Its not like the game is visually different from 2021 to 2024. And passing efficiency actually dropped in 2023 and 2024. Defenses (the better ones) stopped single high coverages that led to big plays on 1st and 2nd down and exclusive use of 2 deep man and zone on 3rd and long.
The 2013-2022 bonkers rise in passing efficiency was due to stubbornly early down run focused defensive coaches. Defensive coaches in general, at head coach too. Demanding running for the sake of running/toughness/nonsense and giving up downs to run in unfavorable defensive looks. They were squashing Chad Pennington (Herm Edwards) and Steve McNair (Jeff Fisher) in their greatest seasons by forcing those QBs to convert 3rd and long all seasons long. The forward thinking offensive coaches transformed the game while stubborn defensive coaches refused to adapt. Until forced out by newer breed.
Except for Bellichik who as early as 1990 postseason saw stopping the pass intelligently (or brutally mugging WRs if the league let him in 1990 and early 2000s) is how u prevent scoring and win. RB Thurman thomas had an SBMVP performance in 1990 SB loss to Bellichiks Giants.
Thanks for reading and adding commentary. I did not intend to comment on how the game is played, although I did mention restricted contact, prolific passing, and bloated statistics -- all facts if you look at the record books. I was expressing a concern that the NFLPA has negotiated in a manner that prevents the tough training that players previously endured to get into playing shape. How coaches decide to play the game is an entirely different thing. I do admit Bill Belichick tested the officials with aggressive defensive play against receivers, which caused Buffalo/Indianapolis GM Bill Polian to insist on stricter enforcement of rules on the books in 2004. The game will evolve to suit circumstances. It is no coincidence that middle and inside linebackers are far different than those in the 1960s/70s because they need to match up to receiving backs more than they do thundering running backs. So hybrid safeties are the trend replacing the old Matt Millens and Jack Reynolds, two of my favorites. Nothing is forever. We already are seeing a revival of running backs who actually run. Maybe some day we will see more road-grading fullbacks, which might encourage the return of old-fashioned inside and middle linebackers. It is the offense/defense tango that swings like a pendulum. But it swings slowly, so don't hold your breath.
Its not like the game is visually different from 2021 to 2024. And passing efficiency actually dropped in 2023 and 2024. Defenses (the better ones) stopped single high coverages that led to big plays on 1st and 2nd down and exclusive use of 2 deep man and zone on 3rd and long.
The 2013-2022 bonkers rise in passing efficiency was due to stubbornly early down run focused defensive coaches. Defensive coaches in general, at head coach too. Demanding running for the sake of running/toughness/nonsense and giving up downs to run in unfavorable defensive looks. They were squashing Chad Pennington (Herm Edwards) and Steve McNair (Jeff Fisher) in their greatest seasons by forcing those QBs to convert 3rd and long all seasons long. The forward thinking offensive coaches transformed the game while stubborn defensive coaches refused to adapt. Until forced out by newer breed.
Except for Bellichik who as early as 1990 postseason saw stopping the pass intelligently (or brutally mugging WRs if the league let him in 1990 and early 2000s) is how u prevent scoring and win. RB Thurman thomas had an SBMVP performance in 1990 SB loss to Bellichiks Giants.
Thanks for reading and adding commentary. I did not intend to comment on how the game is played, although I did mention restricted contact, prolific passing, and bloated statistics -- all facts if you look at the record books. I was expressing a concern that the NFLPA has negotiated in a manner that prevents the tough training that players previously endured to get into playing shape. How coaches decide to play the game is an entirely different thing. I do admit Bill Belichick tested the officials with aggressive defensive play against receivers, which caused Buffalo/Indianapolis GM Bill Polian to insist on stricter enforcement of rules on the books in 2004. The game will evolve to suit circumstances. It is no coincidence that middle and inside linebackers are far different than those in the 1960s/70s because they need to match up to receiving backs more than they do thundering running backs. So hybrid safeties are the trend replacing the old Matt Millens and Jack Reynolds, two of my favorites. Nothing is forever. We already are seeing a revival of running backs who actually run. Maybe some day we will see more road-grading fullbacks, which might encourage the return of old-fashioned inside and middle linebackers. It is the offense/defense tango that swings like a pendulum. But it swings slowly, so don't hold your breath.