Washington Post: Redskins Training Camp Observations

Any word of rookie FS/SS JORDAN BERNSTEIN from TC?

To all: How do you feel about RGIII running the option, QB draws, and other designed running plays?

Frankly, I don't like the idea of making him a runner at all. As an NFL QB, He's going to take enough hits in the passing game.

I have no problem with his rolling out with a run or pass option, particulary in the Red Zone. An occaisional QB draw by RGIII, in the right situation, should be very effective. The Skins should take advantage of his speed in those types of plays.

But, if they use him as an option QB, he's going to take some big hits whether he pitches the ball or keeps it. I think that use of RGIII's skills would be far too risky to his health. If training camp practices are an indicator of what they want to do with RGIII in the running game, I'm hoping that the Shanahans come to their senses and drop the idea of using him to run the option offense.

To me, the primary benefit of a mobile QB is that he can extend plays or turn broken plays into positive yardage.

Personally I like the idea of the option, draw, and other designed running play, used in moderation. The threat that Gryphon might run, beyond just ordinary scrambling, is a weapon in its own right and can be used to open up the passing game. A linebacker, safety, or cornerback who has to worry about Gryphon keeping will be distracted from passing game responsibilities. So I think Gryphon should run in an intentional way more than most other QB's.

However, I agree with you about the specter of injury. So if Gryphon runs just enough to establish the threat and keep defenses honest, that will be good enough for me.

To all: How do you feel about RGIII running the option, QB draws, and other designed running plays? [I LOVE IT!]....

But, if they use him as an option QB, he's going to take some big hits whether he pitches the ball or keeps it. I think that use of RGIII's skills would be far too risky to his health. If training camp practices are an indicator of what they want to do with RGIII in the running game, I'm hoping that the Shanahans come to their senses and drop the idea of using him to run the option offense.

To me, the primary benefit of a mobile QB is that he can extend plays or turn broken plays into positive yardage.Great topic...http://www.thewarpath.net/redskins-locker-room/47172-new-look-offense-same-but-better.html

For me its a risk/reward question. (and a frequency of use question)
And I think the potential benefit is worth the risk.
If Griffin can learn to be smart about when to look for and when/where to takes contact vs. avoid contact I think he can reduce the injury risk greatly.
For all Cam Newton's size he's very smart about when/where to take contact vs. protect himself and get down.

But there is huge and specific benefit to Griffin executing designed zone-read plays (that could result in QB runs) that is unique to Newton, Tebow and Griffin.

The run threat posed by structured zone-read plays (i.e. QB runs) forces defenses to account for the QB in the run game by giving the offense a numerical advantage over the defense.
This threat makes it possible to run(RBs) with efficiency from shotgun.

This in turn forces defenses to play 'honest' looks against shotgun formations that respect the threat of the run and creates the opportunity for big plays off play-action from shotgun.

Personally I like the idea of the option, draw, and other designed running play, used in moderation. The threat that Gryphon might run, beyond just ordinary scrambling, is a weapon in its own right and can be used to open up the passing game. A linebacker, safety, or cornerback who has to worry about Gryphon keeping will be distracted from passing game responsibilities. So I think Gryphon should run in an intentional way more than most other QB's.

However, I agree with you about the specter of injury. So if Gryphon runs just enough to establish the threat and keep defenses honest, that will be good enough for me.

http://www.saintdavidsepiscopal.org/gryphon2.jpg

Great topic...http://www.thewarpath.net/redskins-locker-room/47172-new-look-offense-same-but-better.html

For me its a risk/reward question. (and a frequency of use question)
And I think the potential benefit is worth the risk.
If Griffin can learn to be smart about when to look for and when/where to takes contact vs. avoid contact I think he can reduce the injury risk greatly.
For all Cam Newton's size he's very smart about when/where to take contact vs. protect himself and get down.

But there is huge and specific benefit to Griffin executing designed zone-read plays (that could result in QB runs) that is unique to Newton, Tebow and Griffin.

The run threat posed by structured zone-read plays (i.e. QB runs) forces defenses to account for the QB in the run game by giving the offense a numerical advantage over the defense.
This threat makes it possible to run(RBs) with efficiency from shotgun.

This in turn forces defenses to play 'honest' looks against shotgun formations that respect the threat of the run and creates the opportunity for big plays off play-action from shotgun.

Very good point! Also, looks like they have been practicing some pistol formations as well. I see Helu and Royster having some big games as well. With our OL being undersized but athletic, I think the option plays and some of these shotgun/pistol formations will play to our advantage.

Very good point! Also, looks like they have been practicing some pistol formations as well. I see Helu and Royster having some big games as well. With our OL being undersized but athletic, I think the option plays and some of these shotgun/pistol formations will play to our advantage.

Yes, it should be handled like Peyton Manning in Indy...get the ball out of his hands before anyone can touch him.

Griff is already a master at screen passes. Moss has always turned those into big plays too. Helu is a pass-catching back.

It just makes sense.

Make every drive a 15-play, 80-yard drive. Sure, we might only get 5 yards a play when not busting long gains, but the D won't be able to force us into a 4th down. TD every time. :D

Very good point! Also, looks like they have been practicing some pistol formations as well. I see Helu and Royster having some big games as well. With our OL being undersized but athletic, I think the option plays and some of these shotgun/pistol formations will play to our advantage.

Good insight. I'm looking forward to seeing the pistol in action. We might have an offense this year which is fun to watch.

To all: How do you feel about RGIII running the option, QB draws, and other designed running plays?

Frankly, I don't like the idea of making him a runner at all. As an NFL QB, He's going to take enough hits in the passing game.

I have no problem with his rolling out with a run or pass option, particulary in the Red Zone. An occaisional QB draw by RGIII, in the right situation, should be very effective. The Skins should take advantage of his speed in those types of plays.

But, if they use him as an option QB, he's going to take some big hits whether he pitches the ball or keeps it. I think that use of RGIII's skills would be far too risky to his health. If training camp practices are an indicator of what they want to do with RGIII in the running game, I'm hoping that the Shanahans come to their senses and drop the idea of using him to run the option offense.

To me, the primary benefit of a mobile QB is that he can extend plays or turn broken plays into positive yardage.

Right now we're going to have to use him on this type of stuff. Do you expect him to sit back in the pocket and consistently move the chains as a rookie? I don't. Not right now. As his career moves along, and if/when he gets the pocket game down, then I'm sure they'll scale it back on the option stuff.

Grant Paulsen reported that Trent Williams is having an outstanding camp through the first week.

I might be attendance Saturday if any of you guys are headed that way.