Dec 23, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) calls a play against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Washington Redskins rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III is one of the most dynamic young quarterbacks in the league, but there is some concern that his playing style could lead to a shortened career if he continues to take the big hits from defenders on a weekly basis.
Griffin’s knack for gaining the extra few yards led to him being shaken up this season and there was no hit that served as a bigger wake up call than when Baltimore Ravens defensive lineman Haloti Ngata struck Griffin in the knee. It resulted in a ligament sprain, but the injury could have been much worse.
The rookie star knows his season could have been ended on that big hit and it has caused him to move forward with caution.
“The injury has shown me a lot – just from a quarterback perspective,” Griffin told the media. “This game is not easy, but did show me some things I can do to make the game easier for myself, easier on my body.
“Ironically, I’ve done a better job of protecting myself since the injury – sliding, getting down, getting all the possible yards I can and getting out of bounds. Sometimes, things have to happen like that for you to really, really grasp that. It’s shown me a lot. I don’t think I’ve ever rushed for 10 yards a carry in a game and I did that in this past game.”
Griffin has shown flashes of brilliance during his first year in the NFL, but if he continues to take big hits his career could be shortened. That is something no one would like to see, so let’s hope Griffin will play with this level of caution for the remainder of his career.