TO: All USFL Franchises
FROM: The Commissioner’s Office
DATE: January 15, 1987
SUBJECT: Competitive Balance & Playing Rule Adjustments for the 1987 Season
After a thorough review of the 1986 season, the Competition Committee has identified several statistical trends that threaten the long-term competitive balance and integrity of our game. The historic levels of offensive production, while exciting in the short term, have created an environment where defensive strategy is being marginalized.
To address this and ensure a product that highlights all facets of football, the following adjustments will be in effect for the 1987 season:
- DEFENSIVE CONTACT RULE CLARIFICATION: Officials will be directed to allow a more physical jam within the first five yards for defensive backs. This is intended to restore balance to the passing game and reduce the historic completion percentages witnessed in 1986.
- IN-GRASP TACKLING EMPHASIS: The “in the grasp” rule for quarterbacks will be enforced more strictly to reduce extended plays and the resulting astronomical yardage totals from quarterbacks outside the pocket. This is a player safety and competitive balance measure.
- OFFENSIVE HOLDING POINTS OF EMPHASIS: Linemen will be scrutinized more closely for holding, particularly on extended plays and outside runs. This aims to bring the dominant pass-blocking efficiency of 1986 back to a sustainable level.
The Goal: These are not radical changes, but a calibration. We believe this will result in a slight, league-wide regression in passing efficiency and total yardage, while increasing the impact of pass rush, defensive strategy, and the running game. We are moving from an era of historic offensive peaks to a new period of sustainable, balanced, and strategically diverse football.
Prepare your teams accordingly.
Sincerely,
The USFL Commissioner