What it is

A spread offense lines up several receivers wide across the field, usually from shotgun, to stretch the defense from sideline to sideline.

In a game

With defenders pulled out wide, the middle of the field opens for the running game, and each receiver can find one-on-one matchups. The quarterback gets quick, short throws as well as deeper options.

More detail

Spread ideas spread from college football into the pros and now shape most offenses. Variations include the air raid, which throws far more than it runs, and spread-option teams, which use a mobile quarterback who can keep the ball.