NFL APPROVES NEW RULES

The NFL passed a form of modified sudden death overtime today at the league meetings in Orlando. Owners passed the vote by a count of 28-4. The changes will apply only to the postseason, though the league may reconsider adapting them for the 2010 regular season in May. The modified sudden death rule means both teams get opportunities for possessions in overtime (fumbling away a kickoff would count as an opportunity) -- if the first possession doesn't end in a touchdown, offensive or defensive. The sudden death format would resume thereafter. Falcons president Rich McKay acknowledged this creates two sets of rules for the regular season and the playoffs. "Part of the reason we have different rules is because we have different consequences," he said. But McKay said "there was certainly sentiment in the room to discuss having this rule in the regular season." More study is needed before such a change is made, but McKay said owners might consider making the change for the regular season as early as their May meetings.