re: why is it called a pro set offense?

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good analysis. What years did pro teams mainly line up with two TE's and the RB's in an I formation with 1 wr and with the o-line packed in tight and run mainly off tackle plays and inside pitch plays into defenses with 9 in the box as a regular practice on 1st and 10, and 2nd and 10? Also would doing this be called a pro-set or a pro-style offense as there seems to be some confusion on this point?

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The first evolution from the classic pro set began with three wide receiver sets, (WR for one RB), two tight ends for short yardage. I'm not familiar with exactly who pioneered these changes and when.

George Allen, when he coached the Rams from 1966-1970, is generally credited with using the "nickel" defense, ie bringing in an extra defensive back to modify the classic 4-3 defense still widely used in the NFL, and pioneered by Tom Landry, when he was defensive coordinator for the New York Giants under Jim Lee Howell in the late fifties. By the way, the Giants' offensive coordinator during that tmne was Vince Lombardi.

Again, with only 40 man rosters, specialized passing and short yardage formations were limited in scope. Substitutes back then were mainly for when a starter got injured, or to rest starters at the end of a blowout.