Offensive linemen in football: Why the rule change?

Factual Questions
1

OK, I’m no expert in football rules, but here’s what I believe:

For most of the history of American football, offensive linemen were not allowed to use outstretched armes. They had to keep there arms folded in and block with their elbows.

A quarter century or so ago, the rules were changed, and now they can block with their arms (so I would think there are a lot more “holding” as a result, but that’s another story).

Anyway, why was the rule changed?

My speculation: It made it easier to block marauding defenders, giving the QB more time to pass, resulting in higher scoring (and “less boring”) games.

Anyone??

2

This is a complete guess, but I’d say the rule was changed the instant quarterbacks became, on average, the highest-paid players in the league. The blocking rule is specifically designed to make it harder to kill quarterbacks.

3

see this