Robert Griffin III already developing chemistry with DeSean Jackson
By Jack Maloney
After RGIII lead the Washington Redskins back to the playoffs for the first time since 2007 in his rookie season and won the Offensive Rookie of the Year award in the process, things have not gone so well for the franchise quarterback or the team.
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Struggling with a knee injury for most of the year, RGIII played in only 13 games and threw just 16 touchdowns while also throwing 12 interceptions. His quarterback rating dropped from 102.4 in his rookie season to 82.2. Plus, after running for 815 yards and 7 touchdowns in his inaugural campaign, he only gained 489 yards on the ground last year and did not score a single rushing touchdown. Meanwhile, the team limped to a 3-13 season and doubts began to be cast over whether RGIII was actually the quarterback of the future.
But in the NFL more so than other leagues, teams can turn things completely around in one offseason, and that’s what the Redskins are trying to do.
Signing DeSean Jackson away from their division rivals the Philadelphia Eagles was a big step in trying to improve on last year’s putrid outing. And even though the season is still months away, RGIII is already developing chemistry with Jackson.
"Griffin said he’s already getting into rhythm with wide receiver DeSean Jackson, who signed with the Redskins in early April. Indeed, Griffin and Jackson hooked up on a handful of completions during Thursday’s practice, the first session open to the media this offseason.“It’s there,” Griffin said, asked about finding chemistry with Jackson. “We’ve been throwing a lot and he’s been here for the majority of the offseason program. I know there was the big splash about him not being here at the beginning, but he’s been here since then.”“He’s a guy that’s so talented,” Griffin added. “And, like I said before, he’s got a wide catch radius [so] he can pretty much gel anywhere he goes. We’re excited to have him.”"
Jackson is one of the most talented receivers in the league, and as long as both he and RGIII are able to stay on the field, they should combine to form a fearsome duo.