Is it fair to compare QBs in today's game to those of the 60's and 70's?

Question

I'm not sure its right to compare the stats of QBs during this age of 'don't touch the QB...roughing the passer... can touch/can't touch' and all of these crazy rules anymore. Back in the day, and I'm going back to my first fav QB, Ken Stabler, these guys could really take a hit and still had phenomonal stats!

I might be way off but was just curious what your opinion is.

Answer 1

It's tough to compare era's, but each era has it's own hardships and you can't say someone from 2008 could dominate if they played in 1970 you never really can tell and vice versa.  The best way to compare is how each player dominates their own era they play in.  

Answer 2

No..

Regadless of what people say..Atheletes are getting better over time.

Between Technology, improving training techniques, a wider talent pool, and such things-- players today are simply faster, stronger and better then they used to be.

Answer 3

Is it "fair?"  Sure, but I don't think you can accurately make comparisons from one era to the next, because the NFL is constantly changing the rules, number of teams, number of players on the team, number of coaches, location of the teams (both indoor/outdoor an town to town), number of games, night vs day games, weekday vs weekend games.... they've even changed the location of the goal post!

On top of that you have innovations in the game like formations (single wing, T formation, West Coast) to technology (video, telecommunications, etc.) to equipment. The quarterback doesn't even call the plays anymore, not to mention punt, drop kick, or hold the ball for field goals.

In my opinion, it's futile to compare the game of football itself from one era to the next, let alone the QB or other players.  It's not the same game.

Answer 4

No you can't compare them. That is why you can't name a best of all time. Well other then Jerry Rice, but he played before some of the rule changes on WRs now and was amazing. Now when it comes to QBs things changed way too much over the eras. To me the only real way to compare is if you are saying the older guy did better because you are considering how they were able to do that good without the rules protecting them.

ADD: Hitman, Bradshaw said he used 'roids for medical purpose NOT for PED purposes. When it comes to that end players used 'roids now I'm sure. If you don't believe me look up medicine and see how many contain 'roids.

BTW I should add there is a certain point to that argument though. After all it is known that players were using 'roids before the NFL stepped in and said you can't use them anymore.

Answer 5

Ice man is right but u have a great point at the same time.

The athletes today are bigger stronger and faster. I don't know what it is but all these world records are being broken now and in the future.

The QB's back in the day were tough as nails. They make today's look like punks.

Answer 6

I agree with you adding this to it football players were stronger in the past tougher they were not Divas in those days those guys played football rain snow sleet hail. Played for less less money and  the quarterbacks took hits like everyone else. And now some of the players today are fighting up on Capital Hill to get them what they so rightly deserve medical for one its really sad. The quarterbacks of today can not even be look at side ways without a penalty. Quarterbacks of old were muddy got dirty no inside football for these guys. h**l no these divas of today with all their hi tech equipment personal trainers, and (I am not going to play until I get my millions) don't hold a candle to the players of yesterday. These glamor Divas could never play like the old guys and it has been said over and over, that was when football was football. And you didn't have as many injuries as you do now. Why ? they were MEN not a bunch of spoil pansies !!!! they should spend more time taking hits than posing for GQ. and Style magazines. Just a thought maybe that's why there are so many more younger women into football now its more pretty than rough. You can get your favorite players jersey in hot pink, its all about the money now promotions real football has long disappeared.. Nice question :)

Answer 7

I read one post that said athletes become better over generations or something. Totally untrue. Its called evolution. Those guys in the 60's paved the way for the QB's you see today. Over time, offenses have changed. A lot of things have changes. Back in the day they didn't have as much hot routes, audibles and all the different packages they have today. Kind of like basketball. Back in the day they thought Dr. J (who paved the way for the players we see today) was a great dunker. After seeing Michael Jordan (who learned from Dr. J) we thought we would never see another like him, but now after seeing Lebron and Kobe we understand that it traces all the way back from Dr. J.  

Answer 8

No people were actually allowed to USE steroids back then.