Robert Griffin III lost another supporter this week.
Former Redskins quarterback Mark Brunell was asked by ESPN host Stephen A. Smith if he thinks RGIII is good enough to succeed in the NFL?
Brunell, who publicly supported Griffin once upon a time, responded with this:
"I do not," Brunell said. "From what I've seen the last couple of years - listen, he burst onto the scene and that was impressive - but like I said, he has gone backwards. It's not just his decision-making, it's his fundamentals. He's taking too many hits, he's quick to get out of the pocket. Last year was difficult to watch. Does he have the skill set? Yes, but we haven't seen it in some time."
Now Brunell is not the end-all-be-all on current quarterbacks. He had a great career and led the Redskins to a few playoff berths back in Joe Gibbs' return, but it's not as if what he says is football scripture. What is concerning for Redskins fans, however, is that Brunell is joining an ever growing chorus of people who know what they are talking about that are saying Griffin can't make it.
"There were a series of things that were wrong with RGIII, and it really starts with his fundamentals," Brunell told Smith after reviewing Griffin's game tape. "Unfortunately for the young quarterback, he has gone backwards."
Not everything falls squarely on the quarterback's shoulders. Fellow guest Damien Woody pointed the finger at the poor offensive line play over the last few seasons. For what it's worth, ESPN Redskins reporter John Keim reported that the coaches put roughly half of the 58 sacks allowed last year on the protection. This year, the line will have two new starters in fifth overall pick Brandon Scherff (right tackle) and 2014 third-rounder Spencer Long (right guard).
But Griffin still needs to improve his mechanics, get rid of the ball quicker and make better decisions in general. A lot of people don't think he can make those adjustments. Only one way we'll find out.
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