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

[Skinzman]

Originally Posted by 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.

The problem is not stopping the read option. Any half decent Def. Coordinator can come up with a defense to stop it in about 3 minutes. The problem is that in order to stop it, you are selling out on it and leaving the passing game open. Its stopping the read option and the passing game at the same time that is the problem.

It will only work in the NFL if the QB can throw the ball. Which RG3, Wilson, Kaepernick, and Newton can do. RG3 rarely got touched when he kept it on the read option. He always had plenty of time to get some yards and get down to protect himself. Now if he is going to try and be a fullback when he keeps it, then there is a problem. The problem with QB's that can run is they seem to want to try and run people over. If they get down after they get their yards, they wont get hit much, if at all. If there is pressure coming at them, they just hand it off.

As long as RG3 has learned that its not all up to him and protects himself, then he will be fine. If he doesnt protect himself, the read option wont matter because he will scramble on a pass play when his receivers arent open and hurt himself there.