NFL Films: 'The Super Seventies (1980)'

Source:NFL Films- Miami Dolphins QB Bob Griese, versus the Washington Redskins, in Super Bowl 7.

"This video is a telecast, broadcast, and production of NFL Films. I claim no ownership of this material, and do not profit from it in anyway. This video is intended for historical and educational viewing purposes.

Pro Football emerged as America's national pastime in the 1970's. Narrated by John Facenda, this video looks at a decades worth of record breaking performances." 

From Grey Beard

I'm not saying the 1970s in the NFL was perfect because it wasn't, the rules did favor the defense too much, which is why they were changed in 1978. Something like half of the teams in the NFL in 1977 scored under 300 points in a 14 game season. And the leading receiver and I believe rusher in 1977 rushed for under 1000 yards back when that was the standard to judge great running backs. 

The new blocking rules in 1978 that allowed blocker to extend their arms in blocking was needed. And we saw fewer QB sacks and bigger running holes as a result because the the DL no longer had an unfair advantage over the OL. 

The 1970s was special because it was all about football and real football. The game was tougher and players could play instead of the league going out of its way to protect offensive players as it does now. What should've come from 1978 and should be done now is that neither the offense or defense would have an advantage based on the rules. That the players would be allowed to play and flags won't be thrown unless players have an unfair advantage like holding or pushing someone down who doesn't have the ball or tackling someone before they have the ball. Just let the players play instead.

What todays NFL can learn from the 1970s is that they should allow the players to play and fight for position, as long as they aren't actually fighting. And let games be decided based on who has the tougher and better team. Instead of constantly looking to see how we can get more offense and more advantage for the offense. Because they think that would drive up ratings and revenue for the league but just let the players play. And let the better teams win.