Los Angeles Chargers Have a Key Reason For Considering RGIII
By Erik Lambert
The Los Angeles Chargers can’t count their lucky stars that Philip Rivers has been so consistent in his ability to stay on the field most of his career.
That has made the backup quarterback position feel less important, but it would be a lie. No team can ever predict when the main guy will go down. It often can come out of nowhere. That’s why it’s always a smart idea to invest at the quarterback position even if a team already has an established starter. Would the New England Patriots have started 3-1 last year without spending 2nd and 3rd round picks on Jimmy Garoppolo and Jacoby Brissett? Doubtful.
It’s for this reason that the Chargers have remained active in their search for quality backup options. That’s why they’re looking at Robert Griffin III according to Adam Schefter and other sources. It makes a degree of sense. Griffin has starting experience and is still relatively young. Sure he has a history of health issues but in a backup role he could prove quite valuable for brief stints if needed.
There is a method to their madness though. Turns out offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton sees some extra value in Griffin due to his particular playing style. He feels it could mesh quite well with new head coach Anthony Lynn and their offense.
Tyrod Taylor had another productive season under Lynn in 2016. Arguably every bit as good as his Pro Bowl campaign the year before. So understand the possibilities when hearing the Griffin is a bigger, stronger version of him. He’s got greater height, a stronger arm and may be faster too. Presuming the Chargers can run the football, which should be possible with Melvin Gordon then there’s plenty of reason to think RGIII can run the offense if needed. It’s not a bad idea at all.