Has the game changed?

In previous years( Decades...), The good teams could run the ball down your throat.

There have always been passing teams ( Houston Run and Shoot ) but when it came down to December and January football, The successful teams were the ones that could run ball first and pass to maintain some balance.


Looking at the dominant teams now, I can't help but think it's turned into a passing league.
Cornerbacks can no longer play a true press coverage.
Quarterbacks draw atleast 2 roughing the passer calls a game.
Why not throw it 40 times a game and make 4 big plays.

Look at the previous Superbowl teams:
Patriots
Steelers
Giants
Cardinals

Only the Giants are a run first team and still they have the ability to throw it 40 times a game.

Is it time to adjust to a pass happy offense and take advantage of the new rules protecting QBs and WRs or is the old Smashmouth football strategy the best way to go?

The league has constantly been adjusting rules to benefit the offense, especially the passing offense. Big pass plays are exciting, fun, and sell tickets. For a few years now the NFL has been a pass to run league. Running is still an important part of football, but throwing is your bread and butter.

The league has constantly been adjusting rules to benefit the offense, especially the passing offense. Big pass plays are exciting, fun, and sell tickets. For a few years now the NFL has been a pass to run league. Running is still an important part of football, but throwing is your bread and butter.
Unless you're Minnesota.

Its definately a passing league now, Im sure the stats would back that up as well. It used to be you could win with a strong running game and a good defense. It seems that all the good teams can throw the ball these days.

Let's see what our future President/Head Coach has to say

"The game has changed," Cowher said. "The rules have changed. I think right now, I hate to say this, but the running game is a complement. It's not the foundation that it once was. You look at the last three AFC teams that were in the Super Bowl, that's Pittsburgh, New England and Indianapolis. They're all passing teams. The running game is a complement."

Fired-up Deacon Jones sacks Pack in speech to Rams - JSOnline (http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/62285592.html)

Unless you're Minnesota.

Remind me how they pulled out victory this week again? :)

The teams that have good runners still use them effectively, but the game has changed to more of a passing game because of the big play possibility. It's difficult anymore to go eighty yds. in 12/14 plays and score. Much has to do with individual team personnel, you do what your particular team does best based on your players.

The game has changed into more of a passing oriented game, and I think that takes away from what football is all about. Take a look at arena football...strictly a passing game but it fizzled out. I think if they keep screwing with the rules, they are going to make the game way to ridiculous to watch!

I kind of like how football was back in the 70's and 80's. Big emphasis on a strong running attack, corners being able to play the receivers more tightly, linebackers and Defensive linemen not having to be so afraid of getting flagged for doing what their purpose is...to knock the heck out of the quarterback! That, is football! The game today is become way to finesse!

Zorn just needs to decide whether to be a running or passing team.

The game has changed into more of a passing oriented game, and I think that takes away from what football is all about. Take a look at arena football...strictly a passing game but it fizzled out. I think if they keep screwing with the rules, they are going to make the game way to ridiculous to watch!

I kind of like how football was back in the 70's and 80's. Big emphasis on a strong running attack, corners being able to play the receivers more tightly, linebackers and Defensive linemen not having to be so afraid of getting flagged for doing what their purpose is...to knock the heck out of the quarterback! That, is football! The game today is become way to finesse!


You make good points, and I have often felt the same way. The type game you speak of obviously became too boreing for the viewers. In an effort to make the game more exciting, score more points, enhance the ratings, the game has strayed so far from it's origional format old timers hardly recognize it anymore. It's all about creating more interest, gain more viewers and fans, and of course last but far from least, make more money.