With the frequency of DPI calls, roughings, targetings, etc. bend but don't break is more like bend and hope to get lucky in the red zone. Of course, a more aggressive style of defense has it's own drawbacks as you rightfully describe.

There are now FAR better offensive athletes playing QB, receivers, tight ends, OLine...really all over the field. It's not even close and obv offensive schemes have gotten better. To me pressure defenses make more sense in the modern game.

I just get a little bit of the heebie jeebies when I hear bend but don't break. There's a reason Tampa, Pittsburgh and Baltimore consistently lead the NFL in defense. TBF there are other teams that are a little less aggressive that also have solid defenses-Buffalo and New England for example.

We shall see