Defenses will attack the QB in read-option

Aug 23, 2013

There's a belief among many people in NFL circles that running quarterbacks will pay the price this season, more than they did last fall, against defenses that are not going to be as tentative and under-prepared. That's a potential problem for the league.

"Every guy I've talked to is going to go after the quarterback," said Hall of Fame coach John Madden, co-chairman of the NFL's safety committee. "That's going to be their answer. If you watch what they did last year, a lot of guys played the quarterback. If he pitches, get off him. If he keeps it, tackle him. Now, they're just going to go after him whether he pitches or not."

When a quarterback tucks the ball and runs upfield, he becomes a running back and therefore loses the generous protection afforded quarterbacks in terms of when and how they can be hit. It's an ominous loophole.

Fantasy Impact:

Those fantasy owners with Robert Griffin III, Colin Kaepernick and Russell Wilson should be aware in this shift in strategy from the defensive side of the ball.

today

49ers RB Isaac Guerendo "plans to play" TNF

Adam Schefter

2 hours ago

San Francisco 49ers running back Isaac Guerendo plans to play Thursday night against the Los Angeles Rams despite his sprained foot, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Guerendo, who is listed as questionable, insists he "feels good," sources said.

Fantasy Impact:

We're projecting Patrick Taylor as the next man up in the 49ers' version of running back roulette *if* Guerendo is forced out, as he easily has the most familiarity with the team. Abanikanda can be stashed if that's not the case, but shouldn't be in starting consideration if Guerendo does indeed miss Week 15.

Otherwise, consider the fourth-round rookie a fantasy RB2.

yesterday

49ers RB Isaac Guerendo listed as Questionable for TNF

Ian Rapoport

yesterday · 5:33 PM EST

— The 49ers ruled out LT Trent Williams (ankle) and S Malik Mustapha (chest), but RB Isaac Guerendo (foot) is questionable. So is Dre Greenlaw, who was full today.
— The Rams ruled out TE Tyler Higbee (knee) and Cobie Durant (chest).

Fantasy Impact:

We're projecting Patrick Taylor as the next man up in the 49ers' version of running back roulette, as he easily has the most familiarity with the team. Abanikanda can be stashed if that's not the case, but shouldn't be in starting consideration if Guerendo does indeed miss Week 15.

Rams WRs Demarcus Robinson, Jordan Whittington Questionable for TNF

Adam Schefter

yesterday · 5:30 PM EST

Rams are listing WR Demarcus Robinson (shoulder), WR Jordan Whittington (shoulder), and TE Davis Allen (shoulder) as questionable for Thursday night’s game versus the 49ers.

Related Players: Puka Nacua, Cooper Kupp, Tutu Atwell, Tyler Johnson

Fantasy Impact:

This doesn't really impact Nacua or Kupp either way, but Atwell could log a little extra work here. Consider him a very deep league WR5.