Passing game is changing football, but might not be for better

[polamalubeast]

By Brian Billick NFL Network


I have been on the offensive side of the ball for virtually my entire football career. I love the passing game and the artistry it represents. Heading into Week 4, NFL quarterbacks have thrown for better than 300 yards 34 times, obliterating the previous all-time high of 21 games after three weeks. That is more than significant and I think there are three reasons why it's happening.

1. The league has never before had the depth of quality quarterbacks that it currently boasts. Even though I typically find QB rating a useless stat, it's hard to ignore that there are currently eight quarterbacks who maintain a rating of 100 or better, and nine who are averaging 300 or more yards per game. I attribute this level of play to the year-round focus and personal training, the evolution of the college game, and the creativity of offensive coordinators.

2. There have been rule changes that naturally favor the offensive side of the ball. Whether it's illegal contact, defensive holding, pass interference, personal fouls or the like, all are automatic first downs that give the offense free yardage and a new possession. With the increased awareness on player safety, there have been more illegal hits and more 15-yard penalties. That kills the momentum of the defense and gives the offense new life.

3. Teams are committed to win through the air. It used to be said that in order to be competitive in the NFL, you had to be able to run the ball and stop the run. That's not the correct formula anymore. Take the 2011 NFL draft as an example. The best running back available, 2009 Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram, wasn't selected until the 28th overall pick. This also was a draft that saw the Falcons make a blockbuster trade to move up and select impact receiver, Julio Jones, at No. 6. And Jones wasn't even the first wide receiver taken -- A.J. Green was selected by the Bengals two picks earlier. This shows just how important it is to have an explosive offense and be able to keep up with teams in a shootout.


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[XxKnightxX]

Having said all that, I fear we may be losing the essence of what makes this game special. Both the college game and the NFL have evolved to this at the price of losing some of the physicality that distinguishes it from other sports. I am not sure what the league can do to dial it back. You can't go back and take the protections off the quarterback. The reason for that change, safety, still applies. But perhaps we need to go back to giving defensive backs the ability to play more aggressively down the field. I am afraid the train has already left the station, but I think it at least needs to be discussed.

This douchebag hasnt been this right on the money in years. Its a sad thing to see, how this game is being lobbies for QBs, since points bring in money and all owners want is money.

[suitanim]

Think how the game has changed. In 1976, the Steelers alone pitched what? 4 shutouts? There were only 5 shutouts in the entire NFL last year!

This is part of the reason why the old purists who hate Arians are wrong. You HAVE TO PASS THE BALL TO WIN. If you simply run the ball, control the clock and play good D, you're not going to win game 12-7 like in the old days, you're going to lose 27-12.

[SteelerFanInStl]

He's absolutely correct and I hate it.

[Count Steeler]

We should have a game plan to score 35 points a game. The old style just doesn't cut it anymore.

[ALLD]

Billick won a Super Bowl with Trent friggen Dilfer. I still don't believe it.

[Count Steeler]

Perhaps it was the Ravens win that convinced to owners to go "offensive" from now on. And the fact that Brady needed to be coddled.