Question for the board. Evolution of Offensive line play.

I am curious about something and rather than stick it in one of the multiple OL threads where I think it would get lost and unanswered I wanted to create it's own thread. When did the evolution of the game get to the point where the OL doesn't put their hands on the ground? I can remember watching football in the 90's and agonizing over a false start penalty because the OLine had to hold their stance for 30 seconds before the ball was snapped. I can remember Manning's early Colts teams having to try and remain statues as he audibled and audibled and so on. When did the squat first appear? I can remember seeing teams using it and getting upset because they were moving after the huddle broke and they got on the line. I just can't remember when the style progressed to this being the favored way of blocking.

The reason that I have been thinking about it is some of the OL threads discussions on the line getting pushed backwards on almost every play. I would think the defense or at least bull rushing type lineman would have the advantage when they have a hand on the ground and a better angle to burst into the opposing linemen's chest and keeping him off balance. Typically it looks like the squat puts you immediately off balance because you have to come out of it and step into your man when they already have an initial burst. Obviously speed rushers are going to always want to be standing because they are counting on speed and angle of attack to get around a blocker. So is the game progressing to a point where style is hampering the play??

 

the tackles do it because of the outside upfield rush speed of the DE's and OLB'ers. the interior should not be playing this tackle style as far as i'm concerned, BUT it leaves the gap between the guard and tackle then vulnerable because of the retreating tackles.

I've often thought, and coached, their first steps should be attack the man across from them and then retreat, attack then retreat again. really not so much retreat as reset. delivering the first blow instead of retreating while trying to absorb the first blow from a bullrushing D-lineman. that just causes them to already be on their way backwards. much like we are seeing.

strength and a strong base is needed to absorb that initial blow by a defender and our guys don't have that luxury. their is no strong hand punch from any of our linemen and they allow the defender to get close into them standing them up and taking away they're leverage. quickness is also a problem off the snap. the first move of an O-lineman should not be up. but hey that's me, what do I know?