5 Reasons Why the Option Offense Would Be Effective in the NFL

While the NFL is a predominantly passing league, what if some teams looked outside the box? Offensively, the ground game opens up everything else a team can do.  With a solid running attack, any team can impose its will on an opposing defense. 

It is hard to turn on the television every Saturday and not see a team running some type of option offense. Wouldn't it be interesting to see at least one NFL team build their offense entirely around an option attack?  Would it be effective?  Could they be a winning team?

Teams like Georgia Tech, Navy and Air Force have been running their version of the option offense for years with decent success.  With the high caliber of athletes at the NFL level, what would the option offense look like? 

Here are five reasons why the option based offense could really work in the NFL.

5. Blocking Schemes

Anyone familiar with the option offense understands that it is built around teams that have quick, athletic offensive lineman.  The other appealing feature of this offense is that only nine of the 11 players on the defense need to be accounted for. 

This is because the offense has a "read" player and a "pitch" player.  The quarterback either gives the ball to the running back or pulls the ball based on the movement of the read player.  If the quarterback pulls, he either pitches the ball or keeps it based on who the pitch player goes after.

Because of this blocking scheme, NFL teams could draft lineman that fit this mold.  Powerful centers and guards to anchor the line and help with double teams are necessary, while quick tackles are needed in order to reach linebacker level.

If NFL coaches targeted this type of lineman, they could build an offensive line capable of blocking for option-centered offense.

4. Speed

Everyone always says that the option offense can't work in the NFL because the defenses are too fast.  Why can't NFL teams draft players that have the speed to run the offense?

The running backs in the option offense have to be fearless and fast.  They have to run full speed to a hole that they are hoping will open up and trust the quarterback to make the right decision. 

That decision is made in a split second, but more often than not, the running back is getting hit pretty hard.  However, when that hole opens up and the running back has great speed, he usually has nothing but green grass and an end zone in front of him.

Some might think that the running back in an option-centered offense would be hit too much, and they are right.  No running back could take that kind of beating.  This is why it is important to have depth at the running back position. 

Drafting large, athletic and quick running backs who have no fear are a key piece to the option offense.  It is also critical to have a quarterback who handles pressure, makes decisions and runs very quickly in order to make this offense successful. 

Speed is a key piece to the option puzzle.  All players, including the quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers, must have great speed to make this offense a success. 

Any NFL team could bring in the players to build this offense and make it work.  Just imagine if they did.

3. Passing Game

Passing is a critical part to an option offense.  It is also one of the most dangerous aspects of the offense. If a team runs 70 percent of the time and does it well, when they decide to throw the ball, the play-action pass becomes a deadly play.

Not only that, but drafting big, athletic targets at wide receiver becomes essential for the option offense.  Many argue that wide receivers can't have success in an option offense because they rarely get the ball and have to block too much.

Maybe those people should talk to Calvin Johnson of the Detroit Lions.

Johnson accumulated 2,927 yards receiving and 28 touchdowns during his time at Georgia Tech.  He was also the 2006 Biletnikoff Award winner, which goes to the nation's top wide receiver.  In the Gator Bowl against West Virginia, Johnson had nine catches for 186 yards and two touchdowns. 

He did not rack up those stats because he was a good receiver. While his abilities are obviously at an elite status, the option running game helped Johnson get open often.  The play-action passes in the Georgia Tech offense were built around receivers just like Calvin Johnson.

NFL teams have the ability to find receivers with the size and speed of Johnson to help make the option offense a potent and balanced attack that could be deadly and fun to watch in the National Football League.

2. Quarterbacks

The most vital position in any option-centered offense is the quarterback. Not only does he have to be fast, but the option quarterback must make split-second decisions, read defenses, pass accurately and play like a running back all at the same time.

On the field, the quarterback usually decides where the ball is going in an option offense.  He reads the defense and determines its weakness, which allows the offense to constantly be attacking the defense exactly where they need to be. 

While NFL defenses, especially linebackers and defensive ends, are big and fast, teams can either draft or create quarterbacks that can read these players and make decisions. 

If given the chance, an NFL team could build an offense around this type of quarterback and truly have success in all facets of their game. 

1. It Would Be Fun to Watch!

The option offense is truly the most exciting offense in the game of football today. When the ball is snapped, no one knows where the ball is or where it is going to be in five seconds.  This offense builds drama and excitement, and a game-changing run or pass is always right around the corner.

While people may say the option offense is predictable and boring, this is simply not the case.  No one can predict this type of offense because changes can be made at any point. If fans don't like to watch huge, game-changing runs up the middle, deep play-action passes or amazing quarterback scampers, this is definitely not an offense those fans would enjoy.

Maybe one day an NFL team will take the chance and run an option-centered offense.  Imagine what would happen when that team finds success. 

How would the NFL adapt?  What would defenses start to look like?

This could be right around the corner.