The dual-threat QB is hardly a new phenomenon.
Quarterbacks were, of course, originally more like running backs in the early
days of football. While my command of football history is far short of
sufficient for this or any other analysis, such names as Fran Tarkenton,
Randall Cunningham, Donovan McNabb, Michael Vick and Steve Young have
demonstrated the power of a QB with the ability to run the ball.
That a dual-threat QB could offer an improvement over a
traditional drop back passer should not be in serious dispute. Given two QBs of
equal passing ability, the one of the two with greater rushing ability will
almost certainly have better performance – in passing as well as in rushing.
The statuesque, lumbering traditional QB will have far fewer scrambles for
first down, more sacks (assuming equal ability and judgment to throw the ball
away in a hopeless situation) and more marginal throws forced in.
The dual-threat QB will have a huge impact even before
the snap. The defense will have to consider him a threat to run even on a play
that looks like a certain pass, pulling one defender away from the passing game
and opening up better opportunities for completion. Once the play begins, the
dual-threat QB will have the benefit of an additional option should the
receivers look covered. Rather than forcing a marginal throw, throwing the ball
away or taking a sack, this QB can make something happen on his own. Again
assuming equal judgment and passing ability, the dual-threat QB will trade some
of the worst throws of his almost-doppelganger for some scrambles that are far
less likely to be turnovers and far more likely to yield positive yardage.
Despite all this upside the dual-threat QB seems prone to
injury concerns that will keep him out of reach. Redskins fans in particular
may be having second thoughts about Robert Griffin III tallying 120 runs – tied
for the league lead among quarterbacks.