2 years ago
via nfl-questions.com
When looking over the career passing statistics of quarterbacks, I notice a huge difference in completion percentages, touchdown to intercep
tion ratios and in effect quarterback ratings between this era of quarterbacks and previous eras that included qb's such as Terry Bradshaw, Roger Staubach, Johnny Unitas, Bart Starr. All of them pale in stats, even John Elway just had a career quarterback rating of 79.9. Why is this the case? Is it that offensive philosophies are so complex now that defenses can't keep up? Have defensive rule changes made it more difficult to defend receivers? Are the athletes just better today? Just curious on some thoughts on this topic. Thanks!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2U1Xtci4PBw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2U1Xtci4PBw
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M$1 Answer
I think there are at least 3 main reasons among many why you don’t have the same level of numbers from the older generation quarterbacks.
1. The first reason is old receivers could be bumped well after the 5 yards from scrimmage that they are now. Think about a quarterback trying to throw to someone who was lying on the ground.
2. Holding for the offensive lineman was ruled a lot tighter in the old days. Now days it takes ripping the shirt off before they are assured a call.
3. The rules to protect the quarterback help them stay in the game with their mental and physical state intact. While they still had to stop when the whistle blew, the old quarterback spent much of their time being driven into the ground. Dick Butkus lived for driving quarterbacks into the ground. I remember when the sliding rule was put in effect to save quarterbacks. Rodger Staubach slid to avoid getting hit but still got hit many times.
And before Fran Tarkenton it wasn’t cool to scramble.
1. The first reason is old receivers could be bumped well after the 5 yards from scrimmage that they are now. Think about a quarterback trying to throw to someone who was lying on the ground.
2. Holding for the offensive lineman was ruled a lot tighter in the old days. Now days it takes ripping the shirt off before they are assured a call.
3. The rules to protect the quarterback help them stay in the game with their mental and physical state intact. While they still had to stop when the whistle blew, the old quarterback spent much of their time being driven into the ground. Dick Butkus lived for driving quarterbacks into the ground. I remember when the sliding rule was put in effect to save quarterbacks. Rodger Staubach slid to avoid getting hit but still got hit many times.
And before Fran Tarkenton it wasn’t cool to scramble.
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M$
great answer!