I do agree that the basic fundamentals of the game are lacking and have been for the last decade or so. I don’t agree that keeping kids from tackling is going to fix it.
There are some good programs being put in place. Pop Warner coaches must be “Heads up” tackling certified now. I’ve noticed that many HS coaches in my area are stressing hit and wrap up techniques. I think the days of blasting the ball carrier as hard as you can without wrapping up are over. I blame ESPN for much of this. They started highlighting big hits in the mid 90’s to the point that it became a detriment to the game.
Mmmmmmm...no. It didn't start with ESPN at all. Go back to the 60's, or perhaps the early 70's. During the season, the first segment of Johnny Carson's Monday night "Tonight Show" (after the monologue) was called "Bell Ringers." In it would be shown clips of the biggest hits of the previous day's games.