Marino played for 17 years and missed 11 games in 93. When he retired in 99, that was a good run for a QB. Montana played 16 seasons. He missed one due to injury and sat for two years on the bench.
QB's back then got hammered when they were sacked. Hits to the head, low hits, driven into the ground, lack of concussion protocol. All this while WR's were getting the same punishment while trying to catch the ball.
Under the new rules Marino wouldn't have taken all those hits and probably would have remained healthier, longer.
Now look at the passing leaders. Brees, Brady and Manning. Look at some of the great teams they were on. Several HOF type WR's, RB's or TE's. Marino was also failed by lack of a good GM to bring in the talent for a running game or defense or even a WR. How many years did we go without a 1k receiver? Too many. 1k rusher? What did he have 1 or 2 in 17 years?
Throwing for 5,084 yards and 48 TD's in 1983 (with a team void of a running game or defense) is probably the equivalent of 7000 yards and 70 TD's today.
There is a reason QB's like Brees and Brady are playing into their 40's. Rules and better health technology are a few of them.
