A Rarity of NFL Ties

Prior to 2012, the last time there was an NFL tie was in 2008 with the Philadelphia Eagles and the Cincinnati Bengals. Since then, there have been seven that have become ties. The most recent being this past Sunday with the Green Bay Packers and the Minnesota Vikings. It wasn't their first rodeo together since they experienced it in 2013. Is it really that big of a problem? I don't think so.

If anything, it's just pure, dumb luck with this one and the game with the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers. People probably said the same thing a couple years ago when the Bengals and Washington Redskins tied when the week before that was the Arizona Cardinals and the Seattle Seahawks. It happens. There isn't a simple explanation for why these happen. I kind of agree that the shortened time could lead to more ties, but it gives them an extra incentive to try for that touchdown rather than go for the field goal.

It's not like these teams are not giving up. Look at all the missed field goals. There's a reason why Minnesota cut their kicker and decided to sign Dan Bailey, one of the most accurate kickers. Being in a dome will help him greatly as their kicking game in the franchise's tenure has cost them in games that mattered. Tangent aside, teams are doing whatever is necessary. More than likely we're not going to see another tie. If it does happen again, we'll see what is in store from fans and critics.

Ties are not disappearing anytime soon, but it's not going to wind up being five or six ties a year like it was before overtime rules came into play during the mid 70s.

Lowly Tie

If you're the Pittsburgh Steelers, this should be a travesty in itself. Facing the Cleveland Browns should have been a walk in the park somewhat. Instead, they let them comeback and not only tie the game, but end the game in a tie.

For one thing, do not blame this on Le'Veon Bell. James Connor put up one hell of a game that totaled almost 200 scrimmage yards and a touchdown. The defense put up their effort, particularly one T.J. Watt with four sacks. Ben Roethlisberger had the awful game with three interceptions despite over 300 yards passing. More than likely, that was what got Cleveland back in.

On the other side, Tyrod Taylor was abysmal in accuracy, but the ground game is what got him and Carlos Hyde to score. Jarvis Landry is one guy Miami might regret trading away if he has games like he had this week. The defense did not give up. For rookie Denzel Ward to get his first two picks ever off of one of the great quarterbacks, it says a lot for not just him, but for the team.

Pittsburgh has it tough facing Kansas City for Week 2. Although they beat them in the playoffs two seasons ago and the regular season last year, they were tight match ups. Dealing with Tyreek Hill is their most concerning issue. Cleveland goes to New Orleans, who laid an egg against Tampa Bay and backup Ryan Fitzpatrick. I see Drew Brees getting the victory and the winless streak continuing for the Browns. Ultimately, Pittsburgh should be ashamed of having this as, although it's just the first week, it could be a huge factor in whether they are a postseason team or not.