Robert Griffin III Deserving Of Number 15 On Top 100 List

Dec 3, 2012; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) throws a pass against the New York Giants in the first half during the game at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Mills/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports

Many were skeptical of Redskins’ quarterback Robert Griffin III being placed at number 15 on the “Top Players of 2013” list. However, I believe he is deserving of the award. His season started and ended with a bang.

In 2011, Griffin won the Heisman trophy. The Redskins were looking for a franchise quarterback in the draft – Griffin proved to be exactly what they wanted. He certainly delivered in 2012, helping his team win its division for the first time in 13 years.

Part of the reason Griffin ranked high on the list is his ability to be a dual-threat quarterback – he can run and pass efficiently. This led to his extraordinary play last season, shocking the league and amazing everyone who watched him.

Griffin also bounced back from injury tremendously. It was ruled that he could play after a mild concussion forced him to exit the Week 5 contest against Atlanta. He took advantage of his start and went 17-22 passing for 182 yards, as well and 13 rushes for 139 yards. The main spark of that game was his 76-yard touchdown run.

In Week 14 against Baltimore, Griffin injured his right knee and was later diagnosed with a grade-one sprain of his LCL. Against Philadelphia, Griffin went 16-24 passing for 198 yards. He led his team to victory with a bad knee. Then came the win-or-go-home game against Dallas Griffin wasn’t playing his normal self because of his knee, but still was able to get the job done and win the division.

Griffin’s stats were off the charts – he threw for 20 touchdowns and only 5 interceptions, including a record-setting passer rating for a rookie. His ability to run made him perhaps the most exciting player to watch in 2012. At the end of the season, Griffin received the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year award. That is part of why Griffin ranked number 15 out of 100 in 2013. The NFL ranked him higher than Matt Ryan, and Ryan is a proven veteran.

Overall, Griffin had a sensational season, and is well-deserving of a spot high on the list of top players. He is a leader of his team, and he was certainly a top-5 quarterback last season, I believe.

Griffin was the most exciting player to watch last season. Although he is obviously not the best player in the league, he can evolve into something close to that over the years. Looks like the players got something on the list correct.

Griffin ranked first out of all rookies on the list.