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Dual-threat quarterback

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Navy quarterback Craig Candeto rushing

In gridiron football, a dual-threat quarterback, also known as a running quarterback,[1] is a quarterback who possesses the skills and physique to run with the ball if necessary. With the rise of several blitz heavy defensive schemes and increasingly faster defensive players, the importance of a mobile quarterback has been redefined. While arm power, accuracy, and pocket presence – the ability to successfully operate from within the "pocket" formed by his blockers – are still the most important quarterback virtues, the ability to elude or run past defenders creates an additional threat that allows greater flexibility in the team's passing and running game. Overall, the dual-threat quarterback has been referred to as, "the most complex position in sports," by Bleacher Report.[2]

Dual-threat quarterbacks have historically been more prolific at the college level. Typically, a quarterback with exceptional quickness is used in an option offense, which allows the quarterback to either hand the ball off, run it himself, or pitch it to the running back following him at a distance of three yards outside and one yard behind. This type of offense forces defenders to commit to either the running back up the middle, the quarterback around the end, or the running back trailing the quarterback. It is then that the quarterback has the "option" to identify which match up is most favorable to the offense as the play unfolds and exploit that defensive weakness. In the college game, many schools employ several plays that are designed for the quarterback to run with the ball. This is much less common in professional football, except for a quarterback sneak, but there is still an emphasis on being mobile enough to escape a heavy pass rush. Historically, dual threat quarterbacks in the National Football League (NFL) were uncommon, with Michael Vick being considered a rarity in the early 2000s. In recent years, quarterbacks with dual-threat capabilities have become more popular. Examples of dual-threat quarterbacks currently playing in the NFL include Tyrod Taylor, Aaron Rodgers, Andrew Luck, Cam Newton, Alex Smith, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Colin Kaepernick and Blake Bortles. Damon Allen, who played from 1985 to 2007 in the Canadian Football League (CFL), is professional football's all-time leader in rushing yards by a quarterback with 11,920.[3]

History in the National Football League

Early history (1950s–70s)

Fran Tarkenton scrambling

In the 1950s, Tobin Rote, was a rare example of a dual-threat quarterback.[4] as he led the Green Bay Packers in rushing in 3 seasons, and retired with 3,128 yards.[5][6] As of the 2014 NFL season, Rote still ranks 8th all time in rushing yards for a quarterback.[7]

The next decade, however, saw Fran Tarkenton impact the game in both passing and running aspects. Tarkenton writes, "When I began my NFL career in 1961, I was a freak. The reason was simple: I played quarterback and I ran. There were no designed runs in our playbook, but I would scramble out of the pocket when a play broke down."[8] Tarkenton adds by describing the reaction to his scrambling at the time, "It was not a skill set that was embraced. Plenty of people mocked it, and the rest wrote it off."[8] At the time of his retirement, Tarkenton was the all-time leader in rushing yards by a quarterback, with 3,674.[9]

In 1972, Chicago Bears quarterback Bobby Douglass set the single-season rushing yards record for a quarterback, as he logged 968 yards.[10] Douglass, however, was not considered a good passer, as his receivers complained his arm strength was, "too strong," as he often overthrew the ball.[10] The Bears attempted to create wild schemes, before discovering his rushing ability, leading to his record-breaking 1972 season.[10]

Rise (1980s−2000s)

Randall Cunningham (left) and Steve Young (right) were prominent dual-threat QBs during the 1980s and 90s

During the 1980s and 90s, dual-threat quarterbacks were more frequently seen than in previous decades. Randall Cunningham and Steve Young were the faces of rushing quarterbacks during this era. Cunningham was able to exceed Young in statistical regards. On October 18, 1992, Cunningham surpassed Tarkenton's record for career rushing yards by a quarterback.[9] Following the 2001 NFL season, Cunningham retired with a then-record 4,928 rushing yards. Despite having more rushing yards, Young holds the record for most career rushing touchdowns by a quarterback, with 43.[11]

There is debate as to whether Young or Cunningham was the better rushing quarterback. CraveOnline writes that, although, "there may be two others [Vick and Cunnhingham] that hold an edge to Steve Young in amount of yards rushed, career wise, by a QB but make no mistake about it, if you are a QB that can run, then Young is who you want to emulate," adding that, Young, "had the rare gift of explosive speed combined with deadly accuracy."[11] As for Cunningham, Jeff Darlington, an NFL Media reporter, writes, "True, Steve Young had legs that merited the respect of defenders. But Cunningham ... Cunningham was different. And today's quarterbacks know it."[12] Darlington adds to his point by referring to an anecdote from Robert Griffin III, a 2010s rushing quarterback, in which Griffin III would watch Cunningham's highlights with his father.[12] Griffin III elaborates, "We'd watch how well he moved in the pocket to avoid defenders and make plays -- not just with his legs, but with his arm. He was one of the first true game-changers the league saw."[12]

Aside from Cunningham and Young, Steve McNair and Kordell Stewart were also considered dynamic running quarterbacks.[13][14]

Michael Vick running during his record 2006 season

As Young, Cunningham, and John Elway, another dual-threat QB from the 1980s and 90s, all retired from 1998 to 2001, a new generation of mobile quarterbacks was ushered in. Donovan McNabb was drafted by the Eagles in 1999, beginning a successful quarterbacking career, in which his running ability was frequently identified.[15][16] On his mobility, McNabb once joked, "I think you run a lot better when you don't want to be hit."[17] After sustaining an injury in the 2003 season, there was speculation as to if McNabb would be able to retain his mobility, as Ray Buchanan stated, "We'd probably rather see McNabb, because he's not as mobile right now," which McNabb responded with, "According to everyone else I'm not mobile. I'll just let people continue to think that, and when the time comes, I'll make sure I showcase that a little bit."[17]

McNabb was also connected to Michael Vick, one of the most prolific running quarterbacks in the history of the NFL.[18] While attending Syracuse University, McNabb attempted to assist in the recruitment of Michael Vick, and in addition to that, McNabb also mentored Vick about the speed of the professional level.[17] Vick also served as McNabb's backup in Philadelphia in 2009, later succeeding McNabb as the starter for the franchise.[19] Michael Vick was drafted first overall by Atlanta Falcons in 2001.[20] Vick would go on to be a successful runner for the Falcons from 2001 to 2006.[21] 14 games into his 2006 season, Vick broke Douglass' single-season rushing yards record by a quarterback.[22] A week later, Vick surpassed the 1,000 rushing yards milestone, becoming the first quarterback to reach the mark in a single season.[23] He finished the season with a record 1,039 yards.[24] Vick's mobility had an impact on future mobile quarterbacks; Jenny Vrentas of Sports Illustrated writes, "Young players go out of their way to tell Vick that they were always him when they played Madden growing up, and wore his Nike cleats before the shoe line was dropped."[20] Vick would miss the 2007 and 2008 seasons due to legal issues involving dogfighting.[25]

Peak (2010s)

After his return to the NFL, and a season as McNabb's backup, Vick earned his second starting opportunity. His 2010 rushing statistics (league-leading 676 yards among quarterbacks and 9 touchdowns[26]) were the foundation for the landscape of mobile quarterbacks during the early 2010s. The following season, on October 9, Vick surpassed Cunningham's career rushing yardage total, to claim the career-record for quarterbacks.[27] That season also saw Cam Newton drafted first overall by the Carolina Panthers. Newton went on to lead quarterbacks in rushing yards with 706, and earned 14 rushing touchdowns, breaking Steve Grogan's 1976 single-season record by a quarterback.[28][29] In addition to Newton, notable dual-threat quarterbacks in the early 2010s included Aaron Rodgers, Robert Griffin III, Tim Tebow, Colin Kaepernick, Russell Wilson, and Andrew Luck.[30][31] On his overall impact and legacy in regards to dual-threat quarterbacks, Vick stated, "I was the guy who started it all," adding, "I revolutionized the game. I changed the way it was played in the NFL."[21][32]

Robert Griffin III rushing on a read-option play

In the 2014 season, Kaepernick, Griffin III, and Newton were all cited as declining or regressing players.[33] Kaepernick was labeled, "symbolic of running QB struggles," by NFL.com writer, Chris Wesseling.[34] This status came after Kaepernick and the 49ers were defeated by Derek Carr and the Oakland Raiders. Carr is not considered a dual-threat quarterback, though his, "mindset, athleticism, pocket presence, quick release and strong arm" have all been praised by executives, coaches and analysts.[34] Steve Young, who ranks third all-time in rushing yards for a quarterback, was cited as believing scrambling away from pressure limits and stunts the development of a quarterback's pocket presence.[34][35] During the season, Bill Polian, a former Indianapolis Colts president, stated, "What we're seeing this year is the incredible erosion of the running quarterback."[33] Obstacles such as high expectations and an increased potential for injury hindered the perception that mobile quarterbacks would become the dominant breed of the position.[36]

While Kaepernick, Newton, and Griffin III struggled during the season, mobility in other quarterbacks was praised. Success in the passing game, while having mobility to extend the play, was regarded more highly than pure running athleticism in 2014. Aaron Rodgers' mobility, for example, was considered by one NFL.com writer to be critical to the Packers' offense.[37] New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick praised Rodgers' mobility, stating, "he has a great ability to extend plays, either sliding in the pocket or at times scrambling outside the pocket."[38] Luck's mobility was also acclaimed by another NFL head coach, Chip Kelly.[39] Despite early-season reports of a decline in the performance of dual-threat quarterbacks, Russell Wilson rushed for a career-high 849 yards and 6 touchdowns in 2014,[40] leading the Seattle Seahawks to a second consecutive Super Bowl appearance.[41]

In 2015, Cam Newton had a resurgent season, scoring 10 rushing touchdowns en route to a Super Bowl berth.[42] However, as Newton was also successful in his passing game, one Wall Street Journal reporter wrote "defenses say it is Newton's ability to do anything on any given play that really keeps them up at night", adding "[Newton] is a pass-first quarterback capable of picking up a first down with his legs at any moment."[43]

All-time NFL leaders

Rushing yards

John Elway, the most successful dual-threat QB, appeared in 5 Super Bowls and holds the record of most rushing TDs by any quarterback in the Super Bowl.[44]
Rank Player Seasons by team Rushing yards
1 Michael Vick Atlanta Falcons (2001–2006)
Philadelphia Eagles (2009–2013)
New York Jets (2014)
Pittsburgh Steelers (2015–present[a]) 		6,109[45]
2 Randall Cunningham Philadelphia Eagles (1985–1995)
Minnesota Vikings (1997–1999)
Dallas Cowboys (2000)
Baltimore Ravens (2001) 		4,928[45]
3 Steve Young Los Angeles Express (USFL)[b] (1984–1985)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1985–1986)
San Francisco 49ers (1987–1999) 		4,239[45]
4 Fran Tarkenton Minnesota Vikings (1961–1966)
New York Giants (1967–1971)
Minnesota Vikings (1972–1978) 		3,674[45]
5 Steve McNair Houston Oilers (1995–1996)
Tennessee Oilers (1997–1998)
Tennessee Titans (1999–2005)
Baltimore Ravens (2006–2007) 		3,590[45]
6 Donovan McNabb Philadelphia Eagles (1999–2009)
Washington Redskins (2010)
Minnesota Vikings (2011) 		3,459[46]
7 John Elway Denver Broncos (1983–1998) 3,407[47]
8 Cam Newton Carolina Panthers (2011–present[c]) 3,207[48]
9 Tobin Rote Green Bay Packers (1950–1956)
Detroit Lions (1957–1959)
Toronto Argonauts (CFL)[d] (1960–1962)
San Diego Chargers (1963–1964)
Denver Broncos (1966) 		3,128[7]
10 Kordell Stewart Pittsburgh Steelers (1995–2002)
Chicago Bears (2003)
Baltimore Ravens (2004–2005) 		2,874[49]

Rushing touchdowns

Cam Newton is tied with Steve Young for the most career rushing touchdowns by a quarterback
Tobin Rote on a 1952 Bowman football card
Rank Player Seasons by team Rushing TDs
1-t Steve Young Los Angeles Express (USFL)[e] (1984–1985)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1985–1986)
San Francisco 49ers (1987–1999) 		43[50]
Cam Newton Carolina Panthers (2011–present[f]) 43[50]
3 Jack Kemp Pittsburgh Steelers (1957)
Calgary Stampeders (CFL)[g] (1959)
L.A. / San Diego Chargers (1960–1962)
Buffalo Bills (1962–1969) 		40[50]
4 Kordell Stewart Pittsburgh Steelers (1995–2002)
Chicago Bears (2003)
Baltimore Ravens (2004–2005) 		38[50]
5-t Tobin Rote Green Bay Packers (1950–1956)
Detroit Lions (1957–1959)
Toronto Argonauts (CFL)[h] (1960–1962)
San Diego Chargers (1963–1964)
Denver Broncos (1966) 		37[50]
Steve McNair Houston Oilers (1995–1996)
Tennessee Oilers (1997–1998)
Tennessee Titans (1999–2005)
Baltimore Ravens (2006–2007) 		37[50]
7 Michael Vick Atlanta Falcons (2001–2006)
Philadelphia Eagles (2009–2013)
New York Jets (2014)
Pittsburgh Steelers (2015–present[i]) 		36[50]
8-t Steve Grogan New England Patriots (1975–1990) 35[50]
Randall Cunningham Philadelphia Eagles (1985–1995)
Minnesota Vikings (1997–1999)
Dallas Cowboys (2000)
Baltimore Ravens (2001) 		35[50]
10 Daunte Culpepper Minnesota Vikings (1999–2005)
Miami Dolphins (2006)
Oakland Raiders (2007)
Detroit Lions (2008–2009)
Sacramento Mountain Lions (UFL)[j] (2010) 		34[50]

Single season leaders

Rushing yards

Rank Player Season Team Rushing yards
1 Michael Vick 2006 Atlanta Falcons 1,039[24]
2 Bobby Douglass 1972 Chicago Bears 968[10]
3 Randall Cunningham 1990 Philadelphia Eagles 942[51]
4 Michael Vick 2004 Atlanta Falcons 902[24]
5 Russell Wilson 2014 Seattle Seahawks 849[52]
6 Robert Griffin III 2012 Washington Redskins 815[53]
7 Michael Vick 2002 Atlanta Falcons 777[24]
8 Cam Newton 2012 Carolina Panthers 741[54]
9 Cam Newton 2011 Carolina Panthers 706[55]
10 Michael Vick 2010 Philadelphia Eagles 676[24]

Rushing touchdowns

Note: The list only includes seasons in which a quarterback rushed for double-digit touchdowns

Rank Player Season Team Rushing TDs
1 Cam Newton 2011 Carolina Panthers 14[28]
2 Steve Grogan 1976 New England Patriots 12[56]
3t Johnny Lujack 1950 Chicago Bears 11[57]
Tobin Rote 1956 Green Bay Packers 11[57]
Kordell Stewart 1997 Pittsburgh Steelers 11[49]
6t Daunte Culpepper 2002 Minnesota Vikings 10[58]
Cam Newton 2015 Carolina Panthers 10[59]

History in the Canadian Football League

The width of the CFL's field at 65 yards and the length at 110 yards has allowed quarterbacks to find openings to run the ball, implementing improvisation by a quarterback as a beneficial trait in Canadian football.[60][61] Quarterback sneaks or other runs in short yardage situations tend to be successful as a result of the distance between the offensive and defensive lines being one yard. Drew Tate, a quarterback for the Calgary Stampeders', led the CFL in rushing touchdowns during the 2014 season with ten scores as the backup to Bo Levi Mitchell.[62][63] He was primarily used in short yardage situations due to his speed and running ability. Tate scored two one-yard rushing touchdowns in the Stampeders' 20-16 victory over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the 102nd Grey Cup.[62]

All-time CFL leaders

Rushing yards

File:Damon Allen running.jpg
Damon Allen as an Argonaut
Rank Player Seasons by team Total rushing yards
1 Damon Allen Edmonton Eskimos (1985–1988)
Ottawa Rough Riders (1989–1991)
Hamilton Tiger-Cats (1992)
Edmonton Eskimos (1993–1994)
Memphis Mad Dogs (1995)
BC Lions (1996–2002)
Toronto Argonauts (2003–2007) 		11,920[3]
2 Tracy Ham Edmonton Eskimos (1987–1992)
Toronto Argonauts (1993)
Baltimore Stallions (1994–1995)
Montreal Alouettes (1996–1999) 		8,043[3]
3 Jackie Parker Edmonton Eskimos (1954–1962)
Toronto Argonauts (1963–1965)
BC Lions (1966–1968) 		5,210[3]

Rushing touchdowns

Jackie Parker holding the 42nd Grey Cup Championship trophy following the game
Rank Player Seasons by team Total rushing TDs
1 Damon Allen Edmonton Eskimos (1985–1988)
Ottawa Rough Riders (1989–1991)
Hamilton Tiger-Cats (1992)
Edmonton Eskimos (1993–1994)
Memphis Mad Dogs (1995)
BC Lions (1996–2002)
Toronto Argonauts (2003–2007) 		93[64]
2 Matt Dunigan Edmonton Eskimos (1983–1987)
BC Lions (1988–1989)
Toronto Argonauts (1990–1991)
Winnipeg Blue Bombers (1992–1994)
Birmingham Barracudas (1995)
Hamilton Tiger-Cats (1996) 		77[64]
3 Jackie Parker Edmonton Eskimos (1954–1962)
Toronto Argonauts (1963–1965)
BC Lions (1966–1968) 		68[64]
4 Doug Flutie New Jersey Generals (USFL)[k] (1985)
Chicago Bears (NFL)[l] (1986)
New England Patriots (NFL) (1987–1989)
BC Lions (1990–1991)
Calgary Stampeders (1992–1995)
Toronto Argonauts (1996–1997)
Buffalo Bills (NFL) (1998–2000)
San Diego Chargers (NFL) (2001–2004)
New England Patriots (NFL) (2005) 		66[64]
5 Tracy Ham Edmonton Eskimos (1987–1992)
Toronto Argonauts (1993)
Baltimore Stallions (1994–1995)
Montreal Alouettes (1996–1999) 		62[64]

Single season leaders

Rushing yards

Kerry Joseph
Rank Player Season Team Total rushing yards
1 Tracy Ham 1990 Edmonton Eskimos 1,096[3]
2 Damon Allen 1991 Ottawa Rough Riders 1,036[3]
3 Kerry Joseph 2005 Ottawa Renegades 1,006[3]
4 Tracy Ham 1989 Edmonton Eskimos 1,005[3]

Single game leaders

Rushing yards

Rank Player Date Team Total rushing yards / carries
1 Nealon Greene July 16, 1999 Edmonton Eskimos 180 (14 carries)[3]
2 Damon Allen October 29, 1993 Edmonton Eskimos 170 (15 carries)[3]
3 Tracy Ham August 15, 1991 Edmonton Eskimos 166 (13 carries)[3]

Notes

  1. ^ As an active player, Vick's count of 6,109 yards is accurate as of Week 17 of the 2015 NFL season
  2. ^ Young's USFL stats are not accounted into his official NFL stats
  3. ^ As an active player, Newton's count of 3,207 yards is accurate as of Week 17 of the 2015 NFL season
  4. ^ Rote's CFL statistics are not included in his official NFL stats
  5. ^ Young's USFL stats are not accounted into his official NFL stats
  6. ^ As an active player, Newton's count of 43 TDs is accurate as of Week 17 of the 2015 NFL season
  7. ^ Kemp's CFL statistics are not included in his official NFL stats
  8. ^ Rote's CFL statistics are not included in his official NFL stats
  9. ^ As an active player, Vick's count of 36 TDs is accurate, as of Week 17 of the 2015 NFL season
  10. ^ Culpepper's UFL statistics are not included into his NFL statistics
  11. ^ Flutie's USFL stats are not accounted into his official CFL stats
  12. ^ Flutie's NFL stats are not accounted into his official CFL stats

References

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