Rushed QBs are a bit of a cheat code in fantasy football. The ability to increase production as a runner and passer is essentially the same advantage that pass catching RBs brag about their one-dimensional peers. Additionally, signal callers who possess at least some appearance of mobility can help extend plays and create magic outside of the script when the original plan is foiled.
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Of course, not all dual-threat QBs are created the same way. Some are used as the legitimate spark of their team’s running game (Jackson, Lamar), while others present themselves less sparingly in high-leverage or third-chance red zone situations (Prescott, Dak). Either way, even a moderate career role has historically produced nothing but fantasy goodness for the QB position.
- 52% of QBs on average over 3 carries per game since 2010 have been a fantasy QB in the top 12
- 62% of QBs averaging more than 4 carries per game since 2010 have been a fantasy QB in the top 12
- 65% of QBs with an average of more than 5 carries per game since 2010 have been a fantasy QB in the top 12
Embracing QBs that are not constantly restricted to the pocket has become more common than ever in recent years thanks in large part to the success of dual-threat and air strike callers. It turns out that forcing defenses to account for almost every inch of the field is good for the score point business.
And yet: Very few QBs actually have a habit of carrying the ball in designed run attempts. Only Lamar Jackson (135), Kyler Murray (65), and Josh Allen (63) had at least 50 such attempts in 2019. (Note that these designed urgent attempts include both QB runs and kneeling.)
Randomization rates paint a clearer picture of which QBs are actually in the habit of moving and which are not. Only Gardner Minshew (9%), Lamar Jackson (8.8%), Josh Allen (8.4%), and Deshaun Watson (8.1%) took off and rushed at least 8% of their setbacks in 2019, while Philip Rivers (0.9 %), Eli Manning (0.7%), Tom Brady (0.5%), and Drew Brees (0%) were the only callers with signals that registered marks below 1%.
Not all QBs have to worry about picking yards on the ground. Still, the ability to provide at least a bit of mobility is incredibly useful in preventing defenses from simply pinning their ears back and attacking the same stationary QB game after game.
What follows is a breakdown of the NFL’s initial QB levels in regards to their mobility and rushing use. Express your appreciation to the dual threat backups: Taysom Hill, Jalen Hurts, Marcus Mariota, Robert Griffin, Jeff Driskel, PJ Walker, and Geno Smith.
Best Rushed QB We’ve Ever Seen (1)
Lamar Jackson: He has set the NFL record for carries by a QB in consecutive seasons. Only Josh Jacobs (0.29) and Alvin Kamara (0.25) averaged more tackles lost per attempt than Jackson (0.24) in 2019. His 3.3-yard average after touchdown per attempt was tied for ninth place among all players with at least 100 rush attempts. No one converted a higher percentage of their rush attempts into first attempts or scores.
Jackson’s 61-yard-per-game average is way ahead of second-place Mike Vick (43) in the all-time QB standings, but he’s actually gone for 81.6 yards per game on the field if we only include his openings. That mark has only been surpassed by Ezekiel Elliott, Josh Jacobs, Derrick Henry, and Chris Carson in the past two seasons.
Are you not a numbers person? #Watch the movie.
2019 Lamar Jackson could have the best standout reel of a single season … ever? Pic.twitter.com/KhVAkC94tl
– Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) January 9, 2020
Able to take over the games with her legs (5)
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