If you’ve spent any time on football YouTube lately, you’ve probably seen a guy with a backwards hat breaking down film using Madden clips. That’s Kurt Benkert. He isn't just another gamer, though. He spent five years in NFL QB rooms with the Falcons, Packers, and 49ers. He’s lived the life of a professional backup, which honestly might be the best vantage point for learning the "why" behind the "what."
His program, Think Like A Quarterback Kurt Benkert, has become a bit of a lightning rod in the football community. Some people swear it’s the best way to finally understand what a "Cover 3 Cloud" actually looks like. Others think it’s a bit basic.
But here’s the thing. Football is complicated. Like, really complicated. Most fans watch the ball. They see a touchdown and think, "Great throw." They don't see the Mike linebacker tipping the play by his alignment or the safety "cheating" toward the boundary. Benkert’s whole mission is to get you to stop watching the ball and start watching the game.
What is Think Like A Quarterback Actually?
Basically, it’s a 180-page deep dive—available in both digital and hardcover formats—produced through his brand, The Dime Lab. It’s marketed as the "Football MBA."
He isn't trying to teach you how to throw a spiral. This isn't about mechanics. It’s about the mental chess match. Benkert uses a mix of his personal NFL notes and, interestingly, Madden screenshots to explain concepts.
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Why Madden? Because real NFL film is hard to get licensing for, and honestly, the camera angles in Madden (the "All-22" view) are actually perfect for showing spacing and zone drops. It makes the abstract stuff feel a bit more concrete.
The curriculum covers a lot of ground:
- Pre-snap recognition: How to tell if a defense is lying to you.
- Post-snap processing: What to do when the coverage changes the second the ball is snapped.
- The "Hidden Language": Understanding play-calling terminology that usually stays behind closed doors.
- Film Study: Learning how to watch a game like a guy whose job depends on it.
Why the Madden Approach Matters
Some purists hate the video game aspect. I get it. It feels a little "Gen Z" for a sport that loves its grit and dirt.
But think about it. Most kids—and even plenty of adults—learn the names of plays through video games before they ever read a playbook. Benkert is just leaning into that. He’s taking the "All-Go" or "Crossers" plays you run on your console and explaining the real-world logic behind them.
He’s sold over 10,000 copies. That’s not a small number for a self-published football manual. It tells you there’s a massive hunger for knowledge that sits somewhere between "casual fan" and "Division 1 coach."
Is it Worth the Hype?
I’ve seen the reviews. They’re mixed, which is actually a good sign of authenticity.
On one hand, you have high school players and Madden enthusiasts who say it completely changed how they play. They’re finally seeing the "rotation" of the safeties. They aren't just "throwing and praying" anymore.
On the other hand, you have some folks on Reddit and Goodreads who feel it’s a bit "glossary-heavy." One reviewer mentioned it felt more like a dictionary of terms than a masterclass in strategy.
That’s a fair critique. If you’ve been coaching for 20 years, you probably know what a "Smash" concept is. You don't need Kurt to tell you. But for the dad who wants to understand why his favorite team’s QB keeps throwing interceptions, or the kid trying to make the varsity roster, this kind of breakdown is gold.
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The Reality of the NFL "Grind"
One thing Benkert brings to the table that a lot of "gurus" don't is the reality of the NFL journey. He was undrafted. He was waived. He was on practice squads.
He saw how Aaron Rodgers prepared. He saw the Shanahan system up close in San Francisco.
That perspective is unique. A superstar like Patrick Mahomes does things that can't be taught. You can't "think" like Mahomes because you don't have his arm. But you can think like a backup who has to know every single assignment on the field just to keep his job.
The "Dime Lab" Philosophy
Kurt’s brand, The Dime Lab, isn't just about the book. He’s built a whole ecosystem. He sells custom footballs, hosts "The Football MBA" digital course, and runs a YouTube channel with nearly 100 million views.
He’s essentially decoded the "gatekept" knowledge of the NFL. For decades, if you wanted to know what an NFL QB was thinking, you had to be in the room. Now, you just need a PDF and an internet connection.
Common Misconceptions About the Program
Let’s clear some stuff up.
First, this isn't a "get recruited" scheme. Reading this book won't magically give you a 4.4 forty-yard dash or an elite arm. It’s a mental tool.
Second, it’s not just for Madden players. While he uses the game as a visual aid, the concepts are 100% grounded in real-world football. A Cover 2 shell is a Cover 2 shell, whether it’s on a PlayStation or at Lambeau Field.
Third, it’s not a "quick read." At 180+ pages, there’s a lot of terminology to digest. You’re basically learning a new language.
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How to Actually Apply "Quarterback Thinking"
If you decide to dive into the world of Think Like A Quarterback Kurt Benkert, don't just read it and put it on a shelf.
The next time you watch a game, try this:
Identify the safeties before the snap. Are there two high? One high?
Watch the "Apex" defender. Who is the guy sitting between the tackle and the wide receiver?
See if you can predict the coverage based on how the cornerbacks are aligned.
That’s how you start "thinking" like a QB. It’s about pattern recognition.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're serious about leveling up your football IQ, here is the move.
Start by watching Kurt’s free breakdowns on YouTube. See if his teaching style clicks with you. He’s very "matter-of-fact" and conversational. If you like how he explains things in a 10-minute video, the book is a natural progression.
Next, decide if you want the digital or physical version. The digital one is cheaper and gets you instant access, but the hardcover is better for flipping through while you're watching a game on Sunday.
Finally, don't ignore the playbooks. He offers bundles that include actual offensive schemes. Even if you never coach a day in your life, seeing how plays are drawn up—with the primary, secondary, and check-down reads clearly marked—will change how you view the sport forever.
Football is more fun when you actually know what's happening. Kurt Benkert is just the guy holding the flashlight.