Why should the Washington Redskins bench RG3?

My colleague Dan wrote a piece about why the Washington Redskins shouldn’t bench quarterback Robert Griffin III, but I’m going to tell you exactly why they should.

About six years ago, the face of the Washington Wizards franchise, Gilbert Arenas, suffered his second consecutive torn ACL.  For many in the Washington area, Arenas was an icon on a team of stability, and with his injury went the team’s chances of competing for an NBA Championship.  Eventually, this injury ruined a career, and essentially wasted 64 million dollars of the Wizards organization.

Dec 1, 2013; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) is sacked by New York Giants defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (96) and Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) in the third quarter at FedEx Field. The Giants won 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Flash forward; Football is much more physical sport, and with that comes a higher possibility of injury.  RG3 is all too familiar with these types of injuries, as the former Baylor University quarterback has torn his MCL twice since 2010 as well as sustaining other more minor issues.

Now, with the Redskins sitting at 3-10, what’s left to prove?  No matter how well Griffin III plays in the final three contests, there will be no way for him to salvage the already lost season.  On top of the poor record, RG3 has taken way over 100 hits and been sacked 34 times over the course of the season.  These numbers are among the tops in the National Football League, and only the physical Cam Newton has been hit more times.

RG3’s body is not meant to take this type of beating.  No matter how fans attempt to fathom the idea, Washington has no reason to start RG3. There is a long off-season awaiting Mr. Griffin III, where the second-year player will have time to develop his repertoire of skills.  NFL careers can end in a single play, and why risk having that play come too soon?