The NFL, in changing the rules to favor the pass have made the game more dangerous. Years ago only TEs and big WRs went over the middle because a little guy would get knocked out.
Houston tried the run-n-shoot for a few years and it ultimately failed because their WRs got too beat up.
Guys like Edelman would not have made it in the NFL prior to the rule changes. First, he never would have gotten open if he wasn;t allowed a free release, and second, he wouldn't last a season getting hit by LBs on those short crossing routes.
There are so many concussions because all of these quick passes set up higher speed collisions. Football used to be more of a clos combat sport. Sure there were big hits but not as many at such high speeds.
Today the game is all about open space. Everything is gameplanned around getting a fast player in space. Well, if there's space, that means a tackler must come from distance which means a defender going full speed.
When there is tight coverage, the tackle comes from a few yards away. With the spread offenses creating all these spaces, you have constant set ups for long range high speed collisions. Collisions involving small WRs
Now factor in the role of hurry up offenses. You have teams running far more plays per game which means more hits.
Playing QB today is simply not as big of a challenge as years ago. Just look at the completion percentages. It wasn't that long ago that 60% meant you were an All-Pro. Now 60% is expected.
Let's look at how much easier it has become to Pass by lookin at how many QBs completed various percentages
1990 - 0 over 65%, only 3 at 60% or higher
2000 - 1 over 65%, 13 at 60% or higher
2010 - 6 over 65%, 20 at 60% or higher
2017 - 1 over 70%(Brees), 6 over 65%, 25 at 60% or higher
Look at how easy it is today. Drew Brees completed 72% . But he's a hall of famer you say? OK, Then how about Case Keenum 67.6%, Alex Smith 67.5% and Josh McCown
