Thanks Gents!

There is also a loss of fundamentals. Guys don't wrap up, they just torpedo themselves at people.

Guys were ripping at the ball ten years ago just as much. That's been a Chicago Bears defense staple since the 1980s. Swarm the ball, stop the carrier, and tear/punch at the ball every chance you get. I do agree that big hits seem to have increased, or at least the amount of mileage per player has increased some. That's why so few teams are using single running back systems anymore. The "every down back" is becoming a commodity in today's game. Concussions I don't believe are any more prevalent today, just more looked at because of the class action suits. But if you talk to guys who were serious defensive guys back in the day, and even some offensive players they all say the game has undergone changes that take away from what it is supposed to be. Just watch any interview with Carl Ellers or watch a highlight reel of his and you'll understand the game has become less about football and more about protecting the passing game.