20 questions in 20 days: #2 How much should RG3 run?

By Rich Tandler and Tarik El-Bashir
CSNwashington.com 

20 questions in 20 days

As we count down to the first game of the Redskins’ season, Tarik El-Bashir and Rich Tandler are going to be looking at some of the big questions facing the team and attempting to look into their crystal balls and answer them.

Question 2: How much should RG3 run?

The background: Robert Griffin III is fast, as in he could have run the 400 meter hurdles in last month’s Olympics fast. That’s great, but your prototypical pocket quarterback can’t really take advantage of classic speed. A quarterback only can do that if he runs past the line of scrimmage and the thought of The Franchise doing that literally makes some Redskins fans sick to their stomachs. But is going to run some, the question is, how often.

Tandler: This just in—football is a dangerous game. Yes, there is danger in RG3 running the ball. But, as I pointed out in an article earlier this summer, there is plenty danger for a quarterback in the pocket, too. There is nothing extraordinarily risky in a game plan that has several planned runs for Griffin. The potential risk would balanced by the potential reward of Griffin getting loose in the other team’s secondary. And a few times a game he will take off after dropping back to pass. That’s part of the game. Of course, you don’t want him being your workhorse back or taking off to run on every other pass play. If he runs five time a game that will not be enough to take advantage of his speed; ten attempts, though, would be too many.

El-Bashir: Last season, Cam Newton attempted 126 carries, the most among quarterbacks. Michael Vick, meantime, rushed the ball 76 times (in 13 games). It would reasonable to see Griffin settle somewhere in the middle, which would put him between five and eight rushes per contest. Griffin won’t just take off when the pocket breaks down, he’ll do it by design, too. It’s why the Redskins gave up so much to draft the former track standout -- he’s a threat to pass and run, potentially preoccupying defenses as they anticipate the latter. In the preseason, Griffin carried the ball a total of five times for 22 yards. That was also by design. No one is exactly sure how the Shanahans plan to use Griffin. But the safe bet is that he’ll showcase his speed and agility, and he'll do it quite often.

Agree? Disagree? Hit us up in the comments or on Twitter @Rich_Tandler and @TarikElBashir.

20 questions in 20 days

#20 Aug.20—Will Jammal Brown play this year?
#19 Aug.21—Will Chris Cooley make the team?
#18 Aug. 22—Can Brandon Meriweather get he job done at safety?
#17 Aug. 23—Is Garçon a No. 1 receiver?
#16 Aug. 24—Can Trent Williams go from good to great?
#15 Aug. 25—Can DeAngelo Hall be a defensive playmaker?
#14 Aug. 26—Can Santana Moss regain his old form?
#13 Aug. 27—Can Orakpo post 15 sacks?
#12 Aug. 28—Will Leonard Hankerson break out?
#11 Aug. 29—Can the Redskins flip their turnover ratio?
#10 Aug. 30—How much can Hightower contribute this year?
#9 Aug. 31—Was making Billy Cundiff the kicker a good move?
#8 Sept. 1—Will Josh Morgan be worth the investment?
#7 Sept. 2—What can Jarvis Jenkins contribute?
#6 Sept. 3—Is the offensive line depth good enough?
#5 Sept. 4—Will a running back by committee work?
#4 Sept. 5—Is the defense ready to carry the load?
#3 Yesterday—How many wins is enough?
#2 Today—How much should RG3 run?
#1 Tomorrow—Is RG3 the answer?

Comments

[R Bailey]

You mean other than physics? Griffin running full bore getting smacked by someone generally running towards him is bad. Getting tackled when you're tense is worse as well; the shock doesn't dissipate like it does when you're relaxed.

Look, I get the point -- football hurts. If the run is there, take it. But no more dangerous than getting sacked? Doesn't pass the smell test.