According to an article written over the weekend by Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, a proposed change in the rules by the NFL's Competition Committee would eliminate an extra point attempt on walk-off touchdowns in regulation when there is no time remaining on the clock.
Via the official NFL Competition Committee website:
“At the annual meeting, the Competition Committee presents a report of its findings to the 32 owners, who vote on any proposed new rules or rules changes. To be adopted, a new rule or a revision must have the support of 75 percent of the owners (24 yes votes out of 32 clubs),” the website states.
This issue came to serious light with the Minnesota Vikings' stunning 29-24 victory over the New Orleans Saints during the 2017-18 NFL Divisional Round star wide receiver Stefon Diggs caught a pass from quarterback Case Keenum and Saints rookie safety Marcus Williams completely whiffed on the tackle, resulting in a miracle game-winning 61-yard touchdown as time expired.
The Saints immediately left the field in shock while the Vikings celebrated what would be named the “Minneapolis Miracle,” but 11 New Orleans players were forced to return for the meaningless extra point that had no effect on the outcome of the game.
“First, it really is meaningless, making it a waste of everyone’s time. Second, it gives the players one last chance to injure each other, possibly fueled by the frustration the comes from losing the game on a last-second play. Third, it removes any discretion that could be exercised by a coach to kick or not kick the extra point,” Florio said.
Under the current rule, the extra point is mandatory even if the result has no bearing on the outcome of the game. A change in the rules would allow a walk-off touchdown in the fourth quarter to be the final play.
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