Robert Griffin III’s injury woes continued during the Washington Redskins’ Thursday night home debut against the Detroit Lions.
Griffin was knocked out of the preseason game with a concussion, the latest in a string of seemingly endless setbacks.
Washington and their quarterback were looking to make positive strides on offense against the Lions after Griffin made a bold statement earlier in the week, claiming that he is the best quarterback in the league.
“I don’t feel like I have to come out here and show anybody anything or why I’m better than this guy or better than that guy. It’s more about going out and affirming that for me, I go out and I play, I know I’m the best quarterback on this team. I feel like I’m the best quarterback in the league and I have to go out and show that”
– via The Washington Post
Instead of production and signs of progress, Griffin was unable to showcase much at all. He exited the game in the second quarter on a play where he lost the ball on his own–fell to recover it–and Lions defensive lineman Corey Wootton fell on top of him.
Griffin finished the game completing only 2 of 5 passes for 8 yards and was sacked three times. Worst of all, Griffin was hit on six of his eight pass attempts and never could settle into a groove.
After the game, fingers were being pointed at the offensive line, head coach Jay Gruden and Griffin himself. Former Redskins linebacker LaVar Arrington did not hold back with his criticism of the team.
“I think there is enough blame to go around for the coaches and for the player, and for the players. It was bad up front. The offensive line was not up to standard. They did a horrible job of protecting Robert Griffin III,” said Arrington (via The Washington Post).
Photo by Wallace Barron
Former tight end Chris Cooley answered questions regarding how Griffin handled certain plays and his critique seems to point out that the quarterback should shoulder a lot of the blame for Thursday’s poor play and eventual injury.
“I’m going to tell you that it wasn’t great offensive line play, but it wasn’t like you’re going to have to get killed if you’re behind that offensive line… You have to be able to slide as a quarterback to distribute. You can’t just let pressure come into your lap,” said Cooley via The Washington Post.
Critics and fed-up fans also voiced their opinion on Griffin’ injury, taking to social media to berate the quarterback with memes and commentary.
Wait. Robert Griffin III was injured? I'm shocked……….I'm not shocked
— Brendan Machmer (@xMachammerx) August 21, 2015
The reaction to Griffin’s latest injury seems to show a growing number of people who–whether justified or not–are tired of Griffin. Arrington also spoke about Griffin’s mentality and the fact that he needs to play smarter football.
“The problem is that you’re trying to prove that you’re the best quarterback on every single down. That means to me you’re trying to show people that you have courage when you don’t need to show courage, you’re trying to hold the ball and make a play out of a play that isn’t there anymore. And part of being the best quarterback in the league is knowing when to hold ’em and know when to fold ’em.”
– via The Washington Post
On Sunday, Griffin was back at practice, with doctors clearing him to participate in non-contact activity. Gruden stated that Griffin looked good and that the team will continue to monitor his progress.
“So far, so good. He didn’t have any headaches or anything of that nature. He did a good job of executing the offense today. He hasn’t been totally cleared yet. Like I said, he’s got to still go to a neurosurgeon. But, we’ll wait and see,” said Gruden (via Redskins.com).
Trent Williams–who missed Thursday’s game against the Lions and was replaced by a struggling Willie Smith–also returned on Sunday (per ESPN).
Next up for Washington are the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday. Griffin will start that game if he is cleared by doctors.
Gruden says Robert Griffin III, if cleared, will start Saturday against the Baltimore Ravens. #WASvsBAL
— Washington Redskins (@Redskins) August 23, 2015
How do you feel about Robert Griffin III leading the Redskins? Is he still the future of the franchise or should fans and the team move on? Drop us a comment or let me know via Twitter. Tweet to @301whereimfrom
Featured image by Wallace Barron
