I just demonstrated statistically that the rule changes are precisely why the passer ratings have improved, I can't spell it out any simpler. There is no debate.
When there was no such thing as "in the grasp", when the whistle would only blow when the quarterback was at a 180 degree angle while contiguous with the field, they had a completely different mind frame that was somewhat influenced by survival instincts.
Imagine you are being chased by Ndamukong Suh while realizing that if he gets his hands on you the referees are going to do absolutely nothing until he has forced you to the ground. The officials are like a witness to an assault that does nothing to help, just stands there and watches. Yeah, the QB's want to get rid of the ball, and yeah, it would be really cool if someone on their team catches it. But, then again, there are other plays. That is, if you can brace for what is about to happen.
In the 9 year period from 1970 to 1978 There were 26.4% more INT's thrown than TD's. Then in 1979, lo and behold, the number dwindles down to only 3.4% and ,up to 1988, it's about dead even. Then, from 1989 to 1994 it steadily climbs, in the positive TD to INT range to as high as 10%. In 1995, it skyrockets and has consistently shown 20% to 40% more TD's than INT's.
What happened? That's easy, follow the rules timeline. "In the grasp" rules start in 1979.
Then, in 1988, a big one. The clock is increased from 30 seconds to 45, the offense can go over multiple options, contingencies, and assignments. The plays are better organized, there is less possibility of mistakes and miscommunication.
Half of today's QB's would melt under a 30 second clock.
The umbilical cord is further lengthened in 1994 when microphones are inserted into the QB's helmets. The coach is in their head right up to the snap.
For the rest of the 90's you add no head to head, stricter 5 yard contact, jeez, if a defender even flinches...."Boo!"....the referee throws two flags, one for a penalty, one to dry the QB's eyes.
I don't care how scientifically the QB's body is maintained or how sophisticated the football programs are. If you eliminate these rules and bring back defensive linemen with the knowledge that they are allowed to contact the quarterback with the full force of their body at that speed, they are like lions that just detected a hobbling baby wildabeast. And, if they reach him, all that carefully prepared QB knowledge just got deleted, for at least a few plays.
From that point, QB's aren't concentrating on reading the DB's first, they are concentrating on self preservation, then making a play. Passer rating become less spectacular. Still, there are some real warriors that consistently made plays and led their teams to victory.
