What's worse than being a perpetual loser in the NFL is being lost in the purgatory of the unknown.
If the Washington Redskins knew for an absolute fact that quarterback Robert Griffin III will never again approach his rookie year heights, at least they would be able to formulate a plan at the position going forward. But they don't know that and they likely don't want that. After giving up a "Game of Thrones" style King's ransom to draft him in 2012, they want him to succeed.
The 2015 season will likely be his last chance to show the team that he can be a franchise quarterback. Even though new general manager Scot McCloughan picked up Griffin's fifth-year option for 2016, it's highly unlikely he'd be with the team if he flamed out this season. Although it's far too early to tell anything definitive, the early reports on Griffin this offseason are positive.
"Griffin, for what it's worth, appeared a lot more relaxed and comfortable during his media conference Tuesday," ESPN Redskins reporter John Keim wrote. "It's always more tense during the season, but in 2012 he was charismatic throughout. The last two years have obviously not gone the way he or the Redskins wanted and he's certainly been under fire. But Tuesday we saw a return to the old Griffin, smiling and laughing and feeling good about the birth of his daughter last week. It was a good look.
"His game was about what you would expect for the first day working vs. the defense: A little all over. But it's way too early to draw conclusions about anything. He did have a couple nice plays, a seam pass over a linebacker to tight end Logan Paulsen (reaching up for a nice grab) and a throw on the run to the right to second-year Ryan Grant. Griffin did not throw any picks and, from what I recall, any missed passes were not in danger of being intercepted."
RGIII had arguably one of the most impressive rookie seasons for a QB in NFL history. Unfortunately, he has dealt with injuries, coaching and front office turnover and ineffective play since then. No one knows if he'll ever be able to regain his dynamic, playmaking form. Washington, desperate for a franchise quarterback, is hoping he can get things back on track in 2015. If not, the team will likely be replacing RGIII in the 2016 NFL Draft.
