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

Well, if selling out stops it, then the pass shouldn't work.
Selling out DOESN'T stop the read option. It stops the RUN option. The threat of an intermediate passing game is an essential element of the read option.

The read option is a running play. The QB reads a defender and decides to hand off or keep it. Since the OL will be run blocking, the only pass out of it could be a screen since the OL can go down field on a screen.

You can play action out of it, but thats not the read option, thats a play action pass.

As to the intermediate passing game being an essential element. Thats what I said. If your QB cant pass, the read option will be stopped in the NFL.

I think the thing that helps out Griffin's ability to pass out of the read/option vs a standard play action pass is that he never turns his back on the defense. In a normal play action pass from under center (and yes you can play actions out of the shotgun, which is kind of like a read option) is that a QB normally takes the snap, turns his back, fakes the handoff, turns back around to start his reads. Using a read/option, after the mesh, the QB is automatically ready to throw and can really take advantage of the LBs biting on the run fake. I am seeing Vick run a play action with McCoy in the preseason out of the shotgun as well, but Vick is not running right now after the mesh with McCoy. Maybe he will Sept 9th, but right now its more of a straight play action. To me RGIII's ability to run holds those LBs a little longer which creates more space for the WR/TEs.

I think its important for the Redskins to actually let RGIII run early out of the read/option to keep the defenses honest this year and not have them thinking "well, he has been hurt and wont run this year, so I'm going for Morris every time".

One of the "prettiest" things about Griffin's game is his exchange with RB's. The TV camera can be right on it, and still sometimes no one really knows where the ball ended up. I don't think his ACL took that ability away.

Yes sir, RGIII's play action fake is one of the best and quickest in the league. Another unappreciated QB skill is foot work. IMO RGIII can take the snap, fake a hand off and set up to throw faster and better than any QB in the league, his motion in this process is consistent and flawless. You can tell he has worked on this for a long time. I noticed this in his first camp with us.

I remember Bill Walsh (IMO one of the best offensive minds in the game) talking about Qb's skills. He said what really jumped out at him about Joe Montana when they were scouting him at ND was his foot work and ball skills. He said he had not seen better foot work on a Qb coming out of since Joe Namath.
Walsh said most teams/scouts look at arm strength, height/size, leadership and football knowledge as the main measures. Most overlook the most important/basic skill - footwork and ball skills. If you do not set your feet quickly and well your throws will not be accurate. RGIII threw 20 TD's to only 5 Int's.
Suck on that Jaworski you eagle homer.

John Clayton's rating the QB's. I really expected more of him.
16. Robert Griffin III, Washington Redskins

Analysis: Will he be a different quarterback coming off knee reconstruction, at least temporarily? RG III's game is beating opponents with his arm and his feet. Wisely, the Redskins aren't using him in the preseason, but he will enter the regular season without having had any live action on the field. Carson Palmer, Tom Brady and others have proved they can come back from knee reconstructions, but it might be a little tougher for a running quarterback.

Arrow is pointing: flat

See, RGII is not a "running" QB like Vick (or P.White). He is a QB that runs (like Elway or Young) - it is almost like Griffin is punished for having an extra dimension to his game.

I get the injury concerns, everyone outside of DC is harping on them and going with skin deep analysis on it (He runs, he has been injured, he will always be injured). At the same time, look at his passing game - his YPA (one of the most telling passing stats there is) and is TD/INT ratio.

Christ, either we are way off on our understanding of this team and its players or we are going to shock the hell out of the talking heads this year.

Me. I am going with Shock And Awe.

John Clayton's rating the QB's. I really expected more of him.


See, RGII is not a "running" QB like Vick (or P.White). He is a QB that runs (like Elway or Young) - it is almost like Griffin is punished for having an extra dimension to his game.

I get the injury concerns, everyone outside of DC is harping on them and going with skin deep analysis on it (He runs, he has been injured, he will always be injured). At the same time, look at his passing game - his YPA (one of the most telling passing stats there is) and is TD/INT ratio.

Christ, either we are way off on our understanding of this team and its players or we are going to shock the hell out of the talking heads this year.

Me. I am going with Shock And Awe.

I didn't look this up or know how too but didn't RGIII play very limited pre-season football last year. I think he was held out in game 4 even. That was his rookie season and he looked pretty damn good on the road in NO. I would THINK opening in WAS against PHI should be a easier task for him.

I think the real tell will be the line on the game. Anything less than Skins by 8 would be shocking to me.

I didn't look this up or know how too but didn't RGIII play very limited pre-season football last year. I think he was held out in game 4 even. That was his rookie season and he looked pretty damn good on the road in NO. I would THINK opening in WAS against PHI should be a easier task for him.

Yeah. I think you're right. He was really limited in preseason.

Just did a quick google. Here are his stats:

Robert Griffin III Preseason Stats 2012
@ Buffalo: 4-of-6, 70 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT, 0 sacks, 145.8 rating
Bears: 5-of-8, 49 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT, 3 sacks, 79.7 rating
vs. Colts: 11-of-17, 74 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT, 0 sacks, 93.8 rating
Redskins Won’t Play Robert Griffin III In Preseason Finale « CBS DC (http://washington.cbslocal.com/2012/08/25/redskins-wont-play-robert-griffin-iii-in-preseason-finale/)

So, ~ 30 passes. Maybe 60 plays total? Didn't play in the 4th game at all.

Shock and Awe my freinds, Shock and Awe.

i before e sir, i before e
:D

Robert inspires his team mates, you can't tell me that as pumped up as he will be Sept 9the to play the Eagles on Monday night football, that his team mates won't be just as pumped up to play with him and for him? Who said Shock and Awe? I agree.

Yeah. I think you're right. He was really limited in preseason.

Just did a quick google. Here are his stats:

Robert Griffin III Preseason Stats 2012
@ Buffalo: 4-of-6, 70 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT, 0 sacks, 145.8 rating
Bears: 5-of-8, 49 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT, 3 sacks, 79.7 rating
vs. Colts: 11-of-17, 74 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT, 0 sacks, 93.8 rating
Redskins Won’t Play Robert Griffin III In Preseason Finale « CBS DC (http://washington.cbslocal.com/2012/08/25/redskins-wont-play-robert-griffin-iii-in-preseason-finale/)

So, ~ 30 passes. Maybe 60 plays total? Didn't play in the 4th game at all.

Shock and Awe my freinds, Shock and Awe.

Thanks for backing my post with stats! Preseason is overrated for intrenched starters. Sure it would have helped Bob but it certainly is not going to make or break his season the lost preseason snaps.