Cam Newton is considered one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in NFL history, maybe even the best. If pressed, Newton says he isn’t the GOAT of the dual-threat quarterbacks.
Newton deferred to Lamar Jackson as the greatest dual-threat quarterback, citing a different style of play than the quarterback who has the most rushing touchdowns for a player at his position (75) than any in NFL history.
“Lamar’s style is different than mine,” Newton said on the 4th-and-1 podcast. “He’s got big plays any play. He’s got speed that I never had. And he’s just a legend. I played the game more powerful. I can run, but I’m going to probably get caught. Vick, Lamar, they ain’t getting caught.”
Who is the greatest dual-threat quarterback in NFL history? That’s a long debate, considering how much the game has changed and running quarterbacks are more prevalent than ever. This list will be divided into two parts: quarterbacks who mostly scrambled to get yards (pre-2000) and the hybrid era of quarterbacks the game has now (post-2000).
Scrambling era (pre-2000)
1. Steve Young
Young wasn’t just a good running quarterback, he was excellent. When Young retired, he was second all time among quarterbacks in rushing yards (4,239) and rushing touchdowns (43) — while carrying a 5.9 yards-per-carry average.
Where Young separates himself from the rest is his excellence as a passer as well. Young led the NFL in completion percentage five times, passing touchdowns four times, yards per attempt five times, and passer rating six times. He was a two-time MVP and First Team All-Pro three consecutive years.
Young led the NFL in passer rating four straight years (1991-1994), completion percentage four straight years (1994-1997), yards per attempt four straight years (1991-1994), and passing touchdowns three straight years (1992-1994). He threw for 33,124 yards and 232 touchdowns with a passer rating of 96.8 –…
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