Denbrock runs a power spread. It’s great for high end college players

Here’s a good summary. Your calls for getting rid of him are ridiculous.

Mike Denbrock's offensive scheme is classified as a Power Spread. It’s a hybrid and is not purely NFL It is a highly cohesive, adaptive system designed to stretch defenses both horizontally and vertically from wide-spread shotgun alignments while maintaining a physical, run-first identity.

Rather than forcing players into a rigid system, Denbrock is known for tailoring his playbook to maximize his personnel—whether it meant unlocking Jayden Daniels' dual-threat capabilities at LSU or executing a highly explosive vertical attack at Notre Dame Football.

1. The Run Game: Power and Zone Concepts

Despite the "spread" label, Denbrock insists his offense starts with running the football.

• Inside Zone Base: The primary run play is inside zone, which frequently features quarterback read attachments (handing off or keeping based on the defensive end).
• Gap Power Schemes: His playbook relies heavily on pulling offensive linemen and tight ends (Counter and Power concepts) out of unbalanced or heavy formations to manufacture a physical numbers advantage at the point of attack.
• Tight End Reliance: Reflecting his dual role as a tight ends coach, his system utilizes 11 and 12 personnel packages (one or two tight ends) heavily to stack the box, create blocking leverage, and then leak those tight ends out into the flat or seam.

2. Run-Pass Options (RPOs)

Denbrock protects his physical run game by heavily incorporating horizontal RPOs. [1]

• Numbers Advantage: If opposing defenses overcommit or load the box to stop the inside zone, the quarterback is optioned to immediately pull the ball and throw.
• Perimeter Stress: He relies on quick game attachments, screen games, and flat routes to force perimeter defenders to stay disciplined, effectively preventing the defense from flying into the backfield.

3. The Passing Game: Deep Shots and Spacing

Denbrock's dropback passing game is heavily influenced by modern spread and pro-style vertical concepts. [1, 2]

• Vertical Explosiveness: He wants to push the ball downfield aggressively, often taking calculated deep shots on first down.
• Pre-Snap Motion and Bunches: The scheme utilizes frequent pre-snap motion and condensed "bunch" formations. This forces defensive communication errors in zone coverage and creates free releases against man-to-man coverage.

• Core Route Concepts: His passing trees rely on definitive zone-beaters and space creators:

  • Y-Cross: An Air-Raid style staple that sends a tight end or slot receiver on a deep crossing route across the field to exploit Cover 3 holes.
  • Shallow Mesh / Spacing: Rub routes and horizontal crossing levels designed to flood underneath coverage and offer high-percentage throws.
  • Dagger / Smash: High-low vertical route combinations that place deep safeties in immediate conflict.