For 25 years under TO they ran physical practices. In the early 90s, they took a page out of Miami's practice book from the days of Miami's dominance and started running some 1s against 1s in practice. There were no more injuries than there are now, and we were much better game-time as a result. We rarely failed to finish off blocks or tackle guys to the ground in those days. I believe Solich ended some of the physical practices, and Callahan went to the no tackling in practice during the season NFL approach, which Pelini apparently continued (although maybe not quite to the extent of Callahan). Those changes in practice routine pretty much coincided with the rsie in our tackling and blocking issues. But draw your own conclusions. I have to agree with Matt. Coaches might not change their way, but we aren't going to see much improvement in finishing blocks and particularly in making good tackles without a change in practice routine. And, frankly, I think guys are more vulnerable to getting dinged up in games if they don't get used to making and taking hits in practice. But, maybe I'm just too old and set in my ways to see the genius of playing football without practicing the physicality of it.
We have heard that the rules have changed. Less coaches, less contact, the whole bit. I think we've heard from former players that we couldn't actually replicate TO's practices now, although we could get a little closer to them than we are currently.
Whether that's enough is anyone's guess I suppose.