Things have not gone quite according to plan for the second overall pick of the 2012 NFL draft. The man Washington hoped would be their face of franchise has become more synonymous with coach killing and season-ending injuries than his play between the hash marks. That being said, it has not all be negative for the Redskin’s hope for the future, and Robert Griffin III will look to 2014 as his defining season and a fresh start to a promising career.
Two drastically different seasons have defined the early portion of Washington’s favorite son’s profession; a rookie of the year campaign and a sophomore slump for the ages. Yet which Griffin III can fantasy owners expect in 2014?
Though he missed three games in 2013, Griffin III managed to finish 18th in fantasy points last season, yet he was 206 points behind the scoring leader Peyton Manning. The former Baylor Bear had five games with more than 20 points scored but consistency was an issue as Griffin III had seven games with less than 15 points. While Griffin III’s rushing stats protect him from his inefficiency in the passing game, the Washington quarterback’s 31st ranking on passes over 10 yards is a glaring red flag for fantasy owners.
If Griffin III cannot run, he simply is not as effective either in fantasy or actual football. When defenses realize Griffin III’s lack of vertical passing ability, they pad the box and take away Griffin III’s rushing abilities. This limits Washington’s offense and was a big reason the team went 3-13 in 2013. However, the Redskins’ brass was well aware of their young quarterback’s struggles and addressed the problem through free agency.
DeSean Jackson found himself the odd man out in Philadelphia, and took a short trip down I-95 to his new home in the nation’s capital. Coming off a career year in which he caught 82 passes for 1,332 yards and nine scores, Jackson will pair with another homerun threat in Pierre Garcon turning the Redskin’s offense into an offensive powerhouse, at least on paper. In addition to these two speedsters, versatile tight end Jordan Reed will create mismatches across the field adding yet another weapon to Griffin III’s arsenal.
In command of this high-powered offense is former Bengals’ coordinator Jay Gruden. Brother of commentator and Super Bowl Champion John, Jay Gruden employed a pass-heavy attack in Cincinnati that enabled Andy Dalton to eclipse the 4,000 yard mark in 2013. While Dalton is considered a better pocket passer than his counterpart in D.C. there is no doubt that Griffin III’s weapons far surpass those of the Bengals’ gunslinger.
What can we expect from Griffin III in 2014? The additions of Jackson and Gruden will shift the offensive philosophy to help RG-III’s fantasy owners, but does the Washington quarterback have the pocket presence and passing ability to succeed at the pro level?
The argument for Griffin III is similar to that of Colin Kaepernick and Russell Wilson, their legs are what make them viable. In his rookie campaign, Griffin III ran 120 times for 815 yards and seven scores on his way to a rookie of the year award. One year later, that pesky knee injury was slow to heal and Griffin III’s rushing totals were sliced nearly in half as he ran 86 times for 489 yards and no touchdowns. If Griffin III can find his footing he will again be fantasy viable, until then you have to pass on this third year quarterback despite the weapons around him.