Introducing Wide ReceiversIntroducing Wide Receivers
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1974 – Restricted Contact with Eligible Recipients – Football Players American were now barred from colliding with eligible receivers as they traveled through the countryside. This opened up the vertical pass game, since that receivers focused more on lengthening the field than on dodge defensive backs. 1978 – 5-yard contact rule for corners. Enter Mel Blount. 6’3 205 pounds and one of the most physical curves the NFL has ever seen. Mel was notorious for putting the receivers on the line of scrimmage and ensure they end up on the ground at every move. Mel’s playstyle was instrumental in helping change the NFL as we see it today. The rule states that a defensive back/linebacker cannot contact a receiver OUTSIDE 5 yards from the line of scrimmage (also known as Mel Blount’s rule). This rule puts a tremendous amount of stress on on defensive backs, as they are at a disadvantage. As expected, the NFL exploded with passing yards as the Super Bowl racked up more than 500 yards. In recent days, we have seen an explosion of abuse. For example – the super bowl most recent featured Tom Brady and Nick Foles matching for over 800 yards by air. As offenses continue to evolve, records for approval will continue to be broken.