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Broncos 2016: Why Robert Griffin III Doesn’t Make Sense

By Tylor Walden

Aug 13, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) in a preseason NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 13, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) in a preseason NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports /
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Broncos Robert Griffin III
Aug 13, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) in a preseason NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports /

Continuing on our coverage of free agency, I talk about how having Robert Griffin III playing for the Broncos does not make sense for the time being and why he would be a bad fit in Denver.

During the past couple days I have read countless articles on the potential of Robert Griffin III coming to the Broncos if both Peyton Manning and Brock Osweiler are not with the team for the 2016 season.

With Manning’s possible retirement upcoming and Osweiler set to be a free agent, the Broncos could be facing the fact on losing both the starter and backup when the 2016 season rolls around. And to be honest, there are not a lot of prospect quarterbacks that will hit the market this offseason.

One name comes up for the Broncos however. That guy is Robert Griffin III. The Washington first round draft pick back in 2012 appears to be on his way out of the nation’s capital. And his name has been connected to the Broncos.

Robert Griffin III
Dec 13, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) warms up before the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

While some believe that he will be a solid fit for the team, I am one of the writer’s who does not believe that he would fit the Broncos at this current stage. And I am going to give my reason as to why that is.

The first issue with it is that he is injury prone. I know injuries are a part of the game, but it seems like every year that Griffin III has played during his career, he has suffered some form of injury. I am not sure I would want the team to be in the hands of a player who cannot stay on the field.

To add on to the risk of this, the Broncos offensive line is not exactly the best when it comes to protecting the quarterback. They have had their moments, but this season, it was not good. The offensive line allowed 39 sacks during the 2015 season.

If they are going to protect their quarterback, then the Broncos need to focus on improving the offensive line. If they can do that, then I could be okay with Griffin III.

However, my biggest concern with Griffin III are two main factors. His skills as a mobile quarterback and his leadership skills.

Robert Griffin III
Aug 20, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) is hit by Detroit Lions defensive end Phillip Hunt (58) while throwing the ball in the first quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Back in 2013, former Washington great Darrell Green noted that he does not handle adversity very well and that he is not a true leader for the team. If you are unable to inspire and lead a team, that raises a red flag to me.

But the biggest thing that I have a problem with concerning Griffin III becoming the quarterback for the Broncos is his abilities as a mobile quarterback. First off, when it comes to his reads, he does not do a great job on that. If his first option is not available, he tends to take off and run.

Not to mention that Griffin III does not slide or run out of bounds when he runs with the football. If he continues taking those hits, he is just risking himself to injury.

To further evaluate, I will be referencing some numbers that I saw in a article written by Jason McIntyre back in September of 2015.

Robert Griffin III
Nov 16, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) leaps over Tampa Bay Buccaneers middle linebacker Mason Foster (59) and Buccaneers defensive back Brandon Dixon (39) while running with the ball in the first quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

The numbers I will be using for example for this article are his outside the pocket numbers. This shows a percentage of how often Griffin III has been outside of the pocket.

2012: 21.6% of the time (4th in the NFL)

2013: 20.3% of the time (6th)

2014: 21% of the time (3rd)

What does this mean? It means that in the three years he was starting, he was outside the pocket every fifth play. Sure, his offensive line might be a big reason why this is the case, but he also appears to panic when his first option is not available to him. He just tucks and runs. Not good.

However, I can give him a pass and say that perhaps the system that Jay Gruden ran in Washington did not fit Griffin III. Now, Kubiak’s system can fit well for him, but I think the most important part that Kubiak has to teach him is to look at all of his options before deciding to take off.

Next: Reasons to love the signing of DT Phil Taylor

And the most important. Please slide or run out of bounds if you are going to get hit. Now, the Broncos offensive line will need fixing. If all three of these end up improving, then I will say I was wrong.

For the time being, and until proven otherwise, Robert Griffin III and the Denver Broncos would not be a solid fit. Hopefully I am proven wrong if we cross that bridge. But in due time.

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