Regarding Griffin III ...

[Auggie]

I hope he recovers completely. He's an exciting player and the NFL is better for having him.

One thing though: you run the QB option and you increase the risk of injury. It's the reason we don't see much of it. Don't get me wrong. I like mobile QBs, like those who can elude rushers, occasionally run the bootleg, salvage a broken play, etc. But the option, repeatedly? Is it worth losing the most important player on the team for a season? Even several weeks?

Griffin's injury vs the Ravens, when 340-pound defensive lineman Haloti Ngata rolled over his knee, Dec, 9th: http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/robert-griffin-iii-suffers-a-right-knee-injury/2012/12/09/1b60d70a-4254-11e2-8061-253bccfc7532_gallery.html#photo=1

[Upton]

1. Russel Wilson seems to be an exception..

because even though he's not as quick as RG III, he possesses the ability some RBs have... to avoid getting flattened. If you watch, he hardly ever gets hit straight on or blindsided...and seems to have a great sense for the game.. I sure wish the 49ers had grabbed him.

[Auggie]

2. Yeah? Just wait ...

Same with Kaep. I cringe on any QB run.

[Iggo]

3. Yeah, Kapernicus sure runs purdy...

...but he's gonna get flattened sooner or later.

[JonLP24]

4. Tough question

as that option gave Washington one of the most efficient offenses in the league, one of the top 2 rushing teams. A factor that probably carried them into the playoffs as they had a below average defense.

It is an exciting time in the NFL as coaches are more willing to be creative. I used to wonder why NFL teams never ran the option, then in 2002 in a defensive struggle between Arizona & Dallas and I saw the option for the first time w/ Quincy Carter and he was stuffed in the backfield. The announcers were shocked. I was like, "OK. That's why they don't run it." One play is too small of a sample size. I think Atlanta w/ Vick was the first team to use it on a regular basis. Denver last year, Carolina these past 2 years, several teams run it on occasion.

Injuries are a legitimate concern, it is a balancing act to keep players healthy as well as doing the things that give you the best chance of winning.

[mythology]

5. The problem is

a good running game will only get you into the playoffs in this NFL. When was the last time a primarily run based team won the Super Bowl?

[JonLP24]

6. It isn't as important as passing

yards per pass thrown and defensive ypa are the two most predictive stats. Griffin actually led the league in ypa.

But I do think having a potent rushing attack is important. Denver, Houston, San Francisco, New England, Seattle, and Baltimore are great at running the ball and there is a great chance 2 of those teams will be in the SB.