Pocket Danger

By on September 30, 2009 in General CFB

Critics of the spread offense often cite quarterback safety as an important reason to stick to pro-style offenses, but I think it is worthy to note that Tim Tebow didn’t get hurt running the option, but while dropping back in the pocket.

About Heismanpundit

Chris Huston, A.K.A. ‘The Heisman Pundit‘, is a Heisman voter and the creator and publisher of Heismanpundit.com, a site dedicated to analysis of the Heisman Trophy and college football. Dubbed “the foremost authority on the Heisman” by Sports Illustrated, HP is regularly quoted or cited during football season in newspapers across the country. He is also a regular contributor on sports talk radio and television.
View all posts by Heismanpundit →

2 Responses to Pocket Danger

  1. Roby September 30, 2009 at 8:09 pm #

    What you said is true. However, under usual circumstances, a QB running who runs option 25 times in a game will get hit 25 times. Add in 20 passes, and that means maybe 5-6 more hits.

    A pro-style pocket passing QB who passes 30 times and runs 5 times (and slides 5 times) will probably only get hit maybe 8-10 times.

    So regardless of Tebow’s specific circumstances. You are more likely to get hurt when you get hit. And you get hit more often when you run the option. I get why the critics of the spread cite injuries. Griffin was injured while running on a 4th and 2. QBs shouldn’t have to be doing that heavy lifting. (Tebow included- but unfortunately he is the most qualified Gator to run those kind of plays, I can’t speak on Baylor, as I don’t know their roster). Thr critics have a point, but injuries happen no matter what play you are running (ask Bill Grammatica).

    With all that said, I am sure any QB would prefer to get hit 5 times while running (where has some control over the impact), instead of being popped on the blind-side by an unblocked 270 pound DE.

    Freak accident for Tebow, though. 9 times out of 10, his lineman doesn’t kick him in the head. 9 times out of 10, he pops up and runs the next play. Coincidentally, he only attempted 10 passes.

    Somewhat ironic injury for Tim. Go Gators!

    Reply
  2. ET October 1, 2009 at 12:35 pm #

    and Bradford, and Barkley

    Reply

Leave a Reply