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Joined: Oct 2013
I agree with the author's first recommendation that Kelly needs to diversify what plays can be run out of what formation. NFL defenders are just too fast and talented to have a hope of success if they have an idea of what is coming. While he identifies another key problem, namely that removing the running QB threat due to NFL economics renders the math of the spread offense unfavorable, he doesn't go so far as to suggest the obvious solution. This would be turning the QB position into one that is fungible, like many now view the RB spot to be.
In a salary capped league, you win by (1) having more talent then the other team from a combo of good-drafting, smart free agency, and luck (2) good coaching/execution. A big part of number 1 is identifying market inefficiencies, namely what type of players are relatively undervalued.
One major type of player that hasn't found a true home in the NFL level is the talented college spread option QB. Unless you are an elite passer that happens to play in a spread a la Cam Newton, most spread QBs aren't being drafted highly. And for every highly drafted spread QB, there are 10 Dak Prescotts, Tyrod Taylors, Denart Robinsons, Terell Pryors, etc. who are decent throwers and good runners, and most importantly, would be very cheap in terms of salary and draft capital.
While none of those quarterbacks are likely to be 'good" running a typical NFL offense, compared to the bottom half of starting QBs in the league I'd argue that having 3-4, serviceable, fungible, spread QBs that aren't afraid to run the ball would be much better for Kelly's offense then having 1-2 expensive, mediocre, immobile quarterbacks like Gabbert, Sanchez, Bradford, etc.Â