Why Stopping the Read-Option Isn't as Easy as You Think

[The Goat]

Read option only works with a certain set of skills from the QB, namely fantastic ball skills (hand-off, fake etc.) and the ability to keep/run the football. Of the 32 starting QBs right now I think 4 have the ability: RG, Wilson, Newton and Kaepernick. Aaron Rodgers could be argued but that franchise has (wisely) chosen to severely limit his keeps/runs.

There's two questions yet to be determined:

- Will (smart) D coordinators find creative ways to minimize the read option's effectiveness?

- Will a QB who keeps/runs the ball X number of plays per game/season also play at a high level long enough to make it worthwhile to build an offense around him?

The weight of evidence is probably yes to the first question and no to the second.