Do we disregard the history of the NFL too much?

[EWRMETS]

I wouldn't call this a NFL problem. The much greater availability of sports has led to the best players and teams playing in the 1990s and 2000s. Which leads most people to think like this.

NHL best player ever-Gretzky
NHL best goalie ever-Patrick Roy

NBA best player ever-Michael Jordan
NBA best team ever-1996 Chicago Bulls

NFL best offensive player ever-Jerry Rice
NFL best defensive player ever- Lawrence Taylor
NFL best team ever-New England 2007

MLB best offensive player ever-Barry Bonds (maybe not that widespread but a lot of people say this); AROD
MLB best pitcher ever-Roger Clemens (same as above)

best golfer ever-Tiger Woods

best tennis player ever-Roger Federer; Pete Samprass (before Federer)

Some older names like Babe Ruth and Bill Russell get their do, but fans and the media don't look very back into history when talking about sports.

[grunt]

Quote: Originally Posted by Jistic

And receivers that can run up and down the field w/out fearing for their lives. Used to be you could facemask, clothesline, chop block, do whatever it took.

The biggest rule changes that have impacted the game was the 5 yard bump rule. The Bill Walsh passing system benefited the most from this rule change. The ability let the wr run free down the field really open up the passing game.

The other rule allowing offensive linemen to use their hands really helped pass protection and give wrs to run down field.

I always try to compare players in their own era because of these radical rule changes.

[grunt]

Quote: Originally Posted by Rainey

You know why games are less brutal now? We have 6'4 275 pound defensive ends who can run 4.5's. You had to cut out some of the brutality or we would have a dead football player by now. It's going to happen soon I imagine.

There aren't too many 6-4, 274 pound defensive ends that could run a 4.5 in this era. The reasons why players are so much bigger than in previous generations is because of steroids and HGH. I can give weight training and nutrition some credit but most of the credit belong to juiced up players.

[Howie75]

Quote: Originally Posted by grunt

The biggest rule changes that have impacted the game was the 5 yard bump rule. The Bill Walsh passing system benefited the most from this rule change. The ability let the wr run free down the field really open up the passing game. The other rule allowing offensive linemen to use their hands really helped pass protection and give wrs to run down field. I always try to compare players in their own era because of these radical rule changes.

I think you are absolutely right on all counts...good post.

[SPTO]

Quote: Originally Posted by EWRMETS

NFL best defensive player ever- Lawrence Taylor .

Try Dick Butkus or someone like Deacon Jones.

[USF11]

Quote: Originally Posted by The Soldier

Nobody on this board is in the 50+ category. That's a big reason none of the old people come up much. Aside from baseball, there isn't another sport where people can reel off a list of pre-1960s players. And considering how much the game has changed since that time, especially with respect to size, speed, and black players, it's easy to see why they aren't discussed.

Give a guy like Butkus things like Creatine, NO, protein shakes and a top of the line weight room/training staff, he would be a monster.

The players are bigger, faster, stronger for a reason.

Also, take Wilt and put him in the time of Aids, and Gold Diggers, and he might of scored 100 pts every night with all that extra energy!

[Kramer5150]

Quote: Originally Posted by Howie75

I think the real change is in the secondary. I'm not talking about the brutality on the QB, I'm thinking more of the legal mugging that took place on all of the pasing plays. The secondary size and speed hasn't changed too drastically, but the hitting and ability to beat on the WR's all day long certainly has.

Here's the guy to thank for those rule changes.....lol

The great Mel Blount....

[Howie75]

Mel Blount was a beast.

It also can be attrbuted to any of these guys...