Alex Smith's press conference this Thursday finally put the charade of pretending there was a possibility of the trade not going through to rest. Alex Smith is the quarterback for the Washington Redskins for at least the near future. His introduction by Doug Williams, however, had some portends that every Redskins fan should have taken as a sign that there is still a lot to be done in this offseason to make sure there is no regret about letting Kirk Cousins walk out the door. Williams alluded to the fact that there are still holes on this roster that need to be addressed in order to make the team more complete. What he meant was that the holes needed to be filled in order to make Alex Smith a winner here in Washington. It may be hard for Redskins fans to accept, but Alex Smith is statistically inferior to Cousins over the last three seasons in almost all major categories except for one. And it is the one that has the most factors attached to its execution. Winning.
Alex Smith has been able to win 31 regular season games over the last three seasons. His regular season win total in that time span is only eclipsed by Cam Newton and Tom Brady. A look at his total stats over that time frame, however, should make Redskins fans wonder how he achieved that feat. Alex Smith has 46 regular season starts over the last three seasons, and when comparing his numbers to the 20 other quarterbacks with 40 or more starts (plus Aaron Rodgers who has 39 starts over the last three seasons) his numbers are fairly pedestrian if not concerning. Alex Smith has thrown for only 11,030 yards over the last three seasons which ranks him 13th out of this group. He has only thrown 61 TD's over the last three seasons. The only quarterbacks lower than Smith in that area are Joe Flacco, Marcus Mariota, and Tyrod Taylor. Looking at that stat in another light would be to compare Alex Smith's 61 TD's to those quarterbacks who have had a comparable amount of attempts. Smith has 1464 attempts over the last three seasons. The other quarterbacks who have between 1400-1499 attempts are Cam Newton, Aaron Rodgers, and Andy Dalton. Rodgers and Dalton both have less attempts (1420 and 1445) and more touchdowns (87 and 68) than Alex Smith, and Cam Newton has thrown 76 touchdowns on only 33 more attempts. What is even more staggering is that all three of these quarterbacks have less total completions than Alex Smith, with Newton having 119 less completed passes than Smith over the last three seasons. Even if you factor in Smith's 8 rushing touchdowns, he ranks with Flacco, Mariota, and Taylor as the only quarterbacks out of this group who have accounted for less than 70 touchdowns over the last three seasons. So how is Alex Smith the third winningest quarterback since 2015? The answer would be in his supporting cast.
When Doug Williams stated that the current holes on the Redskins roster need to be filled, he was subconsciously indicting Alex Smith's record as a winner in the NFL. Alex Smith has had the luxury of having a Top 10 rushing offense in yards per game twice over the last three seasons in Kansas City, and he has had a Top 10 scoring defense (in points per game allowed) twice as well over that same time frame. To give perspective on that stat, Tom Brady is the only other quarterback with 40 or more starts who has had teams be Top 10 in both those areas over multiple seasons since 2015. Doug Williams is, or should be, keenly aware of this fact considering that the Redskins never gave Kirk Cousins either of those luxuries over his three years as a starter on this team. In fact, Kansas City's worst performances in these categories since 2015 (109.3 rushing ypg in 2016, and 21.2 ppg allowed in 2017) were better than any season the Redskins have in those categories over the same time frame. This means that Alex Smith has not been relied upon to be the primary provider of wins over the last three seasons in Kansas City, and he is walking into a situation that is the exact opposite. Kirk Cousins had to be the main guy the Redskins turned to in order win games over the last three seasons, especially last season where his offensive line single-handedly kept the sports medicine trade open in DC, his most talented receiving target played in only 6 games, and his defense went through countless iterations due to injury. The Redskins roster is much worse than the one Alex Smith left in Kansas City and Doug Williams knows it. Williams also knows, or should know, that the only way Alex Smith has been successful is when the supporting cast around him has been successful as well, which makes this a pivotal offseason for the tenure of all who are invested in the Redskins success.
The Redskins do not have Kareem Hunt's productivity, or Tyreek Hill's speed, or Travis Kelce's durability, or Justin Houston's sack production, or Eric Berry's coverage ability at safety. Most people in the know have stated that the Redskins current personnel does not have the talent the Chiefs had when Alex Smith was their quarterback, and it has only gotten worse for the Redskins so far in free agency. It will be up to Doug Williams to remedy the situation by putting the necessary pieces in place to make sure that Alex Smith has the necessary tools to be successful this season. It will be up to Jay Gruden to make sure that Alex Smith can use those tools to keep the Redskins win total comparable to what it was under Kirk Cousins. Alex Smith has proven that he can be a winner with the right supporting cast, and given that his best statistical season of his 13 year career came last year shows that he may be able to take on the challenges that the Redskins roster poses. But this season will be a test of front office acumen as mush as it will be about quarterback play. Doug Williams will need to acquire the right pieces, and Jay Gruden will need to position them so that Alex Smith can do the only thing he has been good at over the last five years of his career. Winning.
Showing posts with label Alex Smith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Alex Smith. Show all posts
Sunday, March 18, 2018
Tuesday, March 13, 2018
The Chronicles of Redskins Quarterbacks Part 14: Kirk Cousins
Kirk Cousins (2012-2017) "Radioactive Man"
57 starts (26-30-1)
Completion % = 65.5% (1372/2096)
16206 yrds - 99 TD - 55 INT - 93.7 - 106 sacks
12 Game Winning Drives
The man who was drafted to be an insurance policy who turned into one of the most polarizing players the Redskins have ever seen. Kirk Cousins is "Radioactive Man" for creating a nuclear argument about his abilities throughout his career. It began the second he was drafted and he continued to cause outrage within the fan base for his entire tenure in Washington, most of the time simply by just playing his position. But big things have humble beginnings, and his early career did not point to him being the most sought after soon-to-be free agent on the market.
Cousins grew up in Michigan where he was a three sport athlete in high school. A broken ankle in his Junior year, though, caused Cousins to be over looked by many recruiters, and it looked as if his decision would be between playing quarterback at Toledo or Western Michigan. Luckily for Cousins there was a new coach in East Lansing that could not sign any of his target quarterbacks. Mark Dantonio decided to offer a scholarship to Cousins to play at Michigan State, and Cousins gladly accepted. Cousins would redshirt his first year and back up Brian Hoyer during the 2008 season. He was named the starter for the Spartans in 2009, and between 2010-2011 he would lead the Spartans to 22 wins, a share of the Big 10 regular season title in 2010, and he led the Spartans to the Big 10 Championship game in 2011. Cousins was rounding out a solid college career, but nothing could have prepared him for what was to come on Draft Day.
Mike Shanahan thought he needed insurance for Griffin, and Cousins was sitting there in the fourth round when Shanny apparently had him graded as a second round talent. Shanahan pulled the trigger on Cousins, Redskins nation went ballistic, and Radioactive Man was born. There was controversy abound for the next few months, but it was clear that Griffin would be the starter for the 2012 season. Griffin would ignite the world in 2012, but not without a little help from his fourth round understudy. Cousins would play in three games that season, including winning in relief against the Ravens where he led a game tying drive that required a two-point conversion that Cousins ran in on a QB sneak. The next week he would win in impressive fashion against Cleveland, but no one was about to anoint him over Griffin for beating the worst team in the league. Griffin returned and led the Redskins to their first division title since 1999 and all was looking up until Griffin was carted off the field after going down in the playoff game against Seattle. Redskins nation could only watch as Kirk Cousins was brought in amongst the carnage to try and salvage a win that never came. Cousins looked awful on the big stage, and he would carry this moniker of looking bad in relief for the next two seasons.
Cousins would only see the field as a starter in 2013 after Griffin was deactivated by Mike Shanahan for precautionary purposes. Cousins would lose all three of those games, and he would also lose his patron saint in Mike Shanahan as he and his son were let go by the organization. Jay Gruden was hired in 2014, and it was quickly implied that he was there to resurrect Robert Griffin. The project did not last long, however, as Griffin went down with a dislocated ankle in Week 2. Cousins came on in relief to beat the Jaguars, but the next two games showed Cousins's propensity for frustrating play in critical situations. He would have a masterful game against the Eagles until he threw a bad interception late that cost the Redskins the game, and the next week he inexplicably threw four interceptions in the second half against the Giants. It all came to a head in Week 7 against the Titans where Cousins was benched at halftime because of his poor play. Cousins would never see the field again in 2014, and his inconsistencies seemed to have him forever relegated to a backup position. Everyone assumed that the 2015 season would be Robert Griffin's last chance in Washington, but once again Cousins could never have imagined what was to come.
Before the 2015 season was to start, Jay Gruden shocked everyone and named Kirk the starter for the 2015 season. Radioactive Man was unleashed on the fan base yet again, and controversy encircled his debut as the Redskins starter on opening day. The beginning of the season was just as tumultuous as he led the Redskins on a 90 yard game winning drive in Philadelphia, only to throw a pick six in overtime against the Falcons. Cousins starting job was precarious at best, and down 24-0 in the middle of the second quarter at home to Tampa Bay in Week 7 made it look as if another season, and quarterback, would be lost yet again. We all know what happened. Cousins would lead the Redskins to the greatest comeback in franchise history, and his catch phrase would define the entire season for the Redskins. Cousins would lead the Redskins to another division title, and for one half he kept pace with Aaron Rodgers in the playoffs until the Packers masterfully changed their game plan to running the ball down the Redskins throat. Alas, the Redskins exited the playoffs without a win in 2015.
It is not worth going over the next two seasons because it has been rehashed ad nauseam. For all that has transpired over Cousins's career there are things worth noting that the Redskins are letting walk out the door on March 14. Cousins is the only quarterback to start every game for three consecutive seasons in the Dan Snyder era. Kirk is fourth in all time yards passing in franchise history (16,206 yards), and given three more season he would have been number one. Cousins's three seasons as a starter rank first, second, and fourth in passing yards in a single season in franchise history, and his 29 TD in 2015 ranks second only to Sonny Jurgensen's 31 TD in 1967. His stats over the last three years are comparable with some of the top quarterbacks in the game, and yet he could not deliver a playoff win or multiple playoff appearances as a starter. This coupled with the fact that he was the guy who replaced Dan Snyder's hand picked messiah, his contract dispute wore on the nerves of all involved, and his public statements that he wanted to stay in Washington now have soured a large portion of the fan base have caused a ground swell of resentment for Kirk Cousins as he leaves Washington. It seems ungrateful for these people to chide Cousins on his way out of town considering he arguably gave the fan base the three best consecutive quarterbacking seasons in the last 25 years. But Kirk's departure, and subsequent character assassination by Dan Snyder's minions, have shown that this organization has not learned anything over the last 25 years. Dan Snyder is letting the best quarterback he has ever had walk out the door, and he is kicking him on the way out to save face within the sphere of public opinion. I say godspeed to Cousins because his fate will forever be linked to that of the Washington Redskins. Maybe he pulls a Brad Johnson and wins a Super Bowl, or maybe he becomes Jason Campbell and fades into obscurity. Whatever happens, there is no denying that he gave the Redskins three solid seasons among the direst of circumstances, and everyone should be grateful.
Fun Facts: The top three quarterbacks from the 2012 NFL Draft currently are either out of the NFL or face serious concerns about whether or not they will come back from injury. They are Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin, and Ryan Tannehill. The sixth (selected 75th overall), seventh (selected 88th overall), and eighth (selected 102nd overall) quarterbacks selected have combined for two Super Bowl Championships and two could fetch high prices for their services this offseason. They are Russell Wilson, Nick Foles, and Kirk Cousins.
Cousins is 4-2 in his career against those fellow 2012 draftees. His four wins have come against Nick Foles, Russell Wilson, Brandon Weeden, and Brock Osweilier.
Cousins was able to face and defeat Brian Hoyer in the Redskins 2017 game against the 49ers. Remember that Cousins sat behind Hoyer at Michigan State.
57 starts (26-30-1)
Completion % = 65.5% (1372/2096)
16206 yrds - 99 TD - 55 INT - 93.7 - 106 sacks
12 Game Winning Drives
The man who was drafted to be an insurance policy who turned into one of the most polarizing players the Redskins have ever seen. Kirk Cousins is "Radioactive Man" for creating a nuclear argument about his abilities throughout his career. It began the second he was drafted and he continued to cause outrage within the fan base for his entire tenure in Washington, most of the time simply by just playing his position. But big things have humble beginnings, and his early career did not point to him being the most sought after soon-to-be free agent on the market.
Cousins grew up in Michigan where he was a three sport athlete in high school. A broken ankle in his Junior year, though, caused Cousins to be over looked by many recruiters, and it looked as if his decision would be between playing quarterback at Toledo or Western Michigan. Luckily for Cousins there was a new coach in East Lansing that could not sign any of his target quarterbacks. Mark Dantonio decided to offer a scholarship to Cousins to play at Michigan State, and Cousins gladly accepted. Cousins would redshirt his first year and back up Brian Hoyer during the 2008 season. He was named the starter for the Spartans in 2009, and between 2010-2011 he would lead the Spartans to 22 wins, a share of the Big 10 regular season title in 2010, and he led the Spartans to the Big 10 Championship game in 2011. Cousins was rounding out a solid college career, but nothing could have prepared him for what was to come on Draft Day.
Mike Shanahan thought he needed insurance for Griffin, and Cousins was sitting there in the fourth round when Shanny apparently had him graded as a second round talent. Shanahan pulled the trigger on Cousins, Redskins nation went ballistic, and Radioactive Man was born. There was controversy abound for the next few months, but it was clear that Griffin would be the starter for the 2012 season. Griffin would ignite the world in 2012, but not without a little help from his fourth round understudy. Cousins would play in three games that season, including winning in relief against the Ravens where he led a game tying drive that required a two-point conversion that Cousins ran in on a QB sneak. The next week he would win in impressive fashion against Cleveland, but no one was about to anoint him over Griffin for beating the worst team in the league. Griffin returned and led the Redskins to their first division title since 1999 and all was looking up until Griffin was carted off the field after going down in the playoff game against Seattle. Redskins nation could only watch as Kirk Cousins was brought in amongst the carnage to try and salvage a win that never came. Cousins looked awful on the big stage, and he would carry this moniker of looking bad in relief for the next two seasons.
Cousins would only see the field as a starter in 2013 after Griffin was deactivated by Mike Shanahan for precautionary purposes. Cousins would lose all three of those games, and he would also lose his patron saint in Mike Shanahan as he and his son were let go by the organization. Jay Gruden was hired in 2014, and it was quickly implied that he was there to resurrect Robert Griffin. The project did not last long, however, as Griffin went down with a dislocated ankle in Week 2. Cousins came on in relief to beat the Jaguars, but the next two games showed Cousins's propensity for frustrating play in critical situations. He would have a masterful game against the Eagles until he threw a bad interception late that cost the Redskins the game, and the next week he inexplicably threw four interceptions in the second half against the Giants. It all came to a head in Week 7 against the Titans where Cousins was benched at halftime because of his poor play. Cousins would never see the field again in 2014, and his inconsistencies seemed to have him forever relegated to a backup position. Everyone assumed that the 2015 season would be Robert Griffin's last chance in Washington, but once again Cousins could never have imagined what was to come.
Before the 2015 season was to start, Jay Gruden shocked everyone and named Kirk the starter for the 2015 season. Radioactive Man was unleashed on the fan base yet again, and controversy encircled his debut as the Redskins starter on opening day. The beginning of the season was just as tumultuous as he led the Redskins on a 90 yard game winning drive in Philadelphia, only to throw a pick six in overtime against the Falcons. Cousins starting job was precarious at best, and down 24-0 in the middle of the second quarter at home to Tampa Bay in Week 7 made it look as if another season, and quarterback, would be lost yet again. We all know what happened. Cousins would lead the Redskins to the greatest comeback in franchise history, and his catch phrase would define the entire season for the Redskins. Cousins would lead the Redskins to another division title, and for one half he kept pace with Aaron Rodgers in the playoffs until the Packers masterfully changed their game plan to running the ball down the Redskins throat. Alas, the Redskins exited the playoffs without a win in 2015.
It is not worth going over the next two seasons because it has been rehashed ad nauseam. For all that has transpired over Cousins's career there are things worth noting that the Redskins are letting walk out the door on March 14. Cousins is the only quarterback to start every game for three consecutive seasons in the Dan Snyder era. Kirk is fourth in all time yards passing in franchise history (16,206 yards), and given three more season he would have been number one. Cousins's three seasons as a starter rank first, second, and fourth in passing yards in a single season in franchise history, and his 29 TD in 2015 ranks second only to Sonny Jurgensen's 31 TD in 1967. His stats over the last three years are comparable with some of the top quarterbacks in the game, and yet he could not deliver a playoff win or multiple playoff appearances as a starter. This coupled with the fact that he was the guy who replaced Dan Snyder's hand picked messiah, his contract dispute wore on the nerves of all involved, and his public statements that he wanted to stay in Washington now have soured a large portion of the fan base have caused a ground swell of resentment for Kirk Cousins as he leaves Washington. It seems ungrateful for these people to chide Cousins on his way out of town considering he arguably gave the fan base the three best consecutive quarterbacking seasons in the last 25 years. But Kirk's departure, and subsequent character assassination by Dan Snyder's minions, have shown that this organization has not learned anything over the last 25 years. Dan Snyder is letting the best quarterback he has ever had walk out the door, and he is kicking him on the way out to save face within the sphere of public opinion. I say godspeed to Cousins because his fate will forever be linked to that of the Washington Redskins. Maybe he pulls a Brad Johnson and wins a Super Bowl, or maybe he becomes Jason Campbell and fades into obscurity. Whatever happens, there is no denying that he gave the Redskins three solid seasons among the direst of circumstances, and everyone should be grateful.
Fun Facts: The top three quarterbacks from the 2012 NFL Draft currently are either out of the NFL or face serious concerns about whether or not they will come back from injury. They are Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin, and Ryan Tannehill. The sixth (selected 75th overall), seventh (selected 88th overall), and eighth (selected 102nd overall) quarterbacks selected have combined for two Super Bowl Championships and two could fetch high prices for their services this offseason. They are Russell Wilson, Nick Foles, and Kirk Cousins.
Cousins is 4-2 in his career against those fellow 2012 draftees. His four wins have come against Nick Foles, Russell Wilson, Brandon Weeden, and Brock Osweilier.
Cousins was able to face and defeat Brian Hoyer in the Redskins 2017 game against the 49ers. Remember that Cousins sat behind Hoyer at Michigan State.
Monday, March 12, 2018
The Chronicles of Redskins Quarterbacks Part 13: Robert Griffin III
Robert Griffin III (2012-2014) "Darth Vader"
35 starts (14-21)
35 starts (14-21)
Completion % = 63.9% (679/1063)
8097 yrds – 40 TD - 23 INT – 90.6 – 101 sacks
5 Game Winning Drives
Part 12 was about who should start the 2015 season for the Redskins. If you want to have a laugh here it is. Since Griffin was still on the roster at that point he did not get his own page. He does now.
In Robert Griffin III, Dan Snyder had finally found his Darth Vader to his Emperor Palpatine persona. Just as Vader was Palpatine's third, and most powerful, apprentice, Griffin would be the third first round quarterback selected in the Dan Snyder era. And just like Vader, Griffin came from humble beginnings to become one of the most powerful individuals in his sport, only to have it all come crashing down.
Robert Griffin III was born in Okinawa, Japan. His parents were both sergeants in the U.S. Army, and for the first few years of his life he would live all over the western United States. His family would eventually settle in Copperas Cove, Texas where Griffin would have an illustrious high school athletic career. Griffin was a ranked #1 in the nation in the 400 and 110 meter hurdles as a Junior, and he amassed over 3,000 yards passing, over 2,000 yards rushing, and 73 total TD's as his high school's starting quarterback his Junior and Senior season. All of these accomplishments led him to be ranked the fourth best dual threat quarterback coming out of high school. Griffin was sought after by many schools, but he committed to Art Briles at......Houston? That's right. Briles had been the coach at Houston since 2003, but in 2007 he left to take the coaching job at Baylor and Griffin followed him. It seemed to be the beginnings of stardom as Griffin was named Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year in 2008, but Griffin tore his ACL three games into his sophomore campaign in 2009 and was out for the season. He was given a medical redshirt, so his sophomore season began anew in 2010 where he led Baylor to a 7-6 record. Griffin looked like your average spread option style quarterback for his first three years. And then it happened. Baylor's high octane spread offense, coupled with the Big 12's propensity to not play defense, led Griffin to gain almost 5,000 yards of total offense and account for 47 touchdowns. Griffin would lead Baylor to a 10-3 seasons, and Griffin would win the 2011 Heisman Trophy. Griffin electrified college football that season along with Andrew Luck, and the two of them were projected to be the top 2 picks that season in the NFL Draft. The only problem was that the Rams would end up in the second pick, and they seemed to be tied to Sam Bradford. It seemed as if someone would need to pay a king's ransom to move up to get that pick, and who better to give up draft picks than the Washington Redskins.
Two days before the new league year started in 2012, the Redskins shocked the world by trading up to the second pick in the draft in order to get Griffin. They gave the Rams three first round picks (2012, 2013, 2014), and their second round pick in 2012. Whatever the cost, Dan Snyder had finally found his Chosen One, but the Redskins fan base was skeptical that Snyder had once again mortgaged the future for something that would never pan out. One game into the 2012 season and all that was put to rest. Griffin's victory in New Orleans showed that he may be worth the price, and that the read option was a viable option in the NFL with Griffin at the helm. The Griffin euphoria would culminate in Week 6 as Griffin ripped off a 76 yard touchdown run to put the game away. Redskins nation was in a frenzied state the likes of which it had never seem before, but that excitement was put to rest when the Redskins lost their next three games. The last of those games came against a 1-6 Panthers team that led Mike Shanahan to make his infamous speech about the rest of the season being about evaluating talent. And then it happened. The Redskins crushed the Eagles in their next game, and shocked the Cowboys in Dallas on Thanksgiving that saw the Redskins score 28 points in the first half. All was humming until Haloti Ngata brought all of Redskins fandom's fears to life. Griffin was hit in the knee as he was rolling over a tackle in the open field and he did not return. Kirk Cousins came on in relief to win the game in overtime, and he would win the next week in Cleveland, but all eyes were on Griffin's knee. Griffin returned with questions surrounding his hasty comeback, but all of that was put aside when he led the Redskins to two more victories and their first NFC East Championship since 1999. It was still out of mind when he put the Redskins up 14-0 against the Seahawks in their opening playoff game; and then it happened. Griffin collapsed on the field and had to be carted off to the tightly held breath of all fans at Fed Ex Field. Cousins would come on in relief, but to no avail. The Redskins would lose the game, and it was uncertain as to how long they would lose their franchise quarterback.
Despite the injury, Griffin was named Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2012, and everyone was on pins and needles about his sophomore season. Griffin's motto was "All In For Week 1 [of 2013]", but again there were questions about whether or not he was coming back too fast. Griffin did not play in any preseason games that year, but he was the starter in Week 1, and the big question was whether or not he would be able to recreate the magic of 2012. The Redskins opened up the 2013 season 1-3, and it was apparent that Griffin was not the same dynamic player he was before the injury. The read option was not functioning due to defensive players not being as afraid of Griffin getting around the edge, and it was clear that Griffin had trouble avoiding the pass rush. Griffin would lead the Redskins to another 3-5 crossroads, but the Redskins took the other path in 2013 as they lost their next five games leading to Griffin being benched. Mike Shanahan called it a precaution to not have him get injured, but controversy began to surface as Griffin threw 16 touchdowns to 12 interceptions, and he did not rush for a single touchdown in 2013. Shanahan would be shown the door after the 2013 season and Jay Gruden took over.
Gruden had to inherit Griffin who was seemingly in decline since his illustrious rookie season. Gruden had relative success in Cincinnati taking a spread quarterback in Andy Dalton and turning him into a serviceable NFL passer, and Redskins fans inferred that he was here to do the same for Griffin. Problems arose, however, when Griffin dislocated his ankle in Week 2 against Jacksonville. Kirk Cousins would win that game, but he would go 1-4 over the next five games and be benched at halftime of the fifth game against Tennessee in favor of Colt McCoy. McCoy led a game winning drive to beat the Titans, and he would win his infamous Monday night game against the Cowboys the next week, leading a significant portion of the fan base to back McCoy over Griffin. Griffin came back, however, but he would hear chants of "We Want Colt" at Fed Ex Field and he would be benched in favor of McCoy in Week 13. McCoy suffered a neck injury that kept him out for the rest of the season, however, and Griffin would finish out the 2014 season with the Redskins going 4-12. Skepticism was abound about who would get the start in 2015, but everyone assumed Griffin would get one last chance to prove himself. It was shocking when Jay Gruden named Kirk Cousins the starter for Week 1, and we all know what happened from there. Griffin could only watch as the guy drafted as the insurance policy won over the fan base through the 2015 season, and in March 2016 he was released by the Redskins.
Griffin would be signed by the Browns two weeks later, and he would start their 2016 season opener, only to be placed on IR after a shoulder injury in Week 1. Griffin returned to start the last four games of the season, and led the Browns to their only win that season, but even Cleveland had seen enough of Griffin at that point. He was released in March of 2017 and he has yet to come back to the NFL.
It is unbelievable that Griffin went from being the savior of a franchise to being out of the league all within four years. Redskins fans in 2012 stated that he was worth the price the franchise paid, and they backed that sentiment up with jersey sales. Griffin's #10 jersey was the highest selling jersey that season, and it set the record for most jerseys sold in one calendar year. It is hard to forget something like that, and the ghost of RG3 still haunts the fan base to this day. Everyone wanted to believe the hype because the hype was real. For the first time in forever the Redskins had a young player that struck fear into hearts of the opponent, and they were on the cutting edge of offensive schemes. All that came crashing down in that playoff game against Seattle, and with it went Robert Griffin's career. Maybe if Griffin had shown a little more humility, if he were a little more durable, or if he could handle adversity a little bit better he may have been able to overcome and succeed with the Redskins. But that 2012 season covered up all those deficiencies, and for one season it looked like Griffin and the Redskins were going to be the next big thing.
Fun Facts: The Rams parlayed the 4 picks the Redskins gave them for Griffin into 8 picks between 2012 and 2014. Only one of those eight players (Michael Brockers) is currently on the Rams roster, and three are out of the NFL.
Out of the eight players the Rams drafted from the Griffin trade picks, only one (Janoris Jenkins) made the Pro Bowl. In comparison, the Redskins drafted four players between 2012-2014 that eventually made the Pro Bowl. They were Robert Griffin III, Kirk Cousins, Alfred Morris, and Jordan Reed.
The Rams traded the 6th pick in 2012 to the Cowboys for the 14th and 45th pick. They subsequently traded the 45th pick to Chicago who used that pick to draft Alshon Jeffery.
The Rams traded the Redskins 22nd pick in 2013 to the Falcons who selected Pro Bowl cornerback Desmond Trufant.
Griffin's comments after the Tampa Bay game in 2014 caused him to lose face with the fan base. Kirk Cousins endeared himself to the fan base after the "You Like That" quote came after the greatest comeback in Redskins history, against Tampa Bay.
Griffin is only one of two Heisman Trophy winning quarterbacks to start for the Redskins. The other is Danny Wuerffel.
5 Game Winning Drives
Part 12 was about who should start the 2015 season for the Redskins. If you want to have a laugh here it is. Since Griffin was still on the roster at that point he did not get his own page. He does now.
In Robert Griffin III, Dan Snyder had finally found his Darth Vader to his Emperor Palpatine persona. Just as Vader was Palpatine's third, and most powerful, apprentice, Griffin would be the third first round quarterback selected in the Dan Snyder era. And just like Vader, Griffin came from humble beginnings to become one of the most powerful individuals in his sport, only to have it all come crashing down.
Robert Griffin III was born in Okinawa, Japan. His parents were both sergeants in the U.S. Army, and for the first few years of his life he would live all over the western United States. His family would eventually settle in Copperas Cove, Texas where Griffin would have an illustrious high school athletic career. Griffin was a ranked #1 in the nation in the 400 and 110 meter hurdles as a Junior, and he amassed over 3,000 yards passing, over 2,000 yards rushing, and 73 total TD's as his high school's starting quarterback his Junior and Senior season. All of these accomplishments led him to be ranked the fourth best dual threat quarterback coming out of high school. Griffin was sought after by many schools, but he committed to Art Briles at......Houston? That's right. Briles had been the coach at Houston since 2003, but in 2007 he left to take the coaching job at Baylor and Griffin followed him. It seemed to be the beginnings of stardom as Griffin was named Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year in 2008, but Griffin tore his ACL three games into his sophomore campaign in 2009 and was out for the season. He was given a medical redshirt, so his sophomore season began anew in 2010 where he led Baylor to a 7-6 record. Griffin looked like your average spread option style quarterback for his first three years. And then it happened. Baylor's high octane spread offense, coupled with the Big 12's propensity to not play defense, led Griffin to gain almost 5,000 yards of total offense and account for 47 touchdowns. Griffin would lead Baylor to a 10-3 seasons, and Griffin would win the 2011 Heisman Trophy. Griffin electrified college football that season along with Andrew Luck, and the two of them were projected to be the top 2 picks that season in the NFL Draft. The only problem was that the Rams would end up in the second pick, and they seemed to be tied to Sam Bradford. It seemed as if someone would need to pay a king's ransom to move up to get that pick, and who better to give up draft picks than the Washington Redskins.
Two days before the new league year started in 2012, the Redskins shocked the world by trading up to the second pick in the draft in order to get Griffin. They gave the Rams three first round picks (2012, 2013, 2014), and their second round pick in 2012. Whatever the cost, Dan Snyder had finally found his Chosen One, but the Redskins fan base was skeptical that Snyder had once again mortgaged the future for something that would never pan out. One game into the 2012 season and all that was put to rest. Griffin's victory in New Orleans showed that he may be worth the price, and that the read option was a viable option in the NFL with Griffin at the helm. The Griffin euphoria would culminate in Week 6 as Griffin ripped off a 76 yard touchdown run to put the game away. Redskins nation was in a frenzied state the likes of which it had never seem before, but that excitement was put to rest when the Redskins lost their next three games. The last of those games came against a 1-6 Panthers team that led Mike Shanahan to make his infamous speech about the rest of the season being about evaluating talent. And then it happened. The Redskins crushed the Eagles in their next game, and shocked the Cowboys in Dallas on Thanksgiving that saw the Redskins score 28 points in the first half. All was humming until Haloti Ngata brought all of Redskins fandom's fears to life. Griffin was hit in the knee as he was rolling over a tackle in the open field and he did not return. Kirk Cousins came on in relief to win the game in overtime, and he would win the next week in Cleveland, but all eyes were on Griffin's knee. Griffin returned with questions surrounding his hasty comeback, but all of that was put aside when he led the Redskins to two more victories and their first NFC East Championship since 1999. It was still out of mind when he put the Redskins up 14-0 against the Seahawks in their opening playoff game; and then it happened. Griffin collapsed on the field and had to be carted off to the tightly held breath of all fans at Fed Ex Field. Cousins would come on in relief, but to no avail. The Redskins would lose the game, and it was uncertain as to how long they would lose their franchise quarterback.
Despite the injury, Griffin was named Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2012, and everyone was on pins and needles about his sophomore season. Griffin's motto was "All In For Week 1 [of 2013]", but again there were questions about whether or not he was coming back too fast. Griffin did not play in any preseason games that year, but he was the starter in Week 1, and the big question was whether or not he would be able to recreate the magic of 2012. The Redskins opened up the 2013 season 1-3, and it was apparent that Griffin was not the same dynamic player he was before the injury. The read option was not functioning due to defensive players not being as afraid of Griffin getting around the edge, and it was clear that Griffin had trouble avoiding the pass rush. Griffin would lead the Redskins to another 3-5 crossroads, but the Redskins took the other path in 2013 as they lost their next five games leading to Griffin being benched. Mike Shanahan called it a precaution to not have him get injured, but controversy began to surface as Griffin threw 16 touchdowns to 12 interceptions, and he did not rush for a single touchdown in 2013. Shanahan would be shown the door after the 2013 season and Jay Gruden took over.
Gruden had to inherit Griffin who was seemingly in decline since his illustrious rookie season. Gruden had relative success in Cincinnati taking a spread quarterback in Andy Dalton and turning him into a serviceable NFL passer, and Redskins fans inferred that he was here to do the same for Griffin. Problems arose, however, when Griffin dislocated his ankle in Week 2 against Jacksonville. Kirk Cousins would win that game, but he would go 1-4 over the next five games and be benched at halftime of the fifth game against Tennessee in favor of Colt McCoy. McCoy led a game winning drive to beat the Titans, and he would win his infamous Monday night game against the Cowboys the next week, leading a significant portion of the fan base to back McCoy over Griffin. Griffin came back, however, but he would hear chants of "We Want Colt" at Fed Ex Field and he would be benched in favor of McCoy in Week 13. McCoy suffered a neck injury that kept him out for the rest of the season, however, and Griffin would finish out the 2014 season with the Redskins going 4-12. Skepticism was abound about who would get the start in 2015, but everyone assumed Griffin would get one last chance to prove himself. It was shocking when Jay Gruden named Kirk Cousins the starter for Week 1, and we all know what happened from there. Griffin could only watch as the guy drafted as the insurance policy won over the fan base through the 2015 season, and in March 2016 he was released by the Redskins.
Griffin would be signed by the Browns two weeks later, and he would start their 2016 season opener, only to be placed on IR after a shoulder injury in Week 1. Griffin returned to start the last four games of the season, and led the Browns to their only win that season, but even Cleveland had seen enough of Griffin at that point. He was released in March of 2017 and he has yet to come back to the NFL.
It is unbelievable that Griffin went from being the savior of a franchise to being out of the league all within four years. Redskins fans in 2012 stated that he was worth the price the franchise paid, and they backed that sentiment up with jersey sales. Griffin's #10 jersey was the highest selling jersey that season, and it set the record for most jerseys sold in one calendar year. It is hard to forget something like that, and the ghost of RG3 still haunts the fan base to this day. Everyone wanted to believe the hype because the hype was real. For the first time in forever the Redskins had a young player that struck fear into hearts of the opponent, and they were on the cutting edge of offensive schemes. All that came crashing down in that playoff game against Seattle, and with it went Robert Griffin's career. Maybe if Griffin had shown a little more humility, if he were a little more durable, or if he could handle adversity a little bit better he may have been able to overcome and succeed with the Redskins. But that 2012 season covered up all those deficiencies, and for one season it looked like Griffin and the Redskins were going to be the next big thing.
Fun Facts: The Rams parlayed the 4 picks the Redskins gave them for Griffin into 8 picks between 2012 and 2014. Only one of those eight players (Michael Brockers) is currently on the Rams roster, and three are out of the NFL.
Out of the eight players the Rams drafted from the Griffin trade picks, only one (Janoris Jenkins) made the Pro Bowl. In comparison, the Redskins drafted four players between 2012-2014 that eventually made the Pro Bowl. They were Robert Griffin III, Kirk Cousins, Alfred Morris, and Jordan Reed.
The Rams traded the 6th pick in 2012 to the Cowboys for the 14th and 45th pick. They subsequently traded the 45th pick to Chicago who used that pick to draft Alshon Jeffery.
The Rams traded the Redskins 22nd pick in 2013 to the Falcons who selected Pro Bowl cornerback Desmond Trufant.
Griffin's comments after the Tampa Bay game in 2014 caused him to lose face with the fan base. Kirk Cousins endeared himself to the fan base after the "You Like That" quote came after the greatest comeback in Redskins history, against Tampa Bay.
Griffin is only one of two Heisman Trophy winning quarterbacks to start for the Redskins. The other is Danny Wuerffel.
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