any idea where one could get a copy of or view the entire saints giants 11/27/1988 game?

Re your first point about the 1978 blocking changes – I don’t doubt there was a learning curve for O-Linemen in mastering new techniques. However the same would apply for defensive players who also had to learn new techniques to combat the more lenient blocking rules. Also, since the rule change was implemented to increase scoring by making blocking easier, I think the transition was likely more difficult for the defensive players than the offensive ones, Yes?

On your 2nd point – I can’t speak for Bruce Smith’s run defending capabilities (don’t have enough game tape of him to have an informed opinion), but I can speak to Taylor’s run defense- it was phenomenal. He played the run first & the pass second. I’ve always believed the most under appreciated aspect of LT’s game was his ability to defend the run. None of todays 3-4 pass rushing OLB come close to recording 100 tackles a year. LT did it on a yearly basis from 1981-88.

On your third point – I completely agree. Football stats don’t provide much insight into a player, especially for the defensive guys. There’s just too many variables at work. e.g. …
Player A gets chipped by the TE off the snap, double teamed by the tackle & running back, and records a sack for a 7 yrd loss.
Player B is untouched off the snap & has a free path to the QB and records a sack for a 7 yrd loss.
The stats make no distinction b/w the 2 plays…. but they should