Washington Redskins Quarterback Preview

Robert Griffin III was drafted 2nd overall by the Redskins
(Al Bello/Getty Images)

After a nearly two decade long search for a franchise quarterback, the Washington Redskins believe that they have finally found their savior in the form of Robert Griffin III, whom the team drafted with the 2nd overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft.  The Redskins were forced to part with an unprecedented package that included three first round picks and a second round pick in order to acquire a high enough pick to draft Griffin.  Griffin, a product of Baylor University, won the Heisman trophy this past season as the most outstanding player in college football.  He has every trait that a team wants from a franchise quarterback both on and off the field.
Griffin possesses elite athleticism which he uses to elude defenders as a runner, and more importantly, extend plays with his feet.  He ran the 40 yard dash at the NFL combine in a blistering 4.41 seconds, has a 39 inch vertical jump, and even qualified for the semifinals of the 400 meter hurdles at the 2008 Olympic trials.  Unlike many mobile quarterbacks, Griffin also has the ability to make every throw.  He demonstrated his pinpoint accuracy during his senior year at Baylor by completing an astounding 72.4% of his passes.  He is also lauded for his quick release and his absolute cannon of an arm.
Griffin's work ethic and intangibles are considered to be among his strongest attributes.  He is an army child and had discipline and hard work drilled into him at an early age.  He stays out of trouble and doesn't party, drink alcohol or smoke.  Griffin's magnetic personality has earned him the immediate respect of the entire Redskins' locker room.  The veterans listen to him and the younger players revere him, an extremely rare occurrence for a 22 year old.
The Redskins' backup quarterback is Rex Grossman, who started 13 games for the team last season and has mastered offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan's offense.  Grossman is a very capable backup and has demonstrated the ability to move the offense and lead a team to a victory if he is given the opportunity to play.  Grossman's fatal flaw is his penchant for turning the ball over.  He had 20 interceptions last season along with 8 fumbles and single handedly lost a few games for Washington last season.
The Redskins' third string quarterback is Kirk Cousins, whom the team drafted in the 4th round of this past NFL draft with the hope that he will eventually become the team's primary backup.  Over his final three seasons at Michigan State, Cousins won more games than any other quarterback in the Big 10 conference.  He threw 3 touchdown passes in the 4th quarter of the Redskins' second preseason game against the Chicago Bears.

Robert Griffin III
(John McDonnell/The Washington Post)

The Redskins faithful have sky high hopes for RG3 who undoubtedly has the talent and desire to deliver.  The fans need not temper their excitement at the arrival of the franchise savior, but should keep in mind that he is a rookie playing behind an offensive line that will likely have trouble protecting him.  As long as Robert Griffin is able to stay healthy and show improvement through the various peaks and valleys of his rookie season, 2012 will be a success for the Washington Redskins.