Quote:
Originally Posted by TheMugwump
Equally, or perhaps even more amazing, he is only two rushing TD behind Larry Csonka.
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o
Taylor is arguably the best running back in the NFL, but you need to take into consideration all of the rules changes since 1974 when comparing statistics of past players to present players. Csonka was a rookie in 1978, and left to play in the WFL after the 1974 season.
Also, they only played 14-game schedules back then.
A) ) Prior to 1974, a defensive player could hit a receiver an unlimited number of times down-field, so long as the ball was not in the air.
Starting in 1974, the most severe rule change regarding pass receivers and defenders was enacted ...... a player could only make contact 2 times overall, and one time beyond 3 yards of the line of scrimmage. This makes one appreciate what Otto Graham, Johnny Unitas, Fran Tarkenton, Bart Starr, Sonny Jurgensen, etc. accomplished. These quarterbacks all had most or all of their careers played prior to the 1974 season.
B) ) In 1977, the rule was amended to aid the pass receivers again. Starting that season, a defender could only make contact with a receiver one time ...... whether it be within 3 yards of the line of scrimmage, or further downfield.
C) ) In 1978, the rule was amended to aid the pass receivers yet again. Starting that season, a defender could make contact with a receiver only one time, and within 5 yards of the line of scrimmage. If the defender made contact with a receiver 6 yards or more from the line of scrimmage, it was now considered to be pass interference (and/or defensive holding), even if the ball was not yet in the air.
* ) In the last 10-15 years (circa 2005 through the present), more rule changes protecting both the receivers and the quarterbacks has allowed offensive statistics to increase even higher than they already had been.
o