This is not the same game that it was 5 years ago.

[redmen85]

I was looking at the scores from last night. One team scored 87. There were a couple of 70's. A number of 60's. Rochester scored their obligatory 50-something.

Does anyone play defense anymore? All of the rule changes have really changed the game.

 

[mchsalumni]

The rule changes haven't changed the game, and yes, teams try to play defense. Offensive schemes and sets and playback are as thick as a bible now. That's what has changed the game, not different rules.

 

[redmen85]

You don't think the practice limitations have changed the game?
I have never seen such poor tackling. Why? Many spread offenses that cause players to have to tackle in space. In my opinion it's very difficult to simulate that in practice.

 

[mchsalumni]

You don't think the practice limitations have changed the game?
I have never seen such poor tackling. Why? Many spread offenses that cause players to have to tackle in space. In my opinion it's very difficult to simulate that in practice.

Yes, but nothing has changed the game more than offensive innovation. Spreading the field when you look back is incredibly logical and it's amazing no one tried to install back in the 60s, 70s or 80s.

 

[tomloner reborn]

Well at the high school level less players on the football roosters. Coaches loading up the offense on teams that play players on only one side of the ball. On averages offenses get 11 out of the best 14 kids on the team. Wide receivers don't play d-back as much as the used to. Spread offensives. In the CCL you see kids who would be playing in the defensive backfield just specializing on baseball because of the concussion issue and careers last longer in baseball. Offenses have evolved faster than defenses.

But watch the NFL when defenses are equal in talent to offenses. You don't see the huge increasing offensive scoring. Or is that just a false perspective watching the Bears?