The NFL clearly does not want a lot of holding, or interference. By doing this they are emphasizing in a huge way QB's who can play from the pocket, make the reads, and throw accurately. Under the new system a QB like Manning is almost unbeatable. I see them as an incredible powerhouse as long as Manning stays healthy. They continue to reduce the emphasis that defense has on the game every year and none more so than this year. You might as well not have a secondary on the field. We have seen that first hand. Even Richard Sherman gets burned and is regarded as one of the best in the game. He didn't get burned much last year. But I see multiple teams doing it to him this year. D Line and LB's don't dare hit a QB high, low or in the middle too hard. A QB who can really, really pass is nearly unstoppable in this new NFL system. I think that is the way the NFL intentionally wants it too.
They see GOLDEN BOY pocket passers struggling against all the holding, grabbing, turning, mugging, tacking, interfering and they say we can't have this. They change all the rules and the emphasis of the rules. I don't think this is just happen chance. Plus I do think it has a BIG EFFECT on who can or cannot win the Super Bowl this year. There are certainly some more favored and less favored teams based on the new rules emphasis IMO.
[ Edited by SanDiego49er on Oct 24, 2014 at 9:09 AM ]