Can a 2 QB system work (Game Manager + Running QB)

The Den
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I’m thinking mostly of the Steelers here as they will have game manager Russel Wilson with Running QB Fields backing up.

Could it work to have certain packages for Fields to come off the bench in certain scenarios?

As the Steelers like to play a defensive ball control offense, it seems like Wilson is perfect for that and IF they need a spark off the bench, Fields could get them tough yards when they play defenses like the Ravens.

can it work?

Most don’t know it but when a Sophomore at Cal, Goff had a backup running QB that came in for specific packages. It kind of worked for a handful of games throwing other teams off balance that hadn’t prepared. As time went on, it became clear that Goff was the best chance for winning and teams were stacking the box whenever Luke was in.

I could see the Steelers using Fields off the bench. Since he is a wing it guy anyway, he doesn’t need as much prep.

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Could use Fields like Taysom Hill. The issue is that it’s difficult to get in rythym as a qb throwing if they keep rotating in a new guy.

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I would use him as a RB. Imagine trying to defend that.

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I’ve always thought he’d make a good WR. 6 foot 3… 230 pounds runs a 4.4 - Would be hard to cover if he could learn to run routes. Plus we know he can run with the ball already.

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I want to see Fields carry Russell Wilson piggyback. 10 foot tall QB that still runs pretty good. Let’s see you defend that.

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I’d watch that. So does it count as 1 player or 2 if Wilson is riding on his back?

Friends Run GIF by Bachelor in Paradise

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Problem is paying two good ones. Also, you’d have a Backup who doesn’t match your primary’s play style if he goes down.

But… you may see more of it as offenses develop and we have an 18 game season that will affect roster building

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It counts as 2 players, but only Wilson is the QB, so if you tackle Fields and Wilson lands on his feet without touching an elbow or anything like that, then the play is still live.

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Natty sent you some toads didn’t he. :laughing:

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Imho - it’s all about mindset….

When TB12 was suspended for the first four games of they “had to” go with JG and he was 2-0 before going down and then Brisette came is and went 1-1 … so, knowing they had no choice “mindset set” they opened the season with not one but two different QBs and still went 3-1 without TB and then TB steps in and boom they keep winning

If you get the mind set properly across the whole team and they are proactive in the mental preparation…. Why shouldn’t it work?

I would love to see Goff and HH split drives just to screw with everyone

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I wouldn’t want to split drives… but a Hooker package using him once in a blue moon could actually work to mess with teams. And Hookers love packages.

Say it’s 3rd and short and here comes Hooker. Is it a qb sneak? Nope play action 50 yard bomb to Jamo.

In A Hurry Goodbye GIF by Looney Tunes

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If the game plan is to - say - open the first two drives with Hooker and then give the rest to Goff

Or open with Goff and two drives in let HH close out the first half…

Think of saving the beating Goff would take if he could spilt time with HH

If just think it a possibility that it will work if planned for properly

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Hopefully we have some 30 point leads and Hooker gets to play a bunch late in games.

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The Steelers have precedent with Cordell Stewart.

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I’d say absolutely. As long as your “passer” is getting the majority of the playing time, so he can stay warm. With so many of the snaps coming from the shotgun these days it’s less problematic IMO. Having two different guys taking under center snaps slightly differently could cause fumble issues. But I think shotgun snaps mitigates that a bunch. I’d absolutely have packages for Fields if I were them.

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What you are describing has been done and it has failed nearly every time. On gameday it takes the starter out of rhythm. In practice, teams have a limited amount of time for “starter reps.” Being a backup QB in the NFL means you have to perform on gameday without taking reps with the starters in practice. “Mixing in” a different QB to the regular gameplan means the backup is now taking practice reps away from the starter, compromising the starters ability to get ready for the game. It also impacts the rest of the offensive players. Their job is to do everything with the exact timing that the starter dictates. The backup is coming in with a different timing and cadence. So suddenly the receivers, tight ends, lineman, etc are not able to maximize their practice reps with the starter to maximize their chances of success on gameday.

The timing of the backup that comes in is “off.” And it throws “off” the timing and rhythm of the starter. Bringing in a difference QB for a few specific plays is a sucessful strategy. Trying to “mix in” a different QB for a series of multiple series has been tried and failed.

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You going Brokeback Mountain, er Beach, on us?

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And I still think it fails due to poor prepping imho

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Not sure I like the idea of splitting drives etc etc and not sure how effective this actually is.
Detroit’s offense is all about timing and I think it is more important to keep Goff in the offense. sitting him for a few series to not hurt or save the beating, not sure how effective that is either.

Edit: I see Peabody said my intent far better than I.

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I would agree that the “special package QB” always sounds so amazing and clever. But I have to agree that it tends to be a mixed bag. At the end of the day, I think it works great when no one sees it coming. But once you put it on tape a few times teams prep for it and it tends to have a steep diminishing return on investment.

Should the Lions have a running QB package. For sure 100% if they have a running QB truly available. And for me HH is coming off knee surgery so are you really going to put in a package to have him run he ball??? That seems like a horrible idea.

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