Possibly one of the easiest ways to lose in the NFL is to get behind on future trends; as we all know it is a copycat league. Once teams achieve success with a new style of offense, defenses are torn apart while revamping to stop said offense. After reading a couple of articles, one in which can be found here about Urban Meyer of the Florida Gators being contacted by NFL staffs, I started to consider what the spread would look like in the NFL. First, I think its a definite thing that a young offensive coordinator and head coach will take a shot at this. Second, I think it  will work. While I don’t foresee any NFC South team transitioning to this offense, the Bucs will have to stay on top of this trend. I could dissect every team and tell you which teams would have success on stopping this, but I won’t. The spread offense is a pass heavy offense with a quarterback and typically one back lined up in a short shotgun.

Why Tampa is not equipped to deal with this trend if /when it hits -

The style of cornerbacks we have: EJ Biggers, Aqib Talib, Ronder Barber and I would throw Elbert Mack in there as well are more physical corners. While Mack and Biggers have the potential to run with fast wr’s, it’s not their true style. To defend the spread you need about 3 starting corners who can bump and run along with a safety who isn’t afraid to step up and play man coverage (Tanard Jackson DOES fit this role more than most would). Torrie Cox is quick and athletic enough to do this, but one doesn’t cut it (ask the Florida State Seminoles).

You need Pass-Rushers on the outside. Gaines Adams hasn’t shown that he can live up to his potential. Kyle Moore / Wilkerson are never going to be fierce pass rushers. Spread offenses typically have athletic quarterbacks who don’t mind yanking down the ball and running with it. In fact, the spread offenses run games usually have quite a few designed runs for the quarterback. The run game involves lots of mis-direction and traps. As I have been calling for Tampa to change is their Defensive Tackles. Roy Miller would be a great addition to a spread defense because he can take on multiple blockers. Florida State has struggled against the spread because of the lack of size in their front 4.

It is my belief that teams should start preparing (not a complete overhaul) for this style of play in the NFL. Keep adding quickness that is matched with size up front. Get speedy corners….. and watch out.