In 1978, the structure of passing football changed forever. Offensive players were allowed to extend their arms and open their hands on pass blocking. Defenders could no longer contact and impede receivers once they got more than five yards clear of the line of scrimmage. And to make sure that these tweaks were enforced, a seventh official — the side judge — was added to the on-field arbiting crew.
Why is that significant? Because until this year, no team since those rules changes were instituted has ever allowed fewer than eight points a game in their opening six games of the season.
With just 7.3 points permitted per game, the Broncos have the best such average after six games since the 1977 “Grits Blitz” Atlanta Falcons.
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