Ryan Fitzpatrick having a Cinderella season with a four-touchdown performance for a consecutive week. The Eagles just looked rusty and played poor defense to keep Desean Jackson out of the end zone. Fitzpatrick's postgame conference outfit though. Conor McGregor would be proud.
TW: 2-7-1, CV: 6-3-1
Arizona 0, Los Angeles Rams 34: TW: Rams, CV: Rams
The Rams pretty much off went through the roof in this game. All aspects of the game were dominated by the Rams. Jared Goff had a good game, Todd Gurley and Malcolm Brown had quite a day on rushing. Brandin Cooks had quite the game gaining 159 receiving yards on seven catches. The Rams are off to their best start since 2001, back when they were the St. Louis Rams. For Arizona, it's another bad loss and there's no light at the end of the tunnel so far for them so far this early in the season.
TW: 3-7-1, CV: 7-3-1
Detroit 27, San Francisco 30: TW: 49ers, CV: 49ers
The biggest takeaway from the game was Marcus Breida of the 49ers having a day on the ground with 138 rushing yards on 11 carries. Both teams played it close to the gullet but ultimately it would be the 49ers that would win to avoid a 0-2 hole. Unfortunately for Detroit, its another 0-2 start to a franchise that is all too familiar with the term "bad starts."
TW: 4-7-1, CV: 8-3-1
New England 20, Jacksonville 31: TW: Patriots, CV: Patriots.
The rematch of the AFC championship game somewhat lived up to its billing. Unfortunately for Brady and company, they couldn't quite handle the 90+ degree (Fahrenheit) heat in Florida. The Jaguars had a game plan ready for the Pats and unfortunately, they just didn't have it in them. Could be a passing of the torch, who knows.
TW: 4-8-1, CV: 8-4-1
Oakland 19, Denver 20: TW: Broncos, CV: Raiders.
A story of two halves for both teams. The Raiders dominated the 1st half, the Broncos the 2nd. The 2nd half collapse of the Raiders was more or less about you giving an opportunity to give the Broncos a way to get back into the game. You have to remember that Denver was down 19-10 by the time the 4th quarter started. For Jon Gruden and company its a start they would've rather not have.
TW: 5-8-1, CV: 8-5-1
NY Giants 13, Dallas 20: TW: Giants, CV: Cowboys.
It was a rough day to be a Giants fan in this game. Eli Manning of the Giants was hammered by quarterback hits and sacks. It was a solid win for the Cowboys who got a lot of help from Wide Receiver Tavon Austin who set the tone very early in the game for the Cowboys. Ezekiel Elliot had a solid 78 yards rushing. Not a promising start for Big Blue.
TW: 5-9-1, CV: 9-5-1
Seattle 17, Chicago 24: TW: Bears, CV: Seahawks.
The week wrapped up with a Monday night showdown in Chicago. Both starting quarterbacks threw three combined interceptions in the game. I feel it proves that the Bears are a worthy team to fear. They have a solid defense fronted by Danny Trevathan and Khalil Mack and good offensive talent with Mitch Trubisky and a formidable running game and receiving corp. The Seahawks look like a shell of what they once were, much like the Bears now.
TW: 6-9-1, CV: 9-6-1
Record:
2018:
Week 1: 10-5-1
Week 2: 6-9-1
Overall: 16-11-2
Cardinal Viking
2018:
Week 1: 8-7-1
Week 2: 9-6-1
Overall: 17-13-2
See you guys on Wednesday/Thursday!
-Tom
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