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

[AirMayo21]

Me and my cousin were talking about this. If he played the role Banks plays in the triple option teams would still have to respect the pass. I wouldn't mind it.

I'm totally for this idea. Our offense would be scary with Denard Robinson and the threat to pass. Imagine him, Griffin and Morris in the same backfield? We'd be running all day as well.

[Wyvern]

The Skins don't need to go look for another option QB. They've got lots of other needs (RT, ILB, SS, FS, CBs, RT,...)

I don't think the Skins offense is going to rely as much on the option in the future.

The current offense is tailored to Griffin's mix of talent and current level of familiarity with the level/complexity of NFL play. However, this is a transition. Griffin will continue to get more experienced with running the pocket plays in Kyle's offense, the receivers are going to more experienced as well -- and we'll likely see further improvement in the offensive pass protection when the Skins upgrade the RT and other spots.

So, in the future I suspect you'll see Griffin transitioned more into a pocket passer -- similar to how Schaub is used with Houston's offense, but with the bonus of being more elusive. The heavy mix of read-option plays will be phased down as the team gets more proficient with more 'conventional' offense that relies on an elusive pocket passer possessing a quick, strong, accurate pass to receivers who've learned how to get separation.

Transitioning away from the read-option, will extend Griffin's career, and that trend makes Cousins a good candidate to groom for backup.

[taayox]

The Skins don't need to go look for another option QB. They've got lots of other needs (RT, ILB, SS, FS, CBs, RT,...)

I don't think the Skins offense is going to rely as much on the option in the future.

The current offense is tailored to Griffin's mix of talent and current level of familiarity with the level/complexity of NFL play. However, this is a transition. Griffin will continue to get more experienced with running the pocket plays in Kyle's offense, the receivers are going to more experienced as well -- and we'll likely see further improvement in the offensive pass protection when the Skins upgrade the RT and other spots.

So, in the future I suspect you'll see Griffin transitioned more into a pocket passer -- similar to how Schaub is used with Houston's offense, but with the bonus of being more elusive. The heavy mix of read-option plays will be phased down as the team gets more proficient with more 'conventional' offense that relies on an elusive pocket passer possessing a quick, strong, accurate pass to receivers who've learned how to get separation.

Transitioning away from the read-option, will extend Griffin's career, and that trend makes Cousins a good candidate to groom for backup.

Exactly my thoughts. Our offense would still be deadly without the option plays as evidenced by receivers running open last year when Grossman and Beck were the qb's. They just weren't as talented enough as RG3 or dynamic enough to compensate for bad pass blocking. with improved oline, Cousins would be as good of a back-up as you can find.

[Bubble Screen]

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

Tyrod Taylor?

[Xero21]

I've thought about this as well. Having two drastically different playbooks for the starter vs the backups probably isn't the best thing (although far from the worst). Like someone else said, give Josh Johnson or Joe Webb a look.

[skinzwiz]

Cousins can't be traded because he has no trade value right now. I was ultra-against drafting him because I thought he wasnt any good. I hoped he would have shown something in the little time RGIII was out, but he still hasn't proven anythin except he can not handle pressure...but people should have already known that from his.college days right??

Cousins please get better so we can at least get our 4th round pick back.

[AlvinWaltonIsMyBoy]

People trashing Cousins? Seriously?

The guy is exactly what we need at backup. As for having to modify the offense, we have plays that Captain Kirk can run if he is called into duty. Kyle is no idiot and I'm sure he would adjust accordingly. Personally, I am glad we have Kirk on the team. In my opinion, he has the necessary tools to be a starter in the league. He just needs some seasoning, and he's just a rookie.

He'll be much more capable after another offseason and some preseason burn. He had some great games for us in the preseason this year. And here's a new flash...you cannot win consistently in this league when your starting QB goes out. It just doesn't happen. Why on earth would we move Kirk (nobody will trade anything of value for him right now) or draft another QB when we have a ton of needs, espcially on defense? It makes no sense to me. But, I could be a complete idiot on the subject.

[Poman]

Cousins can't be traded because he has no trade value right now. I was ultra-against drafting him because I thought he wasnt any good. I hoped he would have shown something in the little time RGIII was out, but he still hasn't proven anythin except he can not handle pressure...but people should have already known that from his.college days right??

Cousins please get better so we can at least get our 4th round pick back.

I'm sorry, but I do not follow your thinking on this. Cousing hasn't proven anything yet. Not that he sucks, or he's good, nothing. You thought he wasn't any good, but the Shanny's obviously thought he was good value in the 4th. Good teams have a capable backup that can step in when needed. I've seen nothing from Cousins to suggest he can't be a capable backup. The Shanny's think he can be. He's 2nd on the depth chart now, and I think Grossman was a very acceptable backup. I'm not sure its fair to judge Cousins, a rookie, on his limited play in the Atlanta game, especially considering all the patience everybody was trying to preach for Griffin. He is a rookie, with only room for improvement, and I'm going to trust the coaches decision that he can be a viable backup. We need to use our resources for more glaring needs. Cousins is fine for whats expected of him. I'm excited about our young QB's.

[DC9]

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.

He will absolutely make it to the 5th round.

[Rufus T Firefly]

I was bummed we missed out on Josh Johnson in the offseason,

Johnson is in the UFL right now. If we wanted him, we could have him.

[LaxinFish29]

So a team gameplay for RGIII and then a lesser talented version comes in? I think having a capable QB that has a different style would be the best option to finish up a game anyways.

[CoolHandLuke]

He will absolutely make it to the 5th round.

Damn this is very tempting! I like Kirk, was a huge fan of the pick, and still am. However, if we can trade him for a CB or DB with equal or greater value than a 4th round pick, I definitely think we should pursue Florence in the 5th. The guy was RG3's backup, he's a gunslinger, and can run the same offense as RG3!

For me, Kirk or Florence as backup is a win win! However, it's the difference between really good and better. I think Florence will be a better FIT behind RG3. And for those of you that have brought up the whole "We have bigger needs to address"... Trust me I am right there with you, that's why I think trading Cousin's should be for a DB/CB of equal or better value than current 4th rounders. If that's not possible than we shouldn't pursue it, it's that simple!

[Laxpunk2006]

Lax, you might want to chill on your overreaction. I just watched it FRAME.BY.FRAME. Robert had already begun his descent to the ground and was NOT fighting for more yards, he was falling BACKWARDS (a slide.) THAT is when Witherspoon then begins to lower his shoulder. Witherspoon had time to either let up on the hit on a man who had given himself up or to jump over Griffin.

Griffin never moved "backwards." He akwardly dove forward but twisted his body to lead with his back/shoulder. He was attempting to dive forward while still protecting his head/neck and he failed. Griffin did not slide. Witherspoon did lower his pad level to attempt to contact Griffin before he hit the ground. Griffin had begun his akward dive before Witherspoon committed. I agree with you there. However it was Griffin's akward twist that lead to head/neck to head contact.

That's good defense. It's the same thing Fletcher did to Brady last season. Defenders should always attempt to hit a player before they slide. When a QB decides to run he no longer is protected as a QB, he is a ball carrier and should be treated as such.

Context, my friend, CONTEXT. If I respond to someone saying a team had a BOUNTY on our franchise QB (or really any of our players) and then propose chop blocking them, I'm not sure where you get the idea that I'm talking about legal hits.

I'll take your word for it that you were referring to a hypothetical bounty (which there is no evidence ever existed) but the context of your post makes it seem like you suggest chop blocks and accepting penalties as a response to hits like Witherspoons or the hits NYG players laid on RGIII. So again it seems I misunderstood you but the context implies a response to legal hits.

hey, when the first sack Griffin took was by his head/neck vs. Dallas, when he's late hit and they pick up the flag, when guys are trying to get head shots on QBs across the league when they slide, and don't give me that baloney about the defensive player JUST HAPPENING to hit the QB in the head/neck area after the QB had begun his slide and BEFORE the defender had left his feet, it ain't no coincidence.

IN FACT, as Griffin begins to lower himself and slide, Witherspoon ADJUSTS and matches that pad level. He's going for the kill shot. How the **** did you watch that video and not see what I just explained to you?

Man, it' s not hard, this isn't a running back falling or running forward getting rocked, it was clear before Witherspoon left his feet that Griffin was already beginning his slide. Witherspoon continues to match the diminishing 'height' of Griffin through that play until he hits him in the head/neck area. This is not a split second, receiver catching and turning kind of play like Ed Reed had, this was a QB who long before the defender left his feet was already going to the ground.

It was a kill shot at the QB's head.

I already touched on this above but I guess I'll repeat it for the sake of organization and clarity. RGIII is the one that akwardly moved in his dive. It was not a feet first slide so there is no reason he should be protected as if it was. If a player, QB or otherwise is going to dive forward he should expect to be hit on his way to the ground. That's football.

So again I'm not overreacting. I'm not upset. I don't need to chill. However judging by your language and general attitude it seems I've struck a nerve so perhaps its best we agree to disagree.

[cphil006]

We already have Kirk Cousins... but, seriously who's that QB that played for OSU a few years ago?

I don't think we need one... Kyle calls plays based on who the QB is... we'll be fine with any "good" back-up.

[DiscoBob]

We already have Kirk Cousins... but, seriously who's that QB that played for OSU a few years ago?

I don't think we need one... Kyle calls plays based on who the QB is... we'll be fine with any "good" back-up.

How's that supposed to work when they spend the whole year planning the offense around Griffin and then a slow statue comes in? The offense is built around his abilities, the other players learn to play complementary styles...it'd be way more efficient to find someone who could stick with the same gameplan...especially when Griffin is the planned starter on a given week, but gets hurt....