Post by bulldogoption on Dec 21, 2007 23:44:42 GMT -6
superpower said:
I have been reading about the A-11 offense and wondering if this is another step in the evolution of American football. If so, what do you think the game will look like in 10 years? 20 years? 50 years? As our society becomes softer (in general), will football have to change from a collision sport to less of a contact sport just to survive? With more and more spread passing schemes, it appears that there is less and less contact in the game (not saying that is bad or good - just a change). How long will it be until all blocking (and possibly all tackling) below the waist becomes illegal?
Many/Most NFL receivers and defensive backs no longer wear any knee, hip, or thigh pads. How soon will the uniform rules change to not requiring those pads at the college, high school, middle school, and youth levels?
As the game continues to evolve, what will distinguish it from basketball and soccer? (Other than the obvious things like the field, the number of players, the ball that is used, etc.)
I guess my real question is this: Is football in the process of losing its identity?
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IMO, there are two contributing factors to the changes in football:
1. Rule changes that are made for the safety of the players.
-No spearing
-Late Hit Penalties on QB
-No blocks below the waist/chop blocks
-Can't hit defenseless receivers
-etc, etc, etc
If you look at each of the newer rules they make sense, IMO. BUT, the sum effect of all of them is taking some of the brutal contact out of football. It is also making the passing game much more attractive. Back in the day when Chuck Cecil, aka the vaccinator, used to knock receivers unconscious, I would suggest that many receivers and coaches were not as eager to pass the ball.
What has driven these changes? WEll first I would guess genuine concern for the safety of the players. Or at least knee jerk reactions to some career ending injuries. Secondly, it is about liability.
Most of these rule changes happen in the pros first. The rule changes drive the changes in schemes/philosophies. THose philosophies filter down to college and HS. We adjust our personnel to fit the schemes.
2. As Brophy already eluded to, we are becoming a more fit society as we figured out how moronic the original early 90's food pyramid was. Kids today are being taught how to eat healthy and maintain a healthy weight. Slim and fit are in. Huge and strong aren't as in. So that 6'0 stud that may have lifted like crazy and been a guard is now fit/slim and plays DB/WR.
Kurtbryan's projection sure sounds a heck of a lot like arena......
So superpower I think you're right to wonder not if, but when the game becomes more like soccer/basketball and loses the identity it had 10 years ago.
Unless some rule changes are made in reverse making the passing game less attractive it will continue on its current trend.