So I'm still obsessing a bit over the way the Packers' D got smoked by Colin Kaepernick in the playoffs. And also motivated by the talk that the run-option offense is going to be the "next big thing" in the NFL. The run-option may be a new wrinkle, but quarterbacks who can run the ball have been around for a long time. Here is a list of quarterbacks who have at least 10 games with 40 or more rushing yards:
| Player | From | To | 40-yard games | Teams |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeff Hostetler | 1985 | 1997 | 10 | Giants, Raiders, Redskins |
| Jeff Blake | 1992 | 2005 | 10 | Jets, Bengals, Saints, Ravens, Cardinals, Eagles, Bears |
| Tim Tebow | 2010 | 2012 | 10 | Broncos, Jets |
| Robert Griffin III | 2012 | 2012 | 10 | Redskins |
| Doug Flutie | 1986 | 2005 | 11 | Bears, Patriots, Bills, Chargers |
| Rich Gannon | 1987 | 2004 | 11 | Vikings, Redskins, Chiefs, Raiders |
| Steve Grogan | 1975 | 1990 | 12 | Patriots |
| Jim Zorn | 1976 | 1987 | 12 | Seahawks, Packers, Buccaneers |
| Roger Staubach | 1969 | 1979 | 13 | Cowboys |
| Terry Bradshaw | 1970 | 1983 | 13 | Steelers |
| Jim Harbaugh | 1987 | 2000 | 14 | Bears, Colts, Ravens, Chargers |
| David Garrard | 2002 | 2010 | 14 | Jaguars |
| Vince Young | 2006 | 2011 | 14 | Titans, Eagles |
| John Elway | 1983 | 1998 | 17 | Broncos |
| Mark Brunell | 1994 | 2011 | 18 | Packers, Jaguars, Redskins, Saints, Jets |
| Cam Newton | 2011 | 2012 | 18 | Panthers |
| Jeff Garcia | 1999 | 2011 | 19 | 49ers, Browns, Lions, Eagles, Buccaneers, Texans |
| Greg Landry | 1968 | 1984 | 24 | Lions, Colts, Bears |
| Fran Tarkenton | 1961 | 1978 | 25 | Vikings, Giants |
| Donovan McNabb | 1999 | 2011 | 26 | Eagles, Redskins, Vikings |
| Kordell Stewart | 1995 | 2005 | 27 | Steelers, Bears, Ravens |
| Bobby Douglass | 1969 | 1978 | 28 | Bears, Chargers, Saints, Packers |
| Daunte Culpepper | 1999 | 2009 | 28 | Vikings, Dolphins, Raiders, Lions |
| Steve McNair | 1995 | 2007 | 33 | Oilers, Titans, Ravens |
| Steve Young | 1985 | 1999 | 48 | Buccaneers, 49ers |
| Randall Cunningham | 1985 | 2001 | 58 | Eagles, Vikings, Cowboys, Ravens |
| Michael Vick | 2001 | 2012 | 60 | Falcons, Eagles |
Comments
These counts include regular season and playoff games.
Yeah, that's the same Jim Zorn that was head coach of the Redskins 2008-2009. And the same Jim Harbaugh who is head coach of the 49ers.
TIL the Falcons had a DB named Cam Newton 2005-2006.
In spite of his reputation for running, Aaron Rodgers only has 6 40+ yard rushing games.
One of the biggest problems with having a quarterback who is also a threat to run is injuries. Just to my own personal knowledge, Steve Young, McNabb, Culpepper, McNair, Vick, and of course RG3 have all suffered significant injuries while running the ball.
Although Cam Newton, with a full slate of starts in his first two seasons, seems to have bucked that trend, at least for now.
