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

[maskedsuperstar]

Yep. I never learned to read. But I'll help you out here. The question in the OP is "should the skins look for a dual-threat backup QB". My initial post, which you responded to, was a slightly longer version of me saying "NO", You said in your post that you believe we should draft a dual threat QB. Cool. Everybody has their opinion. My response was I thought the offense would be fine with a less mobile QB as a backup, as Grossman was able to move the ball(before turning it over), and I thought the resources could be used better somewhere else. That is a slightly longer version of my slightly longer version of saying "NO" before. So, in conclusion, I do not think we need to spend resources on a dual threat QB, as one who can adequately attempt to do the things that Griff can do will probably not be available to be our backup, among other reasons. You, on the other hand, do believe it's a good course to take. Awesome. I hope that works out for you. That's the beauty of a message board. Different opinions. So next time you respond, maybe you can knock off the condescending tone, and just present your different opinion.

You threw the first rock. Stop whining!

[moondog]

Do you think this current offense would be as effective without the read option concepts?

Right now we carry 3 QBs. If we carry 3 QBs next year what would it hurt to have another back-up with the skillset to execute read option?[COLOR="Gold"]
We hope he'll be a good back-up but pre-season is not a accurate barometer to judge QB play. Truthfully we have no idea the type of QB Cousin's will become. We just hope for the best.

Obviously we're just going to agree to disagree on a lot. But as you said, all quibbling aside, I'm literally confused at how you think it wouldn't be a choice between Cousins and a third, more mobile guy. The only guy that is playing is going to be the #2 guy behind Griffin (if, forbid, he got hurt). So how is the choice not between a better passer vs. a guy that can run the read-option?

And yes, I do classify Cousins as the better passer despite not seeing much more than preseason because of what he did in college. Any realistic acquisition that we would bring in to fill the mobile role does not even have the passing ability that Cousins had in college, so I qualify him as the better passer.

Second honest question: Why do you seem to have a pessimistic view of what Cousins will turn out to be? I'm in no way saying he's going to be on Matt Schaub's level. And while I don't think he's anything special right now, I think by as early as next year he'll be on par, if not better than the backups of >50% of the league. And that's all we drafted him to be, a backup. Think about it - the Bears went out and grabbed Jason Campbell as their "quality" backup because of what happened last year...the Bears did not look much better with Campbell then Hanie. Most teams around the league simply go to **** and can't win with a backup QB because of how poor the quality is.

No one is asking Cousins or expecting him to be groundbreaking, but if you paid attention to his background, you'll find that he is as hard a working and intelligent young man as you will see among his peers. Intelligence and hard work are huge factors for a QB with a capable arm. I see more reason to believe Cousins will become an excellent backup given his intangibles combined with his performance in college and admittedly small sample size in the NFL than not.

Am I wrong that you don't think he'll amount to anything or are you just more in favor of a more option-oriented backup regardless of your expectations for Cousins?

[nemocystem]

Nonsense...

Perhaps it would be prudent if the idea were to stick to this offense for the looooooong term, but i just don't see that happening. Right now it is pure athleticism mixed with sheer uniqueness for NFL D's to digest that really has boosted out Offensive potential. RGIII is such a dual threat that it allows this Offense to succeed at this level. There are many reasons why the Pistol (which has been around longer than the Shotgun) hasn't been a staple in the NFL & they all sound similar to the reasons why the Wishbone or Triple-Option hasn't been so either.

In the real world, i agree with Tuck's sentiment...although not necessarily for the same reasons.

Mainly...i believe that...& we have already begun to see the process at work, the Shanahan's will start to implement more complete versions of the Offense they ran at Denver with Elway, & Papa Shanahan ran with Steve Young. RGIII will eventually mold his abilities into a more conventional Offense because he can...but for right now, this system enables him to excel immediately & with very little drawback.

He's a game manager that can erupt with huge plays & big points. He can make pre-snap reads & make Defenses pay for overpursuit with his rare speed. He can make any throw & is perfectly capable of reading progressions & making the right decisions. However, it is because he can do ALL of these things at ANY time that the opposition is more often than not being caught on its heels. This has opened up lanes for Darrel Young & Morris tremendously with an O-line many thought to be our weakest link.

Ultimately...i believe Defenses will figure it out enough to stymie the scheme & get good shots on RGIII all too often & if we were to stick to this scheme exclusively it would eventually do more harm than good.

I could be wrong...this could just be that special type of player who does something so unique & wonderful that the essence of what he does will never be repeated. Much like Payton Manning has done with audibles & play calling in the no-huddle. I actually don't think it to be that far fetched that we could run this sort of Offense for many years....but practicality says that it would be best for us & him to infuse his abilities into a more traditional role while perhaps still incorporating elements or gameday packages that utilize the pistol & all of its fine quirks.

For now...it's just an awesome thing to watch because teams simply have no idea what to do with it & RGIII has all the necessary skills/tools to be able to consistently take advantage of that split second of heaitation from the defenders. As all things used in overabundance in the NFL, the commonplace becomes obsolete by virtue of the evolution of the game...but until they catch up......i'm just gonna sit back & enjoy the show.

[ddub52]

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

He will be gone before the 7th. Maybe even before the 5th. But I thought the same exact thing

[Rpredskins]

There is no dual-threat backup capable of doing what RG3 does. And the entire reason the dual threat works is because RG3 is so good at it. We are much better off reverting to a traditional QB and system in the event that RG3 can't play. If we ever do end up with another QB capable of playing the RG3 offense, Shanahan will trade him for multiple first round picks.

[darrelgreenie]

Here is a great breakdown of our offense in a nutshell:

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap100...pistol-offense

---------- Post added December-7th-2012 at 09:06 AM ----------

Obviously we're just going to agree to disagree on a lot. But as you said, all quibbling aside, I'm literally confused at how you think it wouldn't be a choice between Cousins and a third, more mobile guy. The only guy that is playing is going to be the #2 guy behind Griffin (if, forbid, he got hurt). So how is the choice not between a better passer vs. a guy that can run the read-option?

Read my previous posts. I advocate for Cousins and a read option capable QB.

And yes, I do classify Cousins as the better passer despite not seeing much more than preseason because of what he did in college. Any realistic acquisition that we would bring in to fill the mobile role does not even have the passing ability that Cousins had in college, so I qualify him as the better passer.

That is merely your assumption based on your thought that passing talent and runner are mutually exclusive. But obviously that is false.
Until we're comparing specific QBs against Cousins it makes no sense to say that Cousins is the better passer.

Second honest question: Why do you seem to have a pessimistic view of what Cousins will turn out to be?

I don't have a pessimistic view about Cousins at all.

But Cousin's is no different then any other teams mid round developmental back-up QBs. He might become a solid back-up or even a tradeable assest or he might get released in a couple seasons. We don't know. The difference is I admit that the possibility for both outcomes exsists.

And the fact is that Cousins cannot run this current offense.


---------- Post added December-7th-2012 at 09:10 AM ----------

[HailToTheRedskins14]

Go ahead and laugh, but if Tim Tebow wasn't named Tim Tebow, I'd say we should sign him next year. If we could sign him without the ridiculous media crap, I'd go for it. He'd be a good 3rd stringer and we wouldn't have to worry about him getting injured running the option. He's probably smart enough to run it out of the pistol pretty well. Zero passing threat though, but we'd basically be doing what Denver did last year. Except it would hopefully only be a game or two.

[DiscoBob]

Go ahead and laugh, but if Tim Tebow wasn't named Tim Tebow, I'd say we should sign him next year. If we could sign him without the ridiculous media crap, I'd go for it. He'd be a good 3rd stringer and we wouldn't have to worry about him getting injured running the option. He's probably smart enough to run it out of the pistol pretty well. Zero passing threat though, but we'd basically be doing what Denver did last year. Except it would hopefully only be a game or two.

You will probably get blasted....but....I'd go for that idea

The problem, as you allude to, is the media hype that comes with Tebow. He probably will get a promise to compete for a starting position based on the attention that he brings to a team.

[darrelgreenie]

Obviously we're just going to agree to disagree on a lot. But as you said, all quibbling aside, I'm literally confused at how you think it wouldn't be a choice between Cousins and a third, more mobile guy. The only guy that is playing is going to be the #2 guy behind Griffin (if, forbid, he got hurt). So how is the choice not between a better passer vs. a guy that can run the read-option?
Am I wrong that you don't think he'll amount to anything or are you just more in favor of a more option-oriented backup regardless of your expectations for Cousins?

Trent Dilfer and Kevin Sheehan have the same discussion we're having at the 13:00 minute mark below:

http://www.stationcaster.com/player_...c=428&f=866461

[CTskins]

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

I doubt the Cheifs will go down the road of trading any pick of consequence for someone else's spare parts again after the Cassel debacle. Cousins has only played about a half of meanful football as well. Don't you think play calling will revert back to standard west coast offense if Cousins had to go in? I don't see them call a lot of read options with the back up.

[GO HAMSKINS]

buahahaah!! With RGIII brains and poise, We'll be running the "no Huddle" spread offense by next season #HTTR

[darrelgreenie]

Trent Dilfer and Kevin Sheehan have the same discussion we're having at the 13:00 minute mark below:

http://www.stationcaster.com/player_...c=428&f=866461

Listen @12:27 mark Sheehan: "would the Redskins look for the poor man's version of RGIII as a back-up so they could run this stuff'
Trent: 'I would do it as a 3rd string guy....'

Its a good listen as Trent goes into more detail

[ZRagone]

I wouldn't mind going after Denis Dixon if we could get him. Looked good when he was starting for the Steelers, similar skill set, similar experience in college. He's no RG3, but I think he'd be able to step in with this offence for a game or two if needed

[DiscoBob]

I wouldn't mind going after Denis Dixon if we could get him. Looked good when he was starting for the Steelers, similar skill set, similar experience in college. He's no RG3, but I think he'd be able to step in with this offence for a game or two if needed

If we hadn't lost all the cap space, I could see them going after Vick as a high paid backup...

Most here would probably have a fit, but from where I stand, Vick would be productive in our offense - especially in a limited capacity...

[s0crates]

Shanny and Bruce are one step ahead of you. Cousins has wheels. He did a nice job on the play actions, boots, and a few scrambles.

I love him as the backup, but it will be hard to keep him in that role once his contract is up.