Jackson: Griffin To Run Read Option Like 2012

[OldSchool]

I don't know if Jackson is talking through his hat but he believes the Skins are going back to the read option in 2015 so Griffin will be comfortable. If Griffin gets hurt running the RO who gets blamed this time? This is crazy talk in my opinion and hopefully just talk.

I hope this is just unfounded speculation on the part of Jackson because in my view the Skins would be very foolish to go back to the failed RO experiment in 2015. Even some success with a RO would be contrary to the team's interest because they need to really move forward by improving their execution of a sustainable NFL WCO. The RO is just high school and college fools gold that is wholly suitable for the NFL with a field full of athletic defenders. Over a long brutal season quarterbacks are too readily degraded if not seriously injured to run a RO, especially a slender, fragile Robert Griffin. Robert is going into his 4th season if he can't run the team's WCO it is time to finally admit Griffin is fools gold also and move on without getting the kid's leg ruined permanent, which would be a shame and terrible for the team also with the 16M 5th year option in place.

Unfortunately this BS has the ring of truth to me because my senses are now awakened by the unmistakable stench of Snyder. So much for the good vibe of Scot's FA and NFL Draft if this is true we are heading towards another season of Snyder Ball. Daniel Snyder owns the team and is entitled to run it anyway he sees fit but that SOB had really started to suck me back in again when he hired Scot and let Scot ran the draft like a real GM, I began to hope the Skins were going to become a real professionally run NFL team again.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/dc-sports-bog/wp/2015/05/08/desean-jackson-predicts-redskins-will-be-the-team-to-beat-in-the-nfc-east/

[SkinsJock]

what a load of rubbish .... I don't know where to begin, so I'll just state that I'm sorry I waste my time ....

[Prowl33]

I think it would be dumb NOT to have read option plays built into the game plan...

The problem was. Shanahan built an entire offense around it, and put the world on roberts shoulders.

Look at what seattle does with Wilson. They use elements of the read option to keep defenses off balance. Robert is a much more athletic QB, with a lot stronger arm, and deep threat accuracy more so than Wilson (Dont bring reading defenses into it, we all know its an issue)

Building a few into the game plan will make it effective when its run, but keep defenses honest and make them have to defend it the whole game. Its really just a more effective playaction pass.... which is why you want to keep a good run game open to open up your pass game.

[OldSchool]

I think it would be dumb NOT to have read option plays built into the game plan...

The problem was. Shanahan built an entire offense around it, and put the world on roberts shoulders.

Look at what seattle does with Wilson. They use elements of the read option to keep defenses off balance. Robert is a much more athletic QB, with a lot stronger arm, and deep threat accuracy more so than Wilson (Dont bring reading defenses into it, we all know its an issue)

Building a few into the game plan will make it effective when its run, but keep defenses honest and make them have to defend it the whole game. Its really just a more effective playaction pass.... which is why you want to keep a good run game open to open up your pass game.

It is ridiculous to compare Wilson and Griffin. Wilson is shorter, thicker and buillt like a running back whereas Griffin is 3-4 inches taller with long legs and arms, the slender build of a wide receiver. Wilson is built like a bulldog and capable of absorbing some hits. If he couldn't play QB Wilson may have been able to earn a roster spot as a back. Griffin on the other hand has a magnificent greyhound like body and might have made a tremendous reciver prior to his 2012 injury, I don't know about his lateral quickness now. It really is an apples and oranges comparison. I'd be willing to bet Griffin has 4% or less body fat and Wilson's is in double digits.

You don't want me to compare Wilson's mental game to Griffin's, very understandable because there is no comparison. Wilson makes excellent use of his mobility and while he does takes some hits he consistently makes good game situation choices to avoid needless, useless contact. Wilson understands the defense and uses his feet and his mind to stress a defense and exploit it. Griffin treats his body like a piñata waiting to see a receiver to come open. He absorbs blow after blow because he can't read the field and anticipate which man is going to come open in time. So if Jackson is right it looks like we are going to see another remedial offense with a half the field, single read passing game and the read option.

[Prowl33]

I really think you are just looking for something to freak out about. The point is Wilson runs those plays without taking a hit unless he wants to, and Griffin can do that he has just chosen not to in the past. Griffin is built more like a qb than wilson is... hes tall, and has that long strong canon of an arm... sure he could put on a lil fluff... hoping his new commitment to more mental and less physical work leads to that.

The REAL point of the read option is the threat it poses, not the play itself. Gaining a few positive yards from either the qb or rb on it a game opens up its use in the passing game more... if Griffin gets 3 yards befote he slides or 30 doesnt really matter. Also they can build ways in to protect him further. If he sees that a lb has figured him out he can check to the slot receiver instead of take a hit, or lost yardage.

End of the day, what Jackson said was speculation and based on his knowledge of Griffins prior success. Grudens offense is a pocket and deep ball offense... so I wouldnt expect a whole lot of read option in it.

[Neo]

I think it would be dumb NOT to have read option plays built into the game plan...

Look at what seattle does with Wilson. They use elements of the read option to keep defenses off balance.

I like this option. He's likely to get hurt just rolling out of the pocket. Might as well force the defenses to respect him again because now, they just blitz the hell out of him which causes him to make mistakes. A better o-line will help here too.

[OldSchool]

I think it would be dumb NOT to have read option plays built into the game plan...

Look at what seattle does with Wilson. They use elements of the read option to keep defenses off balance.

I like this option. He's likely to get hurt just rolling out of the pocket. Might as well force the defenses to respect him again because now, they just blitz the hell out of him which causes him to make mistakes. A better o-line will help here too.

You have point about me looking for something to freak out about. I loath Snyder's management of the Skins. I know I was spoiled by the success under Jack Kent Cooke and Snyder now has ruined things for nearly two decades and I've become increasingly frustrated. I have displaced my anger at Snyder on Griffin. I have always been skeptical about Robert's skill set and chances but knowing from the beginning that Robert is Snyder's latest masterstroke has made me far less patient and more critical of him than if drafting Griffin had been Shannahan's idea. So you are right I am looking for something to get upset about because I am ever watchful for Snyder's meddling and over boiled when I read this article. Thanks for you good counsel.

[Prowl33]

I think it would be dumb NOT to have read option plays built into the game plan...

Look at what seattle does with Wilson. They use elements of the read option to keep defenses off balance.

I like this option. He's likely to get hurt just rolling out of the pocket. Might as well force the defenses to respect him again because now, they just blitz the hell out of him which causes him to make mistakes. A better o-line will help here too.

You have point about me looking for something to freak out about. I loath Snyder's management of the Skins. I know I was spoiled by the success under Jack Kent Cooke and Snyder now has ruined things for nearly two decades and I've become increasingly frustrated. I have displaced my anger at Snyder on Griffin. I have always been skeptical about Robert's skill set and chances but knowing from the beginning that Robert is Snyder's latest masterstroke has made me far less patient and more critical of him than if drafting Griffin had been Shannahan's idea. So you are right I am looking for something to get upset about because I am ever watchful for Snyder's meddling and over boiled when I read this article. Thanks for you good counsel.

Well if we fail the next few years its because Scot and Gruden not Snyder. Im fully confident that as long as Scot is GM then snyder and bruce arent making any decisions... suggestions to Scot, sure, but Scot has final say... and will till he is fired, or quits.

[Chris Luva Luva]

The RO not only needs to be implemented into this offense for RGIII. RGIII has to be willing to run it at 110% effectiveness.

This is not new news, we've heard RGIII and other players talk around the subject this offseason. RGIII stated something to the effect of, "I need to play my game...". If you think RGIII can be an effective QB in this league without using his legs, you're fooling yourself. He looked like hot garbage out there last year.

RGIII has to inject his legs back into the equation in an effective manner. He needs to protect himself better a runner. The RO is the perfect attack platform from which he can either pass/run and it protects him, as long as he chooses to protect himself.

If you don't want RO, you must not want RGIII as your QB because he's not running anything else any time soon with any level of high efficiency.

[SkinsJock]

any coach that does not utilize and take advantage of any and all his players strengths is not doing his job properly

if Griffin is to be a better NFL QB then Gruden and the offensive coaches have to better utilize his strengths - this is the same for all players and schemes - I agree with CLL - part of Griffin's issues last season stemmed from him not being comfortable in the offense - I'm not sure that he needs to be more of a read option type QB but they definitely should be taking advantage of what he offers and coaching him better to take care of his body - Griffin is not built to take NFL type hits

If both Griffin and Gruden cannot find a way to have Griffin be more instinctive and quicker in his reads then he will not be here long

basically, not using a player's strengths is a big mistake

[OldSchool]

If Griffin can't process the field fast enough in the pocket to run Gruden's offense than using the RO is a force fit to get Synders Big Gamble on the field we are in for another wasted year. However, if Griffin can think fast enough in 2015 to run Gruden's offense and Gruden sprinkles in some RO to make the defense more passive and Griffin move effective running Gruden's WCO that's a different matter. I fear it will be the former and we are hearing new variation in the usual spring Snyder orchestration of Ode To Hope.

[Prowl33]

If Griffin can't process the field fast enough in the pocket to run Gruden's offense than using the RO is a force fit to get Synders Big Gamble on the field we are in for another wasted year. However, if Griffin can think fast enough in 2015 to run Gruden's offense and Gruden sprinkles in some RO to make the defense more passive and Griffin move effective running Gruden's WCO that's a different matter. I fear it will be the former and we are hearing new variation in the usual spring Snyder orchestration of Ode To Hope.

Gruden and mcvay already have an offense written. No one is going to make them write a whole new one just to fit Griffin... they would be fired and a new coach come in instead. Itll be Grudens offense from last year which has pretty much been confirmed by gruden scot and griffin, but it will involve more plays that fit with griffins athleticism, which only makes sense to do.

[langleyparkjoe]

I think it would be dumb NOT to have read option plays built into the game plan...

Prowl, I'm almost certain that will happen brutha.. at this point they have to utilize this kid with all his strengths.

[cowboykillerzRGiii]

If Griffin can't process the field fast enough in the pocket to run Gruden's offense than using the RO is a force fit to get Synders Big Gamble on the field we are in for another wasted year. However, if Griffin can think fast enough in 2015 to run Gruden's offense and Gruden sprinkles in some RO to make the defense more passive and Griffin move effective running Gruden's WCO that's a different matter. I fear it will be the former and we are hearing new variation in the usual spring Snyder orchestration of Ode To Hope.

Gruden and mcvay already have an offense written. No one is going to make them write a whole new one just to fit Griffin... they would be fired and a new coach come in instead. Itll be Grudens offense from last year which has pretty much been confirmed by gruden scot and griffin, but it will involve more plays that fit with griffins athleticism, which only makes sense to do.

Wed be dumb not to incorporate at least a few RO plays into the game plan.. ala Super Bowl winning and back again Seahawks.
1. Keeps the D guessing/ "honest" with lbs set to spy vs shoot a gap maybe and things of that nature.
2. And just as important if not more so- to help build confidence.

Ive seen Sea do very poorly on Offense and then use a RO play to get a spark, get positive yards, build momentum, and raise confidence.
Eveyrhing in moderation right?
Playaction pass is similar... you run the ball tonopen up the play acrion pass- then guess what? THAT helps the run.. and so on. Everything in moderation however. Running playaction pass over and over is a recipe for a fierce blitz to give the qb no time and hopefully get a sack- course if you have blocking then the blitz gets picked up and hopefully your qb punishes them for it.

Many trams utilize the RO- knowing when to go to the well and when its been busted is on the coach and qb

[Countertrey]

Any time an opponent is forced to dedicate a spy for a single player, that defense has been degraded. Judiciously use Bob's athleticism to force teams into that, and you gain an advantage. Careful use of RO also slows down an otherwise effective pass rush. It must be considered when you have a player who can execute it.

Where you... We... Would get into trouble would be if Bob makes inadequate gains in becoming an effective pocket quarterback, to run the BULK of the game plan.

[Irn-Bru]

If RGIII can run well, we'd only need 2-3 read option keepers a game to force defenses to plan around it. To me, his speed and cutting ability in 2014 were nothing like they were in 2012. I don't know if that was lingering injury issues, a mental resolution on his part not to slice recklessly through the defense, or what, but as of last year I don't see the option being much of a threat to other teams. If he can get some of that spark back that he had in 2012, when it looked like he could go all the way any time he tucked the ball, then we're talking.

[Prowl33]

If RGIII can run well, we'd only need 2-3 read option keepers a game to force defenses to plan around it. To me, his speed and cutting ability in 2014 were nothing like they were in 2012. I don't know if that was lingering injury issues, a mental resolution on his part not to slice recklessly through the defense, or what, but as of last year I don't see the option being much of a threat to other teams. If he can get some of that spark back that he had in 2012, when it looked like he could go all the way any time he tucked the ball, then we're talking.

I really think it was his confidence in comvbination with the ankle injury.

to run the RO plays effectively you dont need to be a track star anyways, pick up 6 onna 2nd and five, or 8 on 1st and 10, maybe every few games a 20+ yarder, and teams will have to defend any play that looks like a possible RO. RG is more than capable, he just needs his head in the game, and to be an effecient passer so defenses dont shut the RO down and make it ineffective.

Grudens a smart guy, mcvay had the experience if being part of the RO, we have a good new QB coach, and a GM that is building a bully of a roster. The puzzle pieces are coming together, just gotta see if RG can execute it. I think this will be a good season for him barring another injury

[riggofan]

If RGIII can run well, we'd only need 2-3 read option keepers a game to force defenses to plan around it. To me, his speed and cutting ability in 2014 were nothing like they were in 2012. I don't know if that was lingering injury issues, a mental resolution on his part not to slice recklessly through the defense, or what, but as of last year I don't see the option being much of a threat to other teams. If he can get some of that spark back that he had in 2012, when it looked like he could go all the way any time he tucked the ball, then we're talking.

I really think it was his confidence in comvbination with the ankle injury.

to run the RO plays effectively you dont need to be a track star anyways, pick up 6 onna 2nd and five, or 8 on 1st and 10, maybe every few games a 20+ yarder, and teams will have to defend any play that looks like a possible RO.

I think you're 100% right about that. I saw both Tannehill and Dalton running the RO at times last year and picking up good yardage off it. Wouldn't call either one a track star.

[markshark84]

You have point about me looking for something to freak out about. I loath Snyder's management of the Skins. I know I was spoiled by the success under Jack Kent Cooke and Snyder now has ruined things for nearly two decades and I've become increasingly frustrated. I have displaced my anger at Snyder on Griffin. I have always been skeptical about Robert's skill set and chances but knowing from the beginning that Robert is Snyder's latest masterstroke has made me far less patient and more critical of him than if drafting Griffin had been Shannahan's idea. So you are right I am looking for something to get upset about because I am ever watchful for Snyder's meddling and over boiled when I read this article. Thanks for you good counsel.

Trust me, I am similar in a way in that I despise Danny boy in basically every way possible. I have disagreed with basically everything he has done as an owner other than hiring Schott, Gibbs, and Scot. Literally everything else he has done I have disagreed with, for better or worse. I will never give him the benefit of the doubt, because, frankly he doesn't deserve it.

That being said, if Scot and Jay want to implement some read option plays, I see no problem with that. I have never understood coaches that only will do things "their way". You have to adjust the scheme to fit the players. If they are truly invested in RGIII, then they should implement some sort of read option because --- lets get real --- RGIII completely lacks the ability to read a defense or throw within the pocket. The read option helps mitigate these types of issues. Now, if RGIII isn't in the same form as he was in 2012, then, well, time to move on.

[OldSchool]

You have point about me looking for something to freak out about. I loath Snyder's management of the Skins. I know I was spoiled by the success under Jack Kent Cooke and Snyder now has ruined things for nearly two decades and I've become increasingly frustrated. I have displaced my anger at Snyder on Griffin. I have always been skeptical about Robert's skill set and chances but knowing from the beginning that Robert is Snyder's latest masterstroke has made me far less patient and more critical of him than if drafting Griffin had been Shannahan's idea. So you are right I am looking for something to get upset about because I am ever watchful for Snyder's meddling and over boiled when I read this article. Thanks for you good counsel.

Trust me, I am similar in a way in that I despise Danny boy in basically every way possible. I have disagreed with basically everything he has done as an owner other than hiring Schott, Gibbs, and Scot. Literally everything else he has done I have disagreed with, for better or worse. I will never give him the benefit of the doubt, because, frankly he doesn't deserve it.

That being said, if Scot and Jay want to implement some read option plays, I see no problem with that. I have never understood coaches that only will do things "their way". You have to adjust the scheme to fit the players. If they are truly invested in RGIII, then they should implement some sort of read option because --- lets get real --- RGIII completely lacks the ability to read a defense or throw within the pocket. The read option helps mitigate these types of issues. Now, if RGIII isn't in the same form as he was in 2012, then, well, time to move on.

I certainly hope Griffin is doing a better job reading defenses in his 4th NFL season and 2nd year in Gruden's WCO. If there is really no improvement between his ears and the Skins play him than Snyder's controlling things. Hopefully Griffin will be thinking quicker in the pocket and if they use th RO a few times Griffin has the sense to pick up the cheap yards and slide or run out of bounds before contact.

[SkinsJock]

Griffin is not running any offensive plays here unless he shows that he's a lot different than he was ....

[RG3peat]

There was a GOOD chance had Griffin not gotten hurt, we at least go to that SB....if not win it. We were ROLLIN. Something better show cause last year he looked horrible. Yeah, OL probably not the best but he did hold the ball way too much, looked lost in the pocket and didn't trust the system. Some sacks were ALL his fault. OL don't hold blocks on 3 step drops when the ball is supposed to be gone

[emoses14]

There was a GOOD chance had Griffin not gotten hurt, we at least go to that SB....if not win it. We were ROLLIN. Something better show cause last year he looked horrible. Yeah, OL probably not the best but he did hold the ball way too much, looked lost in the pocket and didn't trust the system. Some sacks were ALL his fault. OL don't hold blocks on 3 step drops when the ball is supposed to be gone

Please realize that there are people around here who do not think that griffin would be a good peanut sheller because he's too stupid or talks too much over social media or whatever. Nothing will ever actually convince them he's a good QB. No matter what 2012 is an aberration never to be repeated and the version of him last year is the real griffin. Let it roll off your back, dude. These 2-4 cats also aren't hard to identify either.

[Irn-Bru]

There was a GOOD chance had Griffin not gotten hurt, we at least go to that SB....if not win it. We were ROLLIN.

Definitely. We would have steamrolled the Seahawks, for one, and after that I don't think there was a team that was going to stop us. I still think about those first two offensive drives against the Hawks. Just an amazing performance.

Sigh, what could have been . . .

Something better show cause last year he looked horrible. Yeah, OL probably not the best but he did hold the ball way too much, looked lost in the pocket and didn't trust the system. Some sacks were ALL his fault. OL don't hold blocks on 3 step drops when the ball is supposed to be gone

Agreed. I'm not sure what happened to RGIII, because in 2012 he looked pretty good from the pocket, made good decisions, found open receivers, etc. It's not like he was a pocket passer then, but he seemed to have the foundation to build from. Then that foundation seemed to just disappear.

I think we're going to find out pretty quickly if he's got what it takes, this season. Preseason will be a big indicator. By week four or five of the regular season I expect we're going to know with 90%+ confidence.

[Irn-Bru]

Please realize that there are people around here who do not think that griffin would be a good peanut sheller because he's too stupid or talks too much over social media or whatever. Nothing will ever actually convince them he's a good QB. No matter what 2012 is an aberration never to be repeated and the version of him last year is the real griffin. Let it roll off your back, dude. These 2-4 cats also aren't hard to identify either.

I've got my eye on riggofan, for one . . .