Player Profile: Robert Griffin III

It’s an undeniable fact that the Washington Redskins go as quarterback Robert Griffin III goes. In year one, Griffin III was exceptional; breaking numerous rookie records and leading the Redskins to the NFC East crown. Year two, however, was quite the opposite as the reigning rookie of the year showed signs of immaturity fighting with former head coach Mike Shanahan and offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan on multiple occasions while also throwing 12 interceptions. Now, with the pas t behind him, Griffin III will look to make his greatest improvements during his third season and first with newly hired head coach Jay Gruden.

Gruden spent the last few years tutoring Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton, but a new task remains just on the horizon with the more mobile Griffin. When his immediate routes were covered, RG3 struggled mightily progressing through his reads and connecting with the open receiver. Another contributing factor to poor season was the torn ACL Griffin endured during the 2012 playoff match up with the Seattle Seahawks. RG3 was forced to wear a protective brace for the entire 2013 season and it limited his ability to throw off of his back foot. This explains his steady drop in completion percentage (5%) and Quarterback rating (20 points) which translated to the team’s 3-13 finish.

Griffin must improve in 2014, and he has all the necessary tools to transform the Washington offense into among the League’s best. With De Sean Jackson and Andre Roberts on board, RG3 will need to distribute the pigskin just like he did in the 2012 campaign. Is RG3 ready for the next test? In his 2011 season, after taking off the brace, he finished with4, 293 passing yards with 47 total touchdowns and won the Heisman trophy. If he can keep this trend up, I’d say Robert Griffin III’s ready for anything.