re: Offense using the spread to run out of

You're assuming that the defense would actually spread out to defend it. I know this is cynical, but our QB can't throw the ball accurately and/or consistently. Plus, the coaches don't even want to throw the ball. The spread only works if defenses respect it, and the lack of a QB who can execute it and the lack of coaches who would utilize it properly means the defense can still sell out against the run.