If that were not the case, then Tim Tebow would still be in the league. The fact is, the development of plays is just much quicker in the NFL, especially among the linebackers. But also in safeties, and when DE's drop back into short coverage. The read option (with a run option) was a very good tool for teams to use at certain times. But it has been shown that it can't be part of every series of downs in every game. The QB simply can't hold up. And a team with solid defense, especially at the LB position, can stop it. Look at the Super Bowl for a perfect example.
For years fans have clamored for a running QB to "finally" make it in the NFL. And they usually point out to young, athletic QB's who the NFL wasn't used to, and got surprised by for a short period of time. But time and again these running QB's either don't last, the league adjusts to them, or they have a good enough arm and smarts to adapt and change (Steve Young comes to mind). Some keep the run in their back pocket, and that's how Cam, and Russell Wilson play. Alex Smith does too, to an extent. But these QBs beat you in other ways, with the pass. In this regard, I can see Cam, who as big and tough as he was, was looking beat up in the Super Bowl, will need to develop into a Big Ben type QB, who uses his size to keep plays alive. Ben can't run anymore, and that may be the future for Cam too. I think he can do this, fwiw.
As to Kaep, I'm not going to dig up the post, but back when the 49ers first started playing him I repeated an evaluation that was made on him in college. He did not make quick enough reads through his progressions before making decisions and would often not see what he liked, and take off and run. He didn't change much when he got to the NFL. Though until teams adapted, he got away with it. It was really Baltimore (with Lewis and Suggs playing LB) in that Super Bowl that burst that bubble and put an end to his free reign. He didn't have a bad game, but not the game many expected, and they rightfully lost. As to his windup, he may never be Philip Rivers, but I don't think it's that big of an issue compared to the other ones he has. Other QBs with slow deliveries have done fine in the NFL, it's his decision making is what needs to change. Put another way, he's not Aaron Rodgers, and he never will be. But he needs to get his head around seeing the field and looking into the empty spaces where his receivers are going to be open better.
What RG3 has to do is learn how to be a passer who can move within the pocket, and when he does see a lane to run, use it, but slide to finish the play. Can he do that? He has never shown an ability or desire to do so in his career yet, as the article mentions. But he's a sharp guy, and I think a bit humbled last year sitting on the bench. He also seemed to support Kirk Cousins as the season went on. Was he just playing it up? Putting up with it? Friends with Kirk? Or was he really thinking "damn, I better pay attention after all"? No one knows. I do think he needs to be on a team where he can fit, and likely sit for this coming season. Dallas? Maybe. He doesn't move in the pocket like Romo does. Houston? I'm not sure. He'd be expected to start from day one. I think he needs to sit, and learn a system. Cleveland? You'd have to ask Hugh, but I think they want a fresh start, with nice guy McCown grooming a draft pick.
As to Brady's appeal, what a load of crap. I can't believe the NFL is still going through with this. Goodell's ego must still be really hurt. I'll say what I did before, this should have been an equipment tampering penalty during the game (15 yards from the next play from scrimmage), and a fine for each ball determined tampered with. That's it. To accuse one of the best players in NFL history of being a cheater and liar, and seeking to suspend him the same amount as wife beaters, based on the theory that he was "generally aware" of balls being deflated is absurd.
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