Jaguars Opt for Overtime Kickoff to Strategically Manage Clock, Says Coen

The NFL’s revised overtime rules have significantly impacted team strategies this season. Unlike previous seasons, where the outcome of the coin toss heavily favored the team choosing to receive the ball first, this year has seen a shift in tactics. Teams are now considering when to kick off instead of always opting to receive.

Strategic Overtime Decisions

During the recent overtime match involving the Jacksonville Jaguars, head coach Liam Coen made a notable decision. He chose to receive the ball instead of kicking off, which deviated from the trend observed in the first three overtime games of the season. His rationale rested on the game’s unique structure where regular-season overtime lasts only 10 minutes.

Running Down the Clock

Coen’s strategy aimed at managing the clock effectively. He wanted to minimize the time available for the Las Vegas Raiders’ offense. “We discussed this in our game management meetings,” Coen explained. “If we could pin them on the kickoff, we would force them into a two-minute drill to win the game.” This strategic mindset focused on maintaining ball control.

Key Moments in Overtime

• The Jaguars initiated overtime with a 54-yard kickoff return.
• Starting at the Raiders’ 44-yard line, they ran the ball nine out of ten times on their possession.
• This approach allowed them to score a touchdown while consuming almost seven minutes of the clock.
• The Raiders began their drive with just 3:16 left and scored a touchdown with 16 seconds remaining.
• However, they failed on the two-point conversion, sealing a victory for the Jaguars.

This game exemplifies that there can be advantages to both strategies in the overtime coin toss. The Jaguars’ approach showcased effective clock management and execution, which ultimately led to their success on the field.