The 18-game proposition, which from everything I’ve read appears to be a done deal, prompted me to think of some other possible rule changes. Here’s 2 other changes that I think have merit:
- Eliminate the divisions and reduce to 2 conferences. The schedule would consist of 1 game between all teams in a conference and then the schedule could be filled out with several inter-conference games. As of now, each conference has 16 teams, so that’s 15 games intra-conference leaving the opening for 3 inter-conference games. Playoffs take the top 6 teams from each conference and the playoff format remains identical with the top two teams getting a bye-week.
This preserves rivalries, perhaps augmenting them since teams only get 1 shot at one another each season. Plus, this makes crystal clear who the cream of the crop are. Mainly though, I think this augments the playoff scenarios. No more crappy division winning teams when there are better teams in a more competitive division. Or rather, we no longer have that argument because it’s all settled on the field.
- Make field goals worth points based on distance. I think there are 2 scenarios:
- Field goals are worth a minimum of 2 points up to 30 yards, and then increase by 1 point for every 10 yards further. So 17-30 yards worth 2, 30-39 worth 3, 40-49 worth 4, 50-59 worth 5 and 60+ worth 6.
- Makes field goals less than say, 40 or 45 yards worth 3 points (I’m not sure what a good dividing line is, my sense is 45. Looking at league stats would make it pretty clear.) Make anything beyond worth 4 points.
Mainly, this affects the ends of games and keeps teams in a game even longer. Basically, the minimum safe lead becomes 2 touchdowns (14 points). For instance, under scenario ‘A’ a team down 10 late has a new path to tie, or even win the game. To tie, they need 2 50+ yard field goals. It’s a lot easier to move the ball to the 35 or so than to score touchdowns. Less time comes off the clock for each drive as well.
Arguably there are also new strategic considerations that come into play. Does a team down 10 immediately settle for a 50+ yard field-goal to preserve time on the clock, or do they try to finish the drive and score touchdowns? When inside the 10, does a team settle for 2 now, or go for it on 4th down because 2 points isn’t worth it?
Of the 2, the variable-point field goal is more interesting, IMHO. But I like both and don’t think either is so crazy as to be dismissed without merit. I’ve had other thoughts, but these 2 I think are simple and enhance the game in interesting ways.