re: Manning and his cap hit

quote:

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When did the NFL change the rules to the benefit of passing offense?

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The 1970s

In the early '70s they outlawed the bump and run, which had allowed DBs to mug receivers at the line

In the late '70s they permitted OL to block by pushing off with their hands -- aka legalized holding. BION before then OL had been forced to block with their forearms.

These two rule changes, along with the WCO, are the difference between the old "classic" NFL -- say after the T formation's introduction in the early '40s -- and the modern NFL. It's why you can reasonably compare Peyton, Brady, and Brees to Montana, Marino, and Elway, but not Baugh, Graham, or even Unitas (whose consecutive TD streak would not be broken until after 50 years and at least 2 major rule changes). It's a different game.