PHOENIX — The NFL’s latest rule change could be a game-changer for teams like the Arizona Cardinals, who fell victim to the league’s old overtime format last season.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The NFL’s owners have passed a rule change that will allow both teams to possess the ball in overtime during the regular season, per source.
The overtime period will remain just 10 minutes.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) April 1, 2025
On Tuesday, the NFL announced that starting in the 2025 season, both teams will be guaranteed at least one possession in overtime during the regular season. This adjustment mirrors the postseason rule implemented in 2022, which aimed to prevent a game from being decided without both teams having a chance to respond.
For the Cardinals, this change comes months too late. Arizona’s 2024 season saw several close contests, but none more frustrating than their Week 16 overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers. The Cardinals never got the ball in the extra period, as Carolina won the coin toss, drove down the field, and scored a game-ending touchdown. Under the new rule, Arizona would have had a chance to answer, potentially changing the outcome of that game.
Dec 22, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (30) tries to evade Arizona Cardinals safety Jalen Thompson (34) during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
The rule change is expected to make overtime games more competitive and reduce the impact of a coin flip. In recent years, teams that won the overtime coin toss had an outsized advantage, with some games ending before the opposing offense could take the field.
Arizona, which finished 8-9 last season, could have benefited greatly from the extra opportunity, as they showed resilience in close games. With quarterback Kyler Murray back under center and a revamped roster heading into 2025, the Cardinals may find themselves in another overtime battle. This time, thanks to the rule change, they’ll have a fighting chance.
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Reporter Reyna Stanley covers the Phoenix Mercury and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on X @rey_stanley776.
