If you watch football on sundays you have likely heard the term dual threat quarterback. The issue is many fans are unsure what this term means. A dual threat quarterback in football refers to a quarterback that excels at both running the football as well as throwing it.
The majority of quarterbacks are simply good at throwing the football. Though most of these quarterbacks are athletes they do not typically have the traits the run with the football at an NFL level.
Quarterbacks that are only able to throw the ball are referred to as pocket passing quarterbacks.
In recent years mobile quarterbacks have become much more common in the NFL. Previously pocket passing quarterbacks were the norm and running with the ball as a quarterback was often considered gimmicky.
In recent years quarterbacks like Cam Newton and Lamar Jackson have proved that dual-threat quarterbacks can succeed at this level.
Strengths Of Dual Threat QBs
Making Something Out Of Nothing
One aspect of dual threat quarterbacks that benefits the team is their ability to make something out of nothing. When a pocket passer does not have any open receivers there is little to no chance of him gaining yards.
This isn’t the case with dual threat quarterbacks as their legs always give them ability to gain yards on a broken play. When all passing options are covered a dual threat qb can simply give up on the pass and start running with the football.
Buying Time In The Pocket
Another benefit of this quarterback style is that their speed can often buy them more time in the pocket. This is helpful in avoiding sacks but also allows receivers more time to get open.
Buying extra time in the pocket makes the cornerback’s job very hard as covering a receiver for three seconds is a lot easier than doing it for five.
Quarterback Spy
Oftentimes in order to stop a dual threat quarterback the defense will use a player to “spy” the quarterback. This player will stay on the other end of the line and watch the qaurterback to ensure he does not run with the ball.
Though this makes it more difficult for the quarterback to run it makes the defense use up one of their defenders.
This extra defender guarding the quarterback opens up room for the rest of the offense to operate.
Weakness Of Dual Threat Quarterbacks
Increased Injuries
One negative aspect of dual threat qbs is that they are more prone to injuries. The reason for this is because these quarterbacks take way more hits when carrying the ball.
In an average game a quarterback may get sacked a few times. But if you tend to run with the ball you are going to get hit at a much higher frequency.
These additional hits add up over the year and ultimately increase the chance that your quarterback goes down with an injury.
Getting Away From The Gameplan
One more negative aspect of dual threat quarterbacks is that they can often take you away from the gameplan. Today’s NFL is a passing league and in most cases the best offenses in the NFL utilize a high number of passes.
On some occasions, teams with a dual-threat may find themselves running the ball more than they need to. This isn’t always the case but a lack of passing can be a negative aspect of dual-threat quarterbacks.
