Homer Smith on Spreading Receivers

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Misconception #31

by Homer Smith July 19, 2002

Relatively weaker offensive players have a better chance in a passing attack from spread formations.

Relatively weaker linemen have a better chance passing quick from the shotgun – yes. If you have good passing and receiving, a disparity in the line can be overcome.

However, if the defense has one man who can play one spread receiver man-for-man all over the field, the wide spreading of that receiver can be disastrous. Weaker receivers should stay within six yards of one another and cross. Two weaker receivers can make three stronger defenders cover them.

A weaker lineman must not be left alone on a stronger defender in front of the spot from which the QB throws. No lineman should be left alone in this situation.

A weaker back should not have to block a stronger lineman.

Now, what really enables the weaker to go against the stronger is faking – receiver faking, ball faking, all kinds of faking.

No – passing and spreading is not, alone, a better way for weaker players to play.

If anyone watched Purdue this past season this is exactly what happened. They were excellent on offense in the first half of the season (and even late) but versus teams with superior talent (Michigan, Wisconsin) their spreading resulted in essentially trading one for one four or five times (for each spread receiver) a better defender for a weaker offender. Coupled with athletic defensive linemen, safety help to the Quarterback's favorite receiver, and an immobile quarterback and Purdue's offense went from scoring nearly 50 a game to barely throwing for a 100.