RGIII Impresses In The Battle Of The Rookies

by Dugald Skene

Opening weekend is always tough for rookies, not least the quarterbacks upon whom their respective franchises have gambled so much.

This is absolutely the case for this years first two draft picks, Indianapolis Colts' Andrew Luck and the Washington Redskins' Robert Griffin III. Two contrasting styles, it was always going to be interesting to see who would settle the quickest.

Conventional wisdom suggested that it would be Luck who was the more poised and accomplished QB coming into the NFL. Playing for a Colts team doing their best to forget the tribulations of last season, a trip to playoff contenders Chicago Bears at Soldier Field would provide the sternest of tests for Luck. And so it proved, as both teams struggled to get their offences clicking in the game. That aside, Luck grew into the game, throwing 23 of 45 for 309 yards, despite being picked off three times.  His more experienced Bears counterpart, Jay Cutler, threw for 333 yards on his return to NFL action after crashing out with injury halfway through last season. The final score of 41-21 to the Bears fairly reflected the performances of the individuals, but Luck showed clear talent and isn't the sort to get down after a single loss.  I see him leading the Colts to 7 wins this year, a distinct improvement on the 2 last year.

Robert Griffin III celebrates his first NFL touchdown pass

There were contrasting fortunes for Washington's RG3 as the Redskins travelled to the Superdome to take on perennial favourites New Orleans Saints. A far more athletic and faster quarterback in the mould of the Eagles' Michael Vick, Griffin showed that he is more than a fast runner, throwing to Pierre Garçon in the 1st quarter for a massive 88 yard touchdown, the longest for the franchise since 1988. His strong start was emphasised by his completion of his first 8 passes, finally finishing 19 of 26 for a total of 320 yards. He also rushed for 42 yards and finished with a final QB rating of 139.9.

There will be debate over whether the Skins winning in New Orleans was down to RG3's performance as much as the lack of head coach Sean Payton steering the Saints ship. Redskins fans will be happy though. A winning start, on the road against a strong Saints side who haven't lost at home since December 2010 represents a great statement of intent. With the Giants losing at home and the Eagles struggling against the poor Cleveland Browns, the Redskins will be looking at their division and eyeing up a playoff spot. There is still a lot to do, but winning is a habit and Washington have got it early.

Robert Griffin III Impresses At The NFL Combine

by Dugald Skene

In the run up to this year’s Combine, it was either assumed or mutually agreed that Andrew Luck represented the number one choice in the 2012 Draft.  In fact, it has long been considered the Stanford University quarterback would be the first choice in whichever Draft he entered since he first burst on to the college football scene in 2009/10.

What that has meant is that any other quarterback entering the Draft alongside Luck would always be second choice, and that’s exactly where Baylor graduate Robert Griffin III, or ‘RG3’ finds himself.

The great thing about the Combine is that players have the chance to exceed expectations and more eyes are laid upon the QB prospects than any other players as they are put through their paces.  Although most choose not to throw a football at the Combine (they tend to set up their own days when they can throw in comfortable surroundings and to receivers they are used to playing with), there are still opportunities to impress any potential suitors.

Coming into the Combine, there were a few concerns about RG3, principal amongst which being his height.  Stated at 6’2”, it was actually feared he was closer to 6’.  For any QB, that is pushing the low end of ideal quite a bit.  Most QB’s in the NFL vary in height but average around 6’4” or 6’5”.  The ability to see over the defensive line and down the field is crucial and every inch helps.

If RG3 could have exceeded expectations any more, then I’m not sure how.  He actually measured in at 6’2 ¾” (those three quarters proving all important) and with a background in track & field and particularly high hurdling, he is known to be quick but he clocked 4.41s for the 40yd dash, which is outstanding for a QB (the very best wide receivers do well to go sub 4.3s).

Robert Griffin III & Andrew Luck at the NFL Combine

However above all his physical attributes, his character and work ethic shone through.  With a military background, RG3 has the temperament and attitude that all the NFL teams look for in a young QB.  To have those qualities at such a young age goes a long way towards bagging a very healthy offer from the NFL.

Andrew Luck is a quality quarterback, of that there is no doubt.  What makes the ‘contest’ between the two top Draft picks so intriguing is their differing styles.  This, again, is where I think RG3 trumps Luck.

Luck is very much in the mould of Aaron Rodgers - he is great in the pocket, has all the throws but is not massively mobile, though more than the likes of Peyton Manning or Ben Roethlisberger.  RG3, on the other hand, is more what many are calling the ‘modern’ NFL QB, one who has the throws, has the arm strength but also has that ability to make plays himself and is comfortable stepping out of the pocket and light on his feet, much more in the mould of Michael Vick or last year’s number one pick Cam Newton.

Let’s not forget either that RG3 won the Heisman Trophy over Andrew Luck this year, the award presented to the best college football player (Luck also lost out the previous year as well).

All this may have you thinking, why is RG3 not the automatic first pick?  Certainly, he has done himself no harm in the past week and has probably moved further up the wish list for many of the teams competing for his services.  It may still be a foregone conclusion that Luck is on his way to first pick team the Indianapolis Colts, but there are so many other teams vying for young Griffin.  The question after this year’s Combine is who wants him most?