NFL Reportedly Considering Simplifying Coin Toss Rules After Dak Prescott Controversy

The Dallas Cowboys nearly had to kick the ball to start both halves last week because of miscommunication between Dak Prescott and the referee regarding the coin toss.

Prescott meant to defer and kick to start the game. Yet him saying "kick" first (despite eventually getting around to technically deferring) led to confusion, and the Cowboys nearly faced disaster.

In the wake of this unforeseen mess, the NFL decided to step in, and now may be changing the rules to avoid another coin toss debacle.

The process is a bit confusing now. Players either have to say they want to receive or to defer the choice to the second half. Choosing to defer means they are kicking anyway, so it should not make a difference.

Yet, somehow, it does.

The NFL should never have to step in for something as simple as the coin toss. Simplifying what can be said and giving players specific words and phrases can help clear things up. A little bit of common sense with the referees helps as well.