The NFL has done as much as it can to minimize the physicality of professional football. Whether it is rules about kicks and punts, limitations to how a quarterback can get touched or where a defender can tackle an offensive player, “safety” has become the key.
We put the word safety in quotes because a violent game can never be safe.
While not directly rule-related, running backs have continued to see their value slide as wide-open passing offenses create more big plays. Cleveland Browns RB Nick Chubb is the exception to almost every rule.