Dennis Dixon plays RG3 role at Ravens practice

Ravens practice squad QB Dennis Dixon showed his option moves to prepare the D for RG3.  (US Presswire)

For the past three days at the Baltimore Ravens’ practice field in Owings Mills, Md., Dennis Dixon has been Robert Griffin III.

It’s been a tough assignment for Redskins', considering the option elements Washington presents aren’t seen on a regular basis. Even backup QB Tyrod Taylor, an athletic, shifty player in his own right, had some initial trouble trying to mimic RG3's tendencies. But Taylor's background has always been with a pro-style offense, dating to his days at Virginia Tech. 

Then there’s Dixon, a former standout at Oregon who was close to winning a Heisman Trophy before tearing his ACL in 2007. Dixon’s also started three career NFL games, all with the Pittsburgh Steelers in relief of Ben Roethlisberger.

Having practice-squad eligibility left since he’s only appeared in four total games, Baltimore signed him to that unit, which is where he’s been most of the season. Dixon’s ability to run the read option, the same style of offense he ran at Oregon, has been valuable to Baltimore's defense while preparing for someone as dangerous as RG3.

"It's something that I'm used to," Dixon said. "Obviously, I did it a lot in college. I'm just trying to give the defense a good look and that's what I'm accustomed to."

Dixon’s ability to simulate RG3 has impressed defensive coordinator Dean Pees.

In fact, the original plan was for Taylor to run the scout team this week. Pees began giving Taylor instructions with Dixon next to him. Dixon spoke up, telling Pees he can run this kind of offense in practice. Pees gave him a chance and it’s worked out.

“He gets in there (Wednesday) and started riding that thing down, and I am going, ‘Holy smokes! You’re doing a great job for us,” Pees said. “Tyrod, move over. Dennis is up.”

When Pees was the defensive coordinator in New England, he said he put former receiver Troy Brown in at quarterback to help simulate Vince Young in practice one week. The problem with putting a wideout in that position is that although he has the speed, the timing is typically off.

With Dixon having experience with the read option, it’s come natural to him.

“The good thing about Dennis is I don’t write (the play for him on a card),” Pees said. “I tell him if it’s double option or triple option. Double option means either keep it or give it. Triple option means give it, keep it or pitch. And he knows what to do.”

LB Albert McClellan said Dixon has been “crafty” with the ball in practice, saying he’s glad he never had to go against him in college. After seeing Dixon run the simulated Redskins offense in practice, McClellan was surprised to see how close the look was to what he saw on tape.

“We’re getting a great look from Dixon,” McClellan said. “The whole practice team, the whole look we’re getting in practice is a good look from what we’ve seen on film. It almost looks identical.”

Studying RG3 hasn't been that big of a deal for Dixon, considering he sees a lot of similarities in terms of what kind of skill set each player possesses. 

"We have similar games," Dixon said. "We're actually able to throw the ball. I know that's what he wants to do first too. At the same time, his God-given talent takes over at times. He uses it well."