A New Chapter: Robert Griffin’s Second Chance
You know the saying by now. The one that states “Everybody deserves a second chance”. For Robert Griffin III, his second chance at a successful NFL career arrived in a blur.
Vivid memories arise as Griffin makes his way across the stage at the 2012 NFL Draft. Memories of the Washington Redskins sending draft pick after draft pick to the Rams to take what was perceived as Washington’s franchise passer.
Things in 2012 got off to an incredible start. Beating Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints in Louisiana’s tough environment, steering the young team to a late season winning streak to make the playoffs, which included sweeping their arch rival Dallas Cowboys. Things were definitely looking up for Griffin and the team as they ended the season at 10-6.
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Which brings us to this present day. After being thrusted back into action against doctor’s orders in Washington, after being placed at scout team safety (which is a form of disinterest by head coach Jay Gruden), Griffin is now looking at one of the most inept franchises in all of sports to save his career.
Some may not see it, but I myself find it ironic that a young QB such as Griffin lands in Cleveland of all places to resurrect his career. The Browns have seen winning days as often as a solar eclipse and if Griffin is to climb this mountain and guide a franchise in dire need of success, the Washington days must become a distant memory for the former Baylor Bear.
Credit goes to newly crowned Browns head coach Hue Jackson. A guy who has coached Carson Palmer and Joe Flacco amongst others saw a winning quarterback in Griffin, despite what occurred in Washington. Griffin is talented. I know it, you know it, and if you’re awesome at being in denial, stop it at this very moment.
Griffin was misused in DC, regardless how you choose to view it. With the circumstances that were around RG3, there are not a ton of quarterbacks in the league who could have made lemons out of lemonade in Washington. Of course, a highly drafted player such as Griffin have little room for error.
So far, the Browns have provided mostly infants at the wide receiver position as they drafted four receivers from this year’s draft including first rounder Corey Coleman. Along with that, the Browns are trying to find the right combination at offensive line after losing two key blockers in free agency this offseason.
Not only that, but Griffin will rely on a running game that was 22nd in the NFL last season. So it isn’t as if Griffin is stepping into a tailor-made situation where success can easily be detected. It is a reclamation project that will take considerable time. Expectations should be, on second thought, there really shouldn’t be any expectations. Even with Griffin being a former high draft pick.
Griffin has a path ahead of him that has probably just as much room for possible failure as he had in Washington. The Skins were fourth in the NFL in Griffin’s rookie season in points per game and didn’t necessarily have much to work with. It worked because of Griffin’s scary talent.
So what can Robert Griffin III look forward to in his first season as the quarterback of the Cleveland Browns? A challenge. A challenge that Griffin is more than likely grateful for.