No doubt, the Championship games for the NFL were thrilling, but at a cost. On the NFC side, one blatantly missed call made the outcome a lot worse. The AFC one is where the rules are being criticized and potentially called for bias. These are going to be discussed through the year until September.
New Orleans found themselves with a very good team this year. I thought this was going to be the team representing the NFC for the Super Bowl. Last year, it was on them for the whiff against Minnesota. A missed call on the LA Rams very late in the game changed how the Rams were able to tie and eventually win. The refs admit they blew it, and the city of New Orleans is very steamed. There are small calls that are often missed, but this is why refs are more criticized by not just fans, but players. That is evident in baseball with guys like Angel Hernandez and Joe West. Regardless, there probably will be talk about how to handle penalties. Error or no error, we can't see this determine the fate of two teams.
I'd say the AFC had a few missed calls, but nothing to the level of the NFC. However, rules can be looked in regards to overtime. For a match up of the ages and for one to live up to the hype, Kansas City not getting the ball is a travesty. And I think that's why people are peeved about the coin toss determining who wins. I'd say the same would apply if New England didn't get the ball. It's a lose lose situation. Fans are going to be split on how things should go. A reason it's getting criticized now because it's a one sided affair. With a trip to the Super Bowl on the line, it shouldn't be determined by a coin toss.
The rules will be looked at. Here's how I think they should do overtime. At least in the playoffs. You have to treat it somewhat like college football. Both teams get a chance to have possession. I'd keep the field goal stuff the same. Both score three points, the next score wins. I would apply that to the touchdowns. Both score equal points barring missed extra points, it becomes sudden death with the next score ending the game. I think there should be exceptions. A safety, interception, or fumble where the defense gets points or the opposing team scores on the drive following the turnover, ends the game. Missed extra points end the game if the score isn't equaled. Blocked kicks on field goals and punts where they score ends it.
There's a lot to it, but I believe the league will look into the overtime rules. We could see change heading into next season. As far as the New Orleans situation, there's not much that can be done. Maybe an attempt to have quick judging on what is a penalty, but that would frustrate fans and broadcasters with numerous delays. The games were exciting, but the backlash will amount, regardless of who wins the Super Bowl.
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