On the day where the NFL changed it’s overtime rule for the first time in 52 years, here’s the best statistic I’ve read regarding the impact of the rule modification: Of the 27 overtime games in playoff history, only three ended with a field goal on the first possession.

That number is courtesy of the NFL Network research staff. And, yes, that means three of 27 games would have been impacted by the new playoff overtime rule.

We’ve had some interesting debates in meetings and hallways around NFL West Coast Headquarters Tuesday, and analysts Mike Mayock and Solomon Wilcots brought some interesting opinions to NFL Total Access.

“I’m against the measure, Wilcots said. “I believe that all three phases of the game are equally important. … Then why can’t special teams decide the outcome of a game? Particularly in overtime? I think special teams is equally important.”

Mayock, also a traditionalist, wondered why the rule was applied to only the playoffs and also believes it changes the fabric of the game.

“The bottom line is you’re forcing coaches to make different decisions now based on whether you go for a touchdown or a field goal and whether you’re trying to end a game or not,” Mayock said.

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