Cleveland, in its not-so storied history since it returned from NFL exile in 1999, has been a known graveyard for quarterbacks. By my count 25 different players have started for the Browns since 1999 and I may have missed a guy somewhere along the line. The last three seasons were the most ridiculous example of the Browns’ problems. Seven different players started at quarterback from 2013-2015. Seven. That’s an entire Ultimate Frisbee team.
If Robert Griffin III sees the field for Cleveland this season, he’ll be the 26th and I don’t have to tell any of you that has to be some kind of record. I’m not even bothering to look it up. If you add in the rookie the team is sure to draft at No. 2, it’s entirely possible the Browns will be at 27 quarterbacks since 1999 and, the sad thing is, at least most of the time they’ve actively tried not to suck it up at the position. If anything, signing RG3 is a perfect example of that. Last week the Browns signed Griffin to a two-year, $15 million contract.
S/o to my new teammate djennings_cav6 for giving me #10#DAWGPOUND pic.twitter.com/QQYOmCUmln
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) March 29, 2016
The problem with Griffin has never been his actual football talent. That’s off the charts. In fact, RG3’s basic footballing abilities are probably the reason he bombed out in Washington. He didn’t believe he needed to learn how to play the position at an NFL level. He’d never had to rely on learned skills before at any time in his life. Why would the NFL be any different?
4th quarter.
Game's on the line.
Blitz coming.Look what Robert Griffin III can do. 👇👇👇 #TBT https://t.co/IbSgphSAr0
— NFL (@NFL) March 24, 2016
It wasn’t at first, as Mike Shanahan designed a gimmick read-option offense that would allow Griffin to transition easily into an NFL quarterback. Only Griffen had no desire to do that. Two seasons later Shanahan was fired, Jay Gruden was hired, then two seasons after that Griffen was cut. After giving up their team’s future to draft him, the Redskins were content to let Griffin walk, albeit very athletically, out the front door.
After Brock Osweiler, Griffin was easily the second best quarterback option out in the free agent market. And while some may disagree with that and say a name like Ryan Fitzpatrick, I would argue that Fitz has topped out his skill level. That he’s a high-end back up who can start in the league. Griffin could be a franchise. All he has to do is get his head out of his ass.
One team wasn’t convinced he could do it. Once Osweiler left for the Houston Texans the Denver Broncos considered bringing in Griffin, but a report from Mike Kils of 9News made it clear that Griffin’s personal issues kept him out of the Broncos plans.
“…After making a few calls, (Denver Broncos general manager John) Elway was concerned about Griffin’s character,” Klis wrote. Elway never did express interesting in the former Washington quarterback…. (who) had several fallouts with coach Mike Shanahan, offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan and teammates.”
Now, reportedly Griffin has “grown” according to some outlets in his time as a free agent. Those reports were backed up by what new Browns head coach Hue Jackson said after the team signed Griffin.
“When I looked in his eyes, I see a young man who’s been kicked around a little bit,” Jackson told Sports Illustrated’s Peter King. ” When we talked, there was a humility to him. He took ownership of what happened to him, of what he needs to work on to be good. He knows he played a big part in what happened. There are still questions to address and work to be done. He knows. In this league, you don’t always get another chance like this. Here’s one.”
All that sounds pretty good, but just a few months ago Griffin left this “inspirational” note in his Redskins’ locker, that looks to me like he saw himself as a poor, pathetic little victim in the whole thing.
Robert Griffin III didn't talk to reporters, but cleaned out locker, leaving only this… pic.twitter.com/gOD0gSvHic
— Mike Jones (@ByMikeJones) January 11, 2016
He wasn’t. Griffin was the architect of his own destruction in Washington. He’s a super smart guy, but he’s been pig-headed and wants to play the victim. Coaching and honest criticism aren’t “hate,” yet that’s the way Griffin always took it. This probably isn’t Griffin’s last chance in the NFL. There’s every reason to believe he can hang around for years as a back-up, but it’s his last chance to be a factor. It’s his last chance to be a starter. It’s his last chance to be the franchise.
Is he a changed man? We’ll find out soon enough.
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