The Rise of Dual-Threat Quarterbacks: Changing the Prototype of NFL QBs

The NFL has really always been a league that is driven by change in terms of strategies, players as well as technology. In the last few decades, no position has been through such radical change than the quarterback. The traditional model of a drop-back, pocket-passing quarterback is slowly giving way to a more dynamic type of player: It is therefore popularly known as the dual-threat quarterback.

Impact on Online Slots and Fantasy Football

It is not only limited to the field as dual-threat quarterbacks have an impact on online fantasy football leagues and even online betting platforms. Since the quarterbacks in fantasy football get points for the number of rushing yards and touchdowns they make, dual-threat quarterbacks are extremely valuable. Some of the players such as Jalen Hurts or Kyler Murray tend to produce better results than the typical pocket passers because they can both pass and run.

In the same way, online slots and sports betting platforms, have also incorporated these quarterbacks into them. Now bettors can also bet on the total number of yards a quarterback will throw and run, thus increasing the chances of winning and the payout. This evolution is in tune with the increase in the role of dual-threat QBs in changing the way the audience not only consumes the product but also interacts with the sport.

Understanding Dual-Threat Quarterback

A dual-threat quarterback is a player who is perfect on the field both when it comes to throwing and running. In the past, the quarterback has been considered as a pass-oriented player who mainly operates from the pocket and his primary role is to throw the ball to other star players. Though the dual-threat quarterbacks are more versatile since they can run and throw, they can run for the first down or even design the running plays. This particular skill set makes it necessary for the defenders to look for the aerial threat as well as the quarterback’s ability to move, thus putting more pressure on the opposing team’s coordinator.

Although the concept of dual-threat quarterbacks is not unfamiliar to the NFL it has become the new trend that has changed the whole dynamics of the league’s quarterbacking position. It was something that guys like Michael Vick and Steve Young gave a taste of, but Jackson, Mahomes and Kyler Murray showed that dual-threat quarterbacks are not some fad they are the future.

Evolution of the NFL Offense

The development of dual-threat quarterbacks has brought a lot of changes in the offense structures. Offenses are no longer designed to feature a traditional pure pocket passer with a gunslinger’s arm. Offensive coordinators are coming up with playbooks that involve the specific talent of the quarterbacks such as the designed QB draws, read options and bootlegs.

The read option which was considered something only possible at the college level has become a standard part of NFL offenses. The choice that makes the defenders unsure whether the quarterback will pitch the ball or not enhances the current-day offenses. In addition, once frowned upon, designed quarterback runs have become popular as more and more teams try to exploit the mobility of their QBs.

Defensive Adjustments

As more and more dual-threat quarterbacks are emerging, the defenses have been forced to change. The conventional tactic of applying pressure through the middle and applying pressure on the QB forcing him to step up in the pocket is not very efficient if the quarterback is capable of escaping pressure and creating with his legs. To this, the defensive coordinators have resorted to using the spy which is a player whose sole responsibility is to shadow the quarterback in a bid to prevent him from escaping the pocket.

Furthermore, the defenses are now coming up with strategies on how to produce more athletic and versatile linebackers as well as safeties who can cover these scrambling quarterbacks. The days when teams had bulky linebackers who were solely responsible for stopping the opponents’ running game are almost over as organizations value quickness more. Threats must be able to close gaps in a short time, accelerate, decelerate as well and even defend against a pass in the case of a dual-threat QB.

The Role of College Football

The dual-threat quarterbacks have been aided by college football in a big way. The NCAA has been a place where mobile quarterbacks have been developed over the years as many college teams have based their offense on option plays, zone-read and spread formations. Most of the great college quarterbacks of the past were also not selected in the NFL draft because the scouts ignored them in favor of what is called the pro-style quarterbacks as opposed to the mobile ones. But as the spread concepts have been adopted by the NFL, the college dual-threat quarterbacks are likely to have a smooth transition to the NFL.

The Future of the NFL QB

The emergence of the so-called ‘dual-threat’ quarterbacks changes the approach to the role of the quarterback in the game and his worth. Because offenses are changing and defenses are also developing, the dual-threat QB is not considered as a novelty but as the quarterback of the future. The future quarterbacks will probably keep on innovating and changing their position by being fast, smart and powerful in their throws.

Whether through the development of new offensive schemes or the continued evolution of defensive strategies, one thing is certain: the dual-threat quarterback is new and they are revolutionizing the game as you know it and here to stay for the next few decades.