Storyline: This day was inevitable. The day we assumed would be RG3’s last in Washington. He left in an unusual way; leaving behind something for his future, former team. Written by Josh Landis, Washington, DC.
It’s been a crazy turn of events since Robert Griffin III arrival, via the second pick of the 2012 NFL Draft. He was the savior of the franchise. Today, Griffin cleaned out his locker and left Redskins Park for the last time.
During the 2012 season, Griffin took the NFL by storm. He threw for 3,200 yards, along with 20 touchdowns and just 5 interceptions. This led him to a total QBR of 102.4; high enough to rank him third behind elite QB, Aaron Rodgers, and Hall of Fame bound, Peyton Manning. He rushed for 815 yards along with 7 rushing touchdowns-a franchise record for quarterbacks. His duel threat capabilities led Washington to a 10-6 record and playoff berth. As much as people don’t realize; Griffins arm was never the threat. He put together a solid stat sheet in passing yards, but it was largely due to the threat of his legs.
Courtesy: theatlantic.com
None the less, Griffin was awarded with Rookie of the Year-over mind you-first round pick Andrew Luck. In the 2012 playoffs against Seattle; Griffin suffered a gruesome injury, yet stayed in the game. “I’m the quarterback of this team,” Griffin said post game. “My job is to be out there if I can play…I’m the best option for this team. That’s why I‘m the starter.” Griffin would go on to tear his LCL, ACL ligaments.
The 2012 season was the best of Griffins young career. 2013 had its highlights but Griffin has never quite been the same. Defenses adjusted, his speed diminished, and his abilities to read defenses limited Griffin to making the big plays once in a blue moon.
The 2015 season proved to be a humbling experience for the one time Heisman Trophy winner. Griffin was placed at third string and was inactive for all but one game.
“I know he grew a lot being a third-string quarterback here,” Coach Jay Gruden said. “A different system, different terminology and things that were new to him, but I think with the skill set that he has and what he learned from the Shanahans and the new stuff that he learned from us, I think he will make him a better quarterback wherever he goes, however it works out for him.”
Griffin has handled the situation with nothing but class. He’s been a supportive member of the team and has been energetic and supportive of current quarterback Kirk Cousins.
The Redskins will need to cut Griffin or pay him the 16.2 million option they picked up for 2016. They have until the March 9th deadline to release him.
Griffin finished with career totals of 8,097 yards passing, 40 touchdowns and 23 interceptions.
He was approached by reporters and Griffin declined to take any questions, “I don’t plan on talking.” Griffin did, however, leave a note in his cleaned out locker; it saying all Griffin had to say: “I can do all things”.
