SmartFootball on zone-read

A great read by SmartFootball on the zone-read. Oddly, though, I think the most interesting comment comes toward the end of the article and is about defenses that can mostly stop the spread (emphasis mine):

I don’t think that [defenses] are necessarily playing catch-up [to the spread offense]. I think that what you are seeing now from a defensive standpoint is schematic answers to the zone read by giving quarterbacks a variety of looks on the backside of the zone. I think the defenses are putting a priority on athletic defensive ends that have the ability to quickly change direction which allows them to square-shoulder read the backside of the zone. I also think there is a big need for‘space-players’– guys that can make tackles in the open field. The defenses that have really given us problems in the past have had very solid safety play, as a lot of spread run game concepts are based on getting the runner in a one-on-one situation with safeties in the open field. Of course, there are answers to run-stopping safeties in play action passes, which are becoming increasingly more effective when you factor in the spacing conflicts that spread formations present to defenses.

Sounds a lot like what RichRod has been recruiting on the defensive end. Also, I can't wait until our offense ends up looking like the ones embedded in the article.