he 1888 season was a radical year: A couple of seemingly small rule changes from the spring conventions turned the game tacticians on their ear. Offensive formations became tighter to prevent the defenders from using the new rule of being able to tackle below the waist but above the knees. The wide open game of previous years would fade away.

The offensive masterminds also came up with schemes where a blocking back would charge through the line first ahead of the runner; this was a new concept. The defensive side saw changes in strategy as well. Besides using their new low tackling "permission" to take down ball carriers more efficiently, they also set up waves of defenders similar to what we now know as linebackers and the defensive secondary.