When Michael Vick entered the NFL in 2001, he dazzled the football world with his ability to improvise as the pocket broke down. While most scrambling quarterbacks rely heavily on the read-option to increase their rushing totals, Vick found creative ways to use his feet. Early in his career with the Atlanta Falcons the former Virginia Tech Hokie would line up under center, drop back and go through his progressions like any other quarterback. When he didn’t find an open receiver, however, Vick would take matters into his own hands, bouncing off defenders and turning up-field for a fresh set of downs. No other NFL quarterback has managed to top Vick’s 6,109 career rushing yards over the course of 13 seasons. Flash forward several years later and there is a plethora of dual-threat signal callers similar to Vick. Here are the five best heading into the 2016 season.
Top Dual-Threat NFL Quarterbacks In 2016
Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers
At 6-foot-5 and 245 pounds, Cam Newton is the only quarterback on this list who is comfortable taking repeated hits. Newton’s toughness is an especially valuable asset in short yardage situations. Time and time again, the former Auburn signal caller has kept the ball and fought his way between the tackles for a first down similar to the way a fullback would on a dive. Newton has also shown the ability to score with his legs, racking up 10 rushing touchdowns in 2015, the most among all quarterbacks. Pair that with his cannon of an arm and it’s easy to see why he was named MVP this past season.
Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks
Dubbed as the Houdini of NFL quarterbacks by ESPN, Russell Wilson is the best in the league at evading pressure. Wilson’s ability to get outside the pocket, keep his eyes downfield, and then choose to either take off or throw a dart to the sideline is remarkable. The former Wisconsin and NC State signal caller is six inches shorter than Cam Newton, which makes it difficult for defenders to find him behind blockers.
Tyrod Taylor, Buffalo Bills
Tyrod Taylor thrived in his first year as a full-time starter with the Buffalo Bills this past season. Taylor was part of a three-way competition for the starting gig going into the 2015 season. The former Virginia Tech Hokie battled with Matt Cassel and EJ Manuel to become the Bills starting quarterback, and a large reason Taylor won the job was his talent as a scrambler. Offensive coordinator Greg Roman taught Taylor the read option over the off-season, and it paid off, as he managed to finish second only to Cam Newton in total rushing yards by a quarterback in 2015, with 568. Now that the Bills know how to use him expect Taylor to be even more effective on the ground in 2016.
Robert Griffin III, Cleveland Browns
Robert Griffin III hasn’t started a game since Nov. 28, 2014 after being beaten out for the starting job by Kirk Cousins. But it’s hard to just ignore his magical rookie season; it seems like RG III can eventually return to that level of efficiency. In 2013, the former Heisman Trophy winner was reeling from injury, and Jay Gruden refused to utilize his skill set the previous two seasons. With a fresh start with the Cleveland Browns, and a coach in Hue Jackson who has shown full confidence in his abilities, Robert Griffin III should see greater success in both areas of his game in 2016.
Alex Smith, Kansas City Chiefs
It’s true that Alex Smith doesn’t tuck and run as often as the other quarterbacks on this list, but he is very effective when he does. Smith averaged 5.9 yards per rush in 2015 and he is an intelligent runner who takes what the defense give him and avoids injury. The former Utah Ute has wheels that a lot of people don’t give him credit for.
Many people might say Colin Kaepernick deserves to be mentioned, especially with Chip Kelly taking over as head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, but it’s hard to ignore Kaep’s abysmal performance as a passer as of late. A true dual-threat quarterback is dangerous both through the air and on the ground.
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