I recently posted this under a different topic, but think that it might merit a thread of its own. What do you think? Can this work?
The spread is all about putting your best athletes on the field and letting them make people miss in space. Denard is, without a doubt, our most dangerous player with the ball in his hands (tho Brown has given him a run for his money the last 2 weeks). He can make anyone miss, and can take it to the house at any time. I think we must see more from him in the coming weeks. No point keeping your most dangerous weapon on the bench 70% of the game.
My personal thoughts on how Denard could be used to better exploit defenses. Line him up in the slot 10 plays a game(I see this as his eventual position after Devin Gardner arrives on campus). Still let him have his snaps. Still let him learn the QB position. However, when you put him behind center, defenses are crowding the box and basically selling out 8 defenders on 1 di-lithium qb. Instead, consider putting him in the slot and run the triple option.
1) If the defense commits multiple defenders to Denard, the RB has a clear cut numbers advantage running away from Denard's side of the field. I will take this all day. Denard the Decoy.
2) If the defense plays straight, let Tate keep it and swing it out to Denard who is 1 on 1 in space. Engage rockets for liftoff. Touchdown!
At QB, Denard has 8 defenders on him and a lot of traffic to navigate through. Out in space, he has a 1 on 1 matchup with a DB. One cut and he's gone. Defenses will have to adjust by committing more attention to Denard, enhancing our success in the running game through option 1.
Does anyone know where this breaks down? ND put a DB permanently on the slot. This should open better running room for Tate. Scrape Counterpunch anyone?