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Given the article was a survey, I'm not sure focusing on a poorly supported analysis statement with absolutely zero specific examples is particularly insightful. The article was a pretty good introduction to different spread approaches. And I don't disagree with the point you're making, either.
We're about to see. The basic philosophical distinction between spread and LOS is roughly akin to the difference between skirmishing/sniping and lines of infantry shooting at each other. It's a strategic difference designed to downplay what you're presumably bad at and highlight what you're good at. It's amusing that we took a pro-style OL--one of the best in the nation at the time Sumlin took over--and chose to weaken it into a spread line with wider splits. And strategically that has been a failure because that asset decayed and the best explanation is misuse.
But I actually am looking forward to the fall. I don't expect too much. But I do expect a resurgence on the OL and by extension both better running and better passing than last year. We'll see if the spread prevents Jim Turner from bringing about that resurgence or not. If it prevents it--as we also saw Christensen fail--it would be unwise to blame the OL coaches. But I imagine Mazzone understands exactly that and also sees this as an opportunity for redemption from the somewhat mediocre finish he had at UCLA. I really do think this fall will be very entertaining. Hopefully mostly in a positive way.
The undercurrent of your post would suggest that the Spread Offense degrades Offensive Linemen. I disagree with this completely. I like your analogy but it is not entirely accurate. The spread isn't about "sniping." The spread is about putting your best in a position to isolate their worst. Much like surgical missile strikes. This is harder to do in a Pro Style, Wishbone Style, or any predominantly TE/FB style offense. You can take advantage of great athletes using the Spread.
Your assumption that the Spread degrades offensive linemen couldn't be more wrong. I would argue that the Spread creates a much more balanced and versatile lineman in the fact that at any point they have to be great at multiple things.
I do agree that our offensive linemen could have been coached better, but saying that the Spread style will hinder a great coach like Jim Turner is unfounded.
Offensive Line is all about footwork. If the footwork is good, everything else will follow. Coach Turner knows that, does a great job at teaching it, and we will see our offensive line flourish under his direction.
