excited to hear GWH11s opinion on this
I can't remember--did we talk about this before?
A Charles Woodson as GOAT argument isn't that much of a stretch.
Anyone can look up the stats (a lot of attention is directed to the number of forced fumbles, but keep in mind the fact that there are incomplete statistics on that before 1990) and the accolades, which place him in the company of the very best to ever play the position.
As we all know, it's a challenge to compare players from different eras, even at the same position.
But any discussion of the NFL's greatest cornerbacks should include some mention of the evolution of the passing game.
Has there ever been a time in the NFL where playing defensive back has been more challenging?
Beginning in 1974 the extent of downfield contact a defender could have with a receiver was limited.
In 1977 defenders were permitted to make contact with eligible receivers only once.
In 1978 the NFL restricted that contact beyond five yards of scrimmage.
In 1995 a receiver knocked out of bounds by a defensive player could return to the field to make a play.
In 1996 the five yard contact rule began to be enforced more stringently, and hits with the helmet or hits to the head began to be flagged as personal fouls, subject to fines.
In 2001 roughing the passer calls began to be enforced more strictly.
In 2004 the league increased enforcement of illegal contact, pass interference, and defensive holding rules.
In 2009 contact to the head of a defenseless receiver was prohibited.
All of this should be taken into consideration when comparing Woodson to players like Mel Blount, **** Lane, etc.
In addition, people should realize that the play of Lane and Blount precipitated some of these rule changes.
In other words, Blount and Lane can be said to have changed the game to some extent.
Has Woodson changed the game? Perhaps he's helped change the manner in which a modern-day cornerback can be successfully utilized.
And he's playing in an age where the NFL is increasingly looking like arena football.