Should the Skins look for a Dual-Threat backup QB?

[DiscoBob]

So this post is mostly inspired by the following Justin Tuck quote from the article linked below:

“I think in this offense, it is all predicated on the quarterback,” Tuck said, via Newsday’s Tom Rock. “If RG3 stays healthy, I think this offense is going to continue to roll.

“But the thing about it is, who wants their franchise quarterback getting hit every play? Every game like that? I think that is what it is going to come down to.”

“If they had a second RG3 to back him up, which there is none, then you can say that the shelf life of this offense is a little bit longer,” Tuck said. “If he pulls a hamstring or has an ankle injury for a couple of weeks, where do you go then?”

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com...e-without-rg3/

So here's my question....should the Redskins place a priority on finding a backup QB that can run the same playbook that RGIII does? I realize that he is a one of kind athlete, but he does play a style of offense that will likely see him miss a few games here and there, and we don't currently have anyone on the roster that could run 50% of the stuff that he does (read option, pistol, designed runs, etc).

It seems to me that the Skins would be better off targeting another dual threat backup QB that wouldn't require completely modifying the game plan or playbook if Griffin is out. The only player that may be out there who could come close right now is Mike Vick (I realize him being signed as our backup QB is highly unlikely - even if he is on the way out in Philly). We could target someone in next years draft who has the legs, and try to flip Cousins for a 3rd/4th draft pick.

Interested to see your thoughts.....if you agree, do you have any suggested players?

[Momma There Goes That Man]

I don't think it's necessary but if so pickup Tyrod Taylor once his rookie contract runs out in a year or so. Trade Cousins to KC or somebody desperate for a QB before the draft so they think they are getting a steal and won't have to spend a 1st on their QB in a weak QB class.

Go Hokies! Lol

[DogofWar1]

I think at some point in the future that might be prudent, but I doubt it'll be through the draft in 2013. We just spent a bunch on RGIII and then a 4th on Cousins as the backup, the expectation is that Cousins will grow into that backup spot. If the right guy was there at the right pick, maybe, but I doubt there will be many dual threat QBs lying around to be taken later on in the draft.

Maybe give Josh Johnson or Joe Webb a quick look and let them try for a roster spot along with Cousins and Grossman.

[BRAVEONTHEWARPATH93]

I want to shout this from the rooftops...NO TEAM IS GIVING A 3rd/4th for COUSINS!!!

[Warhead36]

Draft Denard Robinson in the 7th round as a kick returner and trick play option QB.

[CoolHandLuke]

In another words Justin Tuck & the Giant's have a bounty for RG3. They did last game too but couldn't catch up to him.

[MartinC]

I want to shout this from the rooftops...NO TEAM IS GIVING A 3rd/4th for COUSINS!!!

Well we just did and if he plays well next preseason and in some mop or relief action next year I can totally see us getting a 3rd or even a 2nd for him. I was impressed by him in preseason this year.

[DC9]

I say they trade Cousins for a nickel or 2 corner back and Draft Nick Florence in the 5th round. He was RG3's backup at Baylor and he's played well this year.

We can run the same offense with him if Robert gets dinged up or has to miss some time.

[SAli457180]

I want to shout this from the rooftops...NO TEAM IS GIVING A 3rd/4th for COUSINS!!!

Agreed. Even though he just played a half of a game, Cousins was Rex Grossman light. He had one good throw to Moss and then 2 double coverage INTs. In addition, Tuck needs to STFU and worry about his own team ins instead of trying stir up crap. The Vagiants are just a bunch of loud mouths that love to create something out of nothing.

[CoolHandLuke]

I say they trade Cousins for a nickel or 2 corner back and Draft Nick Florence in the 5th round. He was RG3's backup at Baylor and he's played well this year.

We can run the same offense with him if Robert gets dinged up or has to miss some time.

I can totally get on board with this. The question is, do you see him making it to the 5th? Honestly, I don't. But if he's there, this would be an awesome idea and would shut the likes of Justin Tuck up.

[Poman]

Obviously the Shanny's find Cousins to be a capable backup in this offense. Otherwise, they would not have picked him. I see 0 reason to look for anybody else, and couldn't care less what Tuck has to say.

[Englands Team]

I think we need to draft a player similar in style to RG3. Chances are they will be a talented ball carrier so can be used elsewhere and keep Cousins as the number 2.

[DogofWar1]

I say they trade Cousins for a nickel or 2 corner back and Draft Nick Florence in the 5th round. He was RG3's backup at Baylor and he's played well this year.

We can run the same offense with him if Robert gets dinged up or has to miss some time.

I'm on board with that, but could we actually get anybody in a trade. I mean, unless he suddenly gets a chance to shine (which would be bad), and does shine no one is probably offering anything for him, at least not in the near future.

If we do offload him somehow though your plan makes sense.

We should just draft an Art Briles QB every few years as Griffin's backup, and then when Griffin turns 30 or 31 give him a bunch of scouting resources to find the next RGIII for us at the HS level, so by the time he enters the draft RGIII will be a couple years from retirement.

[Ghost of Nibbs McPimpin]

In another words Justin Tuck & the Giant's have a bounty for RG3. They did last game too but couldn't catch up to him.

Pretty much. While they weren't as dirty as the Falcons (sorry, that was a dirty hit that Witherspoon laid on him) or Rams or Bengals, they definitely think they can get licks in and get him out of the game.

My answer to that is chop blocking the hell out of them in response. Take the penalties, you're talking your franchise's future. Trent and the O-line have done a good job coming to Robert's defense but they have not done a good enough job sending a signal to the teams who were being dirty. Protect your QB at all costs.

As for a backup QB, I really think if his nerve heals in his throwing arm that Denard could be an effective third QB/runner. He took too many hits in college to want him to be running exclusively but he can DEFINITELY run the ball and is really, really fast. He can NEVER be a full-time QB in the NFL but he could be a third QB that you run in short spurts or as a more effective Brandon Banks-type.

[MrJL]

I bet Cousins is better than Kolb