RG3 eager to put struggles behind him
RICHMOND, Va. — After two years of turmoil, quarterback Robert Griffin III is at a crossroads, facing a make-or-break season as Washington’s starting quarterback, as many of his critics insist.
A 5-15 record as a starter over the last two seasons has put Griffin in a predicament almost impossible to predict after his 2012 debut when he led the Redskins from worst to first in the NFC East with a 10-6 record and was voted the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. ‘It’s been tough’
Griffin, 25, has been injured, ridiculed and benched by fans and media.
“It’s been tough,” Griffin said last week as the Redskins hosted the Texans for three practices. “I’ve had struggles the last two years. It gives you thick skin to know that, from my personal beliefs, God’s been setting me up for something greater.
“When I do rise, I’ll be able to handle whatever’s thrown at me because of what I’ve been through.”
Washington picked up the fifth-year option on Griffin’s contract for 2016, but the Redskins have a new general manager in Scot McCloughan. Griffin— not to mention second-year coach Jay Gruden — need to show significant progress this season because new GMs like to hire their coach and acquire their quarterback.
“Every year is important,” Griffin said. “If you don’t believe you’re going to win the Super Bowl this season, why are you even playing? I believe in our team. I believe in what we’re doing.
“I choose to believe that, no matter what anybody else might say. That helps me focus only on football and not on anything else.”
Despite a growing legion of critics that has bashed him professionally and personally, Griffin insists he wants to be a Redskins player for life.
“Best-case scenario is we win this year, and I play here the rest of my career,” he said. “Other people may talk about where I might go next year or after that or what might happen, but if I think that way, I won’t be giving my all for my team.
“I’m focused on this season and being the best player I can be every day when I wake up.”
Texans cornerback Kareem Jackson played against Griffin last season when the Texans beat the Redskins in the first game. He went against Griffin in three practices Thursday through Saturday.
“He’s very talented, and he can do it all,” Jackson said. “He can throw the ball or make things happen with his feet. He’s a big-time threat when he’s on the field.
“From what I’ve seen, he’ll help them win some games this season. I think he can have a great year.” Warm welcome in Waco
In the offseason, Griffin often returns to Waco, where he is treated like royalty for helping coach Art Briles turn around one of college football’s worst program. Griffin won the Heisman Trophy with the Bears, and there is a statue of him outside McLane Stadium.
“I’m treated really well, and I’m appreciated,” Griffin said about his trips back to Baylor in the offseason. “The fans know how hard it was for us to go 4-8 two years in a row and then go 7-6 and 10-3, win the Heis- man and a bowl game.
“It’s always good to get back to Waco and feel that love — not that you need to be loved all the time, but it’s definitely a much friendlier environment.
“When I come back (to Washington), it’s mostly business.”
If Griffin is going to experience success for the first time since his rookie season, he must adjust to Gruden’s offense. He knows he needs to concentrate on being a pocket passer, which is like putting an octagon around him.
“Whatever they ask me to do, that’s what I’m trying to do. So if they call dropback plays, I’m a drop-back QB,” Griffin said. “If they call on-the-move plays, then I’m an on-the-move QB.
“I feel more comfortable in the offense, comfortable with where I’m at and comfortable with the coaches. That’s all you can ask for.”