Fantasy Football: Why Robert Griffin III Is Worth The Risk In 2016
Robert Griffin III is going to be one of the most scrutinized players this season in the NFL. He is hoping to resurrect his career with the Cleveland Browns after a very rough start to it with the Washington Redskins. Cleveland head coach Hue Jackson is confident in his young quarterback, and that could be exactly what Griffin needed to get back on track.
During his tenure with the Redskins, Griffin’s head coaches didn’t seem to have faith in him. Jay Gruden, especially, always seemed to be looking for Griffin to fail.
According to a report from NFL.com, the Browns have named Griffin their starting quarterback. Jackson released a statement about why he made the decision to announce Griffin as his starter.
“It’s time. Robert has earned the right to be named the starting quarterback of the Cleveland Browns. Since he was signed back in March, Robert has made it clear through his actions that he is willing to do everything that has been asked of him to earn this role. Throughout this process he has gained the respect from his teammates, the coaching staff and the entire organization that is necessary for him to lead our offense and really the entire team.”
That is a glowing endorsement from Griffin’s head coach. He has had some ups and downs throughout the early stages of his tenure in Cleveland, but for the most part has turned heads. Griffin may not develop into a superstar for the Browns, but he is a much better option than they have had in recent history.
Throughout his career in Washington, Griffin completed 63.9 percent of his passes for 8,097 yards, 40 touchdowns, and 23 interceptions. It was never his arm that had an issue. Griffin’s career was derailed only because of the injury issues that plagued him each and every season.
If Griffin can stay healthy, he is more than capable of leading his team to the playoffs as he showed in his rookie season. Leading Cleveland to the playoffs would jumpstart his career immediately.
Cleveland has put together an offensive system that Griffin should thrive in. He has big-play targets in Josh Gordon and Corey Coleman to go along with a dual running back system that can wreak havoc some weeks. Add in a big security blanket in tight end Gary Barnidge, and the future is bright for Griffin.
There are very few quarterbacks that have the athleticism that Griffin possesses. He is more than capable of taking off on his feet to pick up needed yardage.
Bob Harkins of Today’s Pigskin believes that fans should temper their expectations for Griffin this year.
It has been a long time since the Browns were relevant in the AFC. They may not be this season, but Griffin is hoping to be a pivotal part of making them a contender once again.
Expect to see him come out and prove a lot of his doubters wrong this season with the Browns. He isn’t likely to lead them to the playoffs, but they aren’t going to be a pushover win for other teams. Griffin may be doubted by many, but he has full confidence in himself to get back to being a legitimate starting NFL quarterback.
Do you think Robert Griffin III will put together a good season for the Cleveland Browns? Would you consider drafting him to your fantasy team? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below!
[Photo by AP Photo/Ron Schwane]
