What is it about dual-threat quarterbacks?

There are quarterbacks who will beat you through the air. If you give Berlin Thunder quarterback Jakeb Sullivan just a hint of space, he'll consistently complete passes and throw you to defeat. The 30-year-old US import leads the league with a remarkable lead in passing yards.

There are also quarterbacks who beat you on the ground. Isaiah Weed from the Cologne Centurions is a good example of this. The 27-year-old signal caller has already run for 682 yards this season. With 81 attempts, that's an average of 8.42 yards per run. He has also scored eight touchdowns.

However, there are also quarterbacks who can do both. These are called “dual threat quarterbacks”. In the ELF, there is no way around Paris Musketeers Zachary Edwards. The 26-year-old is putting up incredible numbers this season. “Zach” has thrown for the second most passing yards in the league. At the same time, he also ran for 729 yards, the fifth most rushing yards in the ELF. This puts the American ahead of a large number of “traditional” running backs.

An effective weapon in his team's offense, a feared one in the opponent's defense. But what makes the dual-threat quarterback so powerful?

The advantages of dual-threat

Let's stay with Zachary Edwards for a moment. In Week 13, he and the Musketeers played an important game for the playoffs against the Madrid Bravos. A top five defense against the pass. Accordingly, Edwards struggled through the air. However, the Bravos defense repeatedly showed weaknesses against the run. Something that Edwards used immediately.

On a final play on the last drive of the regular game, the quarterback rushed for 16 yards and scored the touchdown that sent his team into overtime. The franchise from France went on to win the game and book their spot in the playoffs.

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This game clearly shows the strengths of the dual-threat. His strong arm and legs make him very versatile and flexible. He adds a whole new dimension to his offense. If the opponent takes the pass away, he can still run and conversely.

It makes him much more difficult to defend because the defense has to be prepared for both and never knows exactly what's coming. You have to expect everything, including the quarterback completes a 30+ yards pass or suddenly just running off.

He is able to just beat you through the air and on the ground.