Can Robert Griffin III Return to Rookie Year Form?

Will Robert Griffin III ever return to his rookie form?

The Washington Redskins selected quarterback Robert Griffin III with the second overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, and they immediately looked like they had gotten a superstar quarterback.

He started in 15 games during his rookie season, throwing for 3,200 yards, 20 touchdowns, and just five interceptions. Unfortunately, he played a reckless brand of football and got a bit banged up throughout the course of the season. Despite that, it didn’t appear to be too serious and it definitely didn’t appear that just two short years later he would be struggling to stay on the field and as the starting quarterback.

Over the last two years, Griffin has been dealing with some confidence issues remaining from his torn ACL, and he suffered a gruesome ankle dislocation earlier this season as well. The Redskins gave Kirk Cousins the first chance to start and he was unable to take advantage, but third-string quarterback Colt McCoy came in and played extremely well in his short time as the starter.

“Can’t really worry about the negativity that’s swirling around. Someday that’ll stop. I truly believe that.” – Robert Griffin III

Now that the disappointment and unrest has begun in the Redskins’ organization, can Griffin turn things back around and return to his rookie season form?

Quite simply, the answer to that question is just about as complicated as it can get. First of all, the injuries that Griffin has sustained over the last couple of years are going to be a major factor. Secondly, he still has the natural athletic ability to get back to playing at a high level. Thirdly, he has the competitive attitude of a winner and that will help him moving forward as well.

What do those three points mean?

Griffin’s torn ACL is going to be something that haunts him for the rest of his career, and he has been toning down his playmaking ability. He used to be a quarterback that would take off running and play a fearless style of football, but those days are now gone. Now, he is more of a pocket passer that can get outside of the pocket and make some plays, but has been taught to get down or out of bounds when he sees a hit coming.

Nov 2, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) scrambles against the Minnesota Vikings in the first quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 29-26. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /

As for his athletic ability, he will be just fine when he does decide to make a play. He still possesses the same ability outside of having the wear and tear of injuries on his body. Washington knows that he still can be the player that he once was as far as his athleticism is concerned, but it’s all about his confidence now.

His history of winning is something that will help him moving forward. Griffin has experienced success at every level, and he knows what it takes to be a great player. The Redskins have put together a lot of talent around him on the offensive side of the football, and if he plays confidently he has more than enough talent to turn things back around.

It’s hard to predict whether or not a player will turn things around, but in this case Griffin definitely can if he puts his mind to it and gets back to playing as a more careful playmaker. He’ll need to figure out the fine balance between being primarily a passer and making plays with his legs.

At just 24 years of age, he has plenty of time to turn things back around and has already proved that he can play at a high level in the NFL. He has a very powerful arm, and possesses the athletic ability to get outside of the pocket and extend plays. Griffin will likely never have the type of fearless game that he had on the ground in his rookie year, but he still has the same arm and is more than capable of getting that back.

To answer the question of whether or not he can get back to his rookie season form, there are two answers. Yes, he can get back to being the quarterback that he was as far as his arm and throwing the football. No, he will never be the playmaker that stretched defenses out with his ability to run and made plays out of nothing due to his hard running style.

There has been a learning curve for Griffin as he has struggled to adapt to his new game and how he has to play to stay healthy. He is still a very good quarterback, and the Redskins still view him as their franchise quarterback at this point in time.

Expect to see Griffin continue improving over the next year or two, and to get his arm back to the way that it was during his rookie year. The Redskins need to bring in a bit more talent on the defensive side of the football, but they aren’t too far from being able to contend for a playoff spot.

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