re: Has the spread forced a new approach to playing defense?

The concept of the spread is to get one or two players in open space to exploit mismatches. What makes the spread dangerous is when teams that are loaded with talent run the spread because it makes it that much more difficult to run.

For example: if you spread out four wide receivers and leave a running back next to quarterback in the shotgun and the defense plans a simple 4-1-6(Dime) with two deep safeties then it leaves the running back with one man to beat and 4 DLinemen and a MLB to stop him AND all the WRs are spread out in one on one coverage. Start adding in mismatches with slot receivers and other concepts then it becomes a nightmare.

For the defense to stop it, THE NUMBER ONE priority is to be able to generate pressure on the quarterback by simply just rushing 4. You must also have prototype linebackers that are versatile enough to shutdown the run but that can still cover a receiver. The cornerbacks must be able to play press man on man. If you can generate enough pressure with a simple four man rush then you can get creative with blitzes and schemes. In previous years LSU has had that, this year we've been exploited up the middle. There are ways to scheme against it. We do it. It's blitzing to create the pressure but leaves the D extremely vulnerable.