5 Reasons Robert Griffin III Failed with Redskins
The lack of development beyond his rookie season
Combined with his ability as a runner Robert Griffin III was also a force as a passer in his rookie season. He completed 66% of his passes and he threw for 20 touchdowns against just five interceptions for that season.
By using the read-option on play action, Griffin had a lot of room to complete his passes. He was a dangerous runner and defenses had to respect that. However after his knee injury Griffin’s accuracy appeared to be affected as was his ability to stand in the pocket.
Combine this with the fact that NFL defenses began to catch up with Griffin. His lack of explosiveness as a runner due to the knee injury was part of it. But also NFL defenses became better and faster at defending the read-option.
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So Griffin’s windows and passing lanes became much tighter as his ability as a runner was no longer the threat that it was before. This meant that Griffin had to become a better passer and improve at reading defenses in order to overcome what he had lost as a runner.
But that development never transpired as Griffin not only struggled in the 2013 season but his struggles continued into 2014. His touchdown numbers went down and he’s interception numbers went up.
His ability to find the open man never got to where the offense needed it to be. He would hold the ball too long which helped contribute to an extreme number of sacks. The injuries played a huge role in this too but RGIII never developed into the passer many thought he could become.
Griffin also failed to develop as a communicator. There were times when he was unfairly attacked by the media but there were also times when he would say things the wrong things that would open him up to attack.
Griffin didn’t play in 2015 so we’ll never know how his progress last season would’ve turned out. We’ll have to see what he does with another team moving forward. But where Robert Griffin III failed to develop as a passer, another Redskins quarterback succeeded.
Next: The development of Kirk Cousins