Fans should not worry about RG3’s time in Washington
Current Cleveland Browns quarterback Robert Griffin III had struggles both on and off the field as a member of the Washington Redskins.
Current Cleveland Browns quarterback Robert Griffin III went from being a superstar in 2012 to a forgotten backup as a member of the Washington Redskins in 2015.
He looked like he was worthy of the massive haul the Redskins gave up to draft him, and bested both Andrew Luck and Russell Wilson to win NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2012.
Next came injuries and Jay Gruden, which resulted in Kirk Cousins becoming the starter and Griffin being run out of town.
But before Gruden showed up, Mike Shanahan was the head coach in Washington. Him and his son, Kyle, created the offense that allowed Griffin to exploit defenses in 2012, but also led to him getting injured.
An article by Jason Reid on The Undefeated explains the toxic relationship between Griffin and the Shanahans following the 2012 season.
Reid explains how Griffin called a meeting with the coaches following the 2012 season, where he had certain requests/demands.
"Griffin instructed the coaches to let him speak uninterrupted and rolled through a list of grievances, stressing that substantive changes had to occur immediately. Scrap the pass protection scheme and start over, Griffin demanded. There were 19 plays — primarily those from the 50-series and quarterback draws — that were unacceptable. Griffin, who supported his presentation with video clips of each play, expected them to be deleted from the playbook. Bottom line, Griffin said, he was a drop-back quarterback — not a running quarterback."
The article goes on to explain how Shanahan believed this sentiment was coming from owner Dan Snyder, who encouraged Griffin.
But it is hard to argue with Griffin’s actions, as he was being put in a dangerous position with that offensive scheme in Washington. The only problem was that he had always been a running quarterback, and had struggled as a drop-back quarterback. Also, he could have presented his requests in a much more professional manner.
This all occurred several years ago, so it is tough to still judge Griffin on those actions. He is now a member of the Cleveland Browns, and has made it clear he wants to be great again.
Robert Griffin III: "I'm working for perfection."
— Andrew Gribble (@Andrew_Gribble) May 18, 2016
He gets to work under quarterback guru Hue Jackson, who is the perfect person for Griffin to play under at this point in his career.
More from Dawg Pound Daily
- How the Browns could maximize Nick Chubb in 2023
- Can Deshaun Watson get to Patrick Mahomes level for Cleveland Browns?
- 3 Cleveland Browns who should see an expanded role in 2023 and 1 who should not
- Is Marcus Davenport on the Browns radar in 2023?
- 5 Free agents from Super Bowl LVII Cleveland Browns should target
His personal conflicts in Washington should not concern Browns fans, as that situation was toxic from the start. Drafting Cousins a few rounds after Griffin displayed a lack of faith in the latter, pitting ownership against the coaching staff.
Griffin comes to Cleveland as the favorite to be the starting quarterback, and does not have to look over his shoulder after every mistake made.
Jackson should be able to make Griffin the drop-back quarterback he has always wanted to be, which will keep Griffin healthy and help the Browns during the current rebuilding phase.