LandShark13
Active Roster
Dude, the NFL made 2 major rules changes because of Dan Marino and our running game in the 70's.
They changed the rule prior to Marino, that you could only bump the receiver at the line of scrimmage, within 5 yards. Dan Marino could not be stopped, because of pass interference calls.
In the 70's, you could cut a wide receiver at the line of scrimmage, that's why you really don't see many great running teams anymore, but I must preface by saying, free agency has destroyed the art of the NFL according to the older rules.
Adrian Paterson was an exception to the rule.
No, no, no it wasn't until 1996 the NFL committed to stringently enforcing the 5 yard rule. Prior to that receivers were getting mauled as they ran their routes with little to no calls. On top of that you would be hard pressed to see a roughing the passer call. It would have to be blatant.