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Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III is team’s best option

By Ryan Disdier

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Robert Griffin III, once a fan favorite in D.C., has experienced an unceremonious fall from the top of the mountain. Since 2012, things have quickly gone downhill for the Washington Redskins quarterback.

Griffin was unofficially dubbed the face of the franchise after being drafted second overall in 2012. He quickly learned there are a lot of expectations to live up to when you’re supposed to be the savior of a franchise that has been bottom feeding for the better part of the 21st century.

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After being named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Years, 2013 was an ultra-disappointing year for the former Heisman Trophy winner. Griffin’s numbers dropped and he appeared to act disingenuous toward his teammates – and they reciprocated the feeling. With regard to his production dropping, I’m part of the group that believes Griffin returned prematurely from an injury, despite what his rather infamous “All In for Week 1” commercials would lead you to believe.

Then 2014 proved to be an up-and-down year for Griffin. He suffered an early injury and was benched later in the year, but it was a better year for the former second-overall pick. He made (some) progress and it seemed like he learned from the humbling experience of being placed on the hot seat, as well as the bench.

So what does 2015 have in store for RG3?

According to numerous outlets, head coach Jay Gruden recently announced that Washington will go into next year with Griffin as the starting quarterback. This is a huge positive for Gruden, Griffin and the entire organization.

It’s simply the right move for the team. Although not spectacular last year, Griffin is still the best option Washington has at quarterback.

Although Griffin didn’t have an Pro Bowl season in 2014, he’s not the only reason Washington’s offense faltered.

Dec 28, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) is sacked by Dallas Cowboys defensive end

Jeremy Mincey

(92) in the in the fourth quarter at FedEx Field. The Cowboys won 44-17. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Washington’s offensive line was atrocious last year, and the unit’s deficiencies contributed mightily to Griffin’s struggles. In fact, RG3’s first and last pass attempt – against Houston and Dallas, respectively – of the season were heavily influenced by impending pressure from the defensive line. In layman’s terms, Washington’s guards got blown back as soon as the ball was snapped.

Griffin’s first pass would end up being a harbinger for things to come, as Washington’s O-line consistently struggled all year. After going back and watching some film, Griffin (or whoever was playing quarterback that week) was under duress more often than not. If it wasn’t a play-action pass, there was typically a lot of pressure, even if the defense was only rushing four.

According to ESPN, the unit surrendered 58 total sacks, with Griffin absorbing 33 of those sacks. His style of play undoubtedly leads to some of the sacks. But the offensive line didn’t doing him or any other quarterback any favors this past season as Griffin was sacked at least once in every game he played in.

Let’s not dwell on the offensive line too much, though. The fact of the matter is that Griffin is still an immensely talented player, and he still has a lot to offer the NFL.

At 25, Griffin still has time to get back to his 2012 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year form. In 2014, he had the best completion percentage (68.7 of his brief career. And while he’s not quite as elusive as he was during his rookie campaign, he can still make the throws with velocity and he has the ability to contribute to Washington’s offense.

Sep 22, 2013; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) hands the ball off to Redskins running back

Alfred Morris

(46) against the Detroit Lions at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Running back Alfred Morris’ production when RG3 is playing quarterback is proof that Griffin can have a very positive impact on the offense. The Washington Post referred to Morris’ numbers with Griffin under center in a November 2014 article. In 2014, without RG3, Morris’ yards per attempt was a pedestrian 3.3 (nine games). With Griffin (seven games), Morris’ YPA was 4.74

Morris is a talented and dynamic back but Griffin’s presence is invaluable to his tailback’s success.

Here’s another thing: Even if RG3 isn’t the guy Jay Gruden wants to run his offense, what’s the backup plan? The three-year quarterback is superior to Kirk Cousins and Colt McCoy might not return. While Washington could theoretically spend money or a draft pick (or both) on another quarterback, who would be signed?

The free agency quarterback class – notable names include Mark Sanchez, Jake Locker, Josh McCown and Michael Vick – lacks a reliable quarterback, and the draft class isn’t superb either. Quite frankly, Washington has a lot more holes it needs to address before the quarterback position.

Simply put, it’s erroneous to suggest Griffin’s career as a starting quarterback is over.

The talent is still there and for the first time since his rookie year, it seems like the support of his teammates is there as well. Although not sensational in the first game of the year, Griffin looked more comfortable in the pocket as the season waged on. He seemed more comfortable with staying in the pocket and taking a hit instead of trying to make something out of nothing. Griffin isn’t a polished pocket-passer, though, as he’s most successful when he runs play-action passes and designed roll out plays.

The former track-star still has top-end speed for a quarterback and defenses still have to prepare for his ability to make plays outside of the pocket.

After becoming the starting quarterback again following an injury to Colt McCoy, Griffin showed flashes of his old self.

Griffin’s performance against the Giants and the Eagles in subsequent weeks should give Washington fans hope, albeit a significantly diluted form of the hope he gave them after 2012.

Dec 14, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) tries to scramble away from New York Giants defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (95) during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Against the Giants, Griffin looked mobile, accurate and determined. On a specific fourth-down play, Griffin sprinted to the right side in an all-or-nothing move. Although the play would ultimately be reversed, Griffin showed he still has the “it” factor.

One week later, Griffin put together a performance that helped lead Washington to an upset victory over the seemingly playoff-bound Philadelphia Eagles. Griffin completed above 66 percent of his passes in both games and he had a combined quarterback rating of 94.1, according to NFL.com.

There is still work that needs to be done, though. Griffin could work on his accuracy, his footwork and his locker room presence.

Recently, a fellow former first-round pick offered some advice to RG3.

“I deal with it [criticism] all the time,” Washington Wizards point guard John Wall said, to Hot 97’s Peter Rosenberg, according to Sports Illustrated. “What I told [Griffin] is you can’t judge people on what their opinion is. All you can do is focus on trying to get better.”

The advice from the All-Star point guard should not be taken lightly. In 2015, Griffin has a chance to get back on the right track and prove to everybody that he can still be Washington’s franchise quarterback.

He seemingly has the coaches’ support and it appears that he’s as healthy as he’s probably going to get. The book on Robert Griffin III isn’t quite finished yet, but another mediocre year could very well be the final chapter.

Next: Washington Redskins: 5 Questions Worth Asking

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