The Death of the NFL Read Option?

[Rules&Regulations]

With the new rule that QBs can be hit when running the read-option as if they were running backs, is this the beginning of the end? There's no question that teams are running the read-option less to begin this season than they did last season, and when they are running the read option they are often running it very differently. We saw yesterday the Panthers' plans to keep the "read-option" in the playbook...read-option being quoted because there didn't appear to be anything but the illusion of an option as Cam handed the ball to Deangelo Williams time and time again despite the defense clearly keying on Williams and not respecting Cam's run ability. Admittedly, I was naive enough to hope that Shula was baiting the Bills the whole game for the perfect time and situation to have Cam keep the ball and run for a big first down...3rd and 6 with a 1:40 left in the game and a 3 point lead in Bills territory might count. But alas, we never capitalized on the Bills' defense swarming to Deangelo.

 

I think we are hearing the death rattle of the read-option. Teams don't want to risk their franchise QB getting injured and the new rule all but guarantees the QB will be hit, and hit hard. To be honest, I'm fine with it since I prefer my QB upright, but I wonder what the point of running the read-option was for us yesterday? It was clear that Cam was told not to keep the ball himself, so if there is actually not an option what is the point of running the play as if it is an option as opposed to just a normal run play? It didn't seem to be too effective.

[CRA]

Watch Mario Williams on those read options...

I know the announcers kept saying Cam needed to run it but Mario played Cam. The right call is to let the RB keep it

[2jakefansinva]

so we know Cam was told to hand off every time ??

[Peppers90 NC]

Watch Mario Williams on those read options...

I know the announcers kept saying Cam needed to run it but Mario played Cam. The right call is to let the RB keep it

i was wondering why Cam didnt keep any either, then went back and watched and noticed he made the right reads.  There aren't many ball carriers with better vision than Cam, so I trust him on those plays.

[teeray]

Contrary to popular belief the read option is not designed for the QB to run. It is designed around the threat of the QB to run.

Coaches who run it and run it well will tell you they don't care if the QB ever runs with the ball, it is about getting the advantage in number of blockers. The QB is a defacto blocker on the play.

[Peppers90 NC]

so we know Cam was told to hand off every time ??

no, he makes that judgement almost instantly

[CRA]

so we know Cam was told to hand off every time ??

Basic read option....watch the DE which was usually Mario. Read said handoff. Williams dictated it

[Rules&Regulations]

Watch Mario Williams on those read options...

I know the announcers kept saying Cam needed to run it but Mario played Cam. The right call is to let the RB keep it

Haven't watched the replay, and that makes sense and answers why Cam handed to Deangelo every time. Also kinda my point, though. With teams playing the QB and able to hit him like a running back, I don't see the read-option ever being as prevalent as it was last year.

Basically took there best defender away from each of those run plays.....and Cam wasn't hit.

If you have good G play and a RB like Stewart who will take it in the A gap.....that is a nice play. Bc one of the lineman if be does his job takes himself out of the play

[teeray]

Haven't watched the replay, and that makes sense and answers why Cam handed to Deangelo every time. Also kinda my point, though. With teams playing the QB and able to hit him like a running back, I don't see the read-option ever being as prevalent as it was last year.

The goal of the read option is not to get the QB carries. The QB is a blocker. Cam was blocking Mario Williams essentially freeing up the o line to block other people.

Edit: your edit to your post is correct although it doesn't always have to be the A gap. Depending on what you are running

[2jakefansinva]

Basic read option....watch the DE which was usually Mario. Read said handoff. Williams dictated it

 

exactly.........there just seems to be a recurring theme around here that Cam was told not ot run.

[CRA]

exactly.........there just seems to be a recurring theme around here that Cam was told not ot run.

When the DE bites on a run he almost always runs.....but that essentially is waiting on the opponent to mess up.

[jtnc]

You obviously didn't see the Seattle vs 9ers game last night.

[weyco2000]

You obviously didn't see the Seattle vs 9ers game last night.

My thoughts exactly!

[Squirrel]

Cam just cant run the read option.