NFL Cuts OT From 15 Minutes To 10, Citing Player Safety
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CHICAGO (AP) - NFL owners cut the overtime period from 15 minutes to 10 minutes to address coaches' concerns too many players were exhausted and risking injuries at the end of the extra period.
The change covers preseason and regular-season contests. Playoff games will also use 10-minute time blocks in overtime, but won't end in ties.
Research suggests the number of games that will go into overtime and end up tied will climb slightly. Over the last five years, with the 15-minute period in use, the league has averaged about one tie game each season. Projections show that could climb to three.
"We don't think it will lead to more ties," Commissioner Roger Goodell said, joining a number of coaches who said they expect a more aggressive strategy during the shorter extra period.
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