Sorry, RG3 will never recapture his 2012 stardom

[HogHeaven1983]

Before you all jump down my throat, let me defend my position.

Before the draft, most of us were in awe of RG3's 4.3 40 time and thought, wow, what a potential dual threat. And with a weak OL, it seemed to many that having a QB that could run his way out of trouble was a good idea.

Enter Kyle Shanahan that designed the perfect read-option offense for RG3. Have you all forgotten all the games in 2012 when the announcers and analysts were in awe of Rg3's "sleight of hand" in his read option and where the defenses had no idea who had the ball. Watching some of the great DE's in this league caught totally flatfooted and watching them actually stop running in the midst of their confusion on where to go to make the tackle. This did 2 things: 1) it effectively stopped the opponents pass rush and 2) opened up lanes downfield as the linebackers became frozen trying to figure out if it was a running play or passing play.

This leads up to the Ravens game where RG3's inability to learn how to slide or protect himself cost him partially torn knee ligaments (if you recall RG3 had a perfect opportunity to run out of bounds on that play, but instead decided to stay inbounds and fight for a few more yards). This was exaserbated when RG3 practically insisted he was ready to return when clearly he was not. And finally the seattle debacle when Shanny had brain lock and left a hobbled and ineffective RG3 in the whole game and he ripped his knee to shreads. This started the whole campaign of RG3 and RG3's father to "turn him into a pocket passer". The main problem with this idea is RG3 was never a very good traditional pocket passer -- so the whole reason we drafted him has now basically evaporated. RG3 has little to no "pocket presence" and he doesnt know how to slide in the pocket to create space to make a throw (its not instinctive to him and probably never will be). Put some pressure on RG3 and he starts running toward the sidelines (sadly he doesnt seem to be able to outrun linebackers anymore).

The truth is: RG3 is a near genius at running the read option (he only needed to work on how to slide and/or run out of bounds and not take hits (like Russell Wilson does so well). In terms of a pocket passer RG3 is only marginal (more like a 4th or 5th round QB in terms of talent/skill as a pocket passer). Honestly I think Cousins is a better pocket passer than RG3 and this was very apparent in the preseason.

Fast forward to 2014, I see myriads of fans talking about their hope and desire that RG3 can return to his 2012 form. Let me clue you guys in. As long as RG3 continues on this "pocket passer" operation, he will NEVER return to his 2012 form (which was enhanced by the read option system he was running.) If I was an opposing head coach, defending the redskins is easy now, you simply stack the line to stop the run and pressure RG3 (who is a terrible QB under pressure) and the redskins O will be foiled.

I know many of you might say that RG3 got killed as a read option QB. Honestly the read option protected him much more than him being a drop back QB. How many times did he get killed in the pocket in 2013 and 2014 (so far)? The only problem with the read-option was RG3 didn't know how to slide (get down) and protect himself before getting hit.

Anyway, go ahead and jump down my throat now.

[cowboykillerzRGiii]

Problem with the read option.. is if we use it too much the olb tees off on Griff regardless of him having the ball or not. Once you see your qb get rag dolled a few times you have to quit calling it.

I disagree with his pocket passing skills- and the jury is still out.

He is one game into a transition, for me thats not enough to make any solid conclusions.
Had we won the last game people wouldnt have to defend his play.. we lost so comes with losing is blame.

Coach would be smart to imploy some plays from the 49ers/seahawks as they took Kyles scheme and made it a pro ready offense.

[EA7649]

You have some good points. Robert might not reach the same stardom he had in 2012. But he is going to give 100% effort, to reach his true potential. He had a great recovery in college with his other ACL. He is very motivated. What else can you ask? Would you rather have a Jamarcus Russel who had the skills to maybe do something and didn't, because he didn't care?

Yes he needs to slide better, avoid unnecessary hits, embrace the read option more (Which I think he's starting to do), work on his pocket passing, (But most importantly, HAVE HIS CONFIDENCE BACK) With that I don't mean become cocky and run risking injuries. As Chris ey calls it "He needs to get his swagger back, he is a confidence qb".

But, I do think he is capable of being great.

[FLWSkin]

Yeah, you can tell his head is full of "I'm supposed to do this", "My instinct is to do this", "Fans will freak out if I do this" and "ESPN will be all over me if I do this". He's thinking too much, he needs to go back to trusting his instincts. I think he will be ok once he gets reps under his belt and Jay gets a better handle on what exactly Rob can do and make it all come together. The problem is, is that it is going to take some time, and for some reason, even though Rob works his ass off, gives 100% all the time, is willing to do whatever he can to win, people want to give up on him just like that. Washington needs some new players, but honestly I think the team needs some new fans.

[SKINS#1]

Other Redskin fans may have the same concern I have. I am not down on RGIII but I am not as hyped as some. Becoming a QB SuperStar with the ability to carry a team is extremely difficult and is a rarity. I would love to see RGIII become a QB SS but my concern is can you force him to be something he's not (A pocket QB)? I really don't know. I think he can be a Journeyman QB if he is able to use his talent as a runner and stay healthy

[fabe]

As long as RG3 continues on this "pocket passer" operation, he will NEVER return to his 2012 "read option" QB form.

Isn't that kind of obvious? Clearly if we're not running the option, then he'll never return to his read-option form. Not trying to sound rude, I'm just saying that your statement speaks for itself.

Honestly the read option protected him much more than him being a drop back QB. The only problem with the read-option was RG3 didn't know how to slide (get down) and protect himself before getting hit.

This is exactly what both Shanahans were saying. The read-option was protecting RG3 more than what people thought. As you stated, his problem was that he didn't want to slide nor go out of bounds. He ran like a halfback, in the sense that he always wanted as many yards as he could get, rather than just take what he could and get down before being tackled. Notice that I used all past-tense in this statement. I'm hoping that he's moved on from this.

Problem with the read option.. is if we use it too much the olb tees off on Griff regardless of him having the ball or not. Once you see your qb get rag dolled a few times you have to quit calling it.

I recall a player speaking out a couple of years ago, might've been on the Giants, saying that every time we ran the read-option he would hit Griffin, even if he handed the ball off.

He is one game into a transition, for me thats not enough to make any solid conclusions.
Had we won the last game people wouldnt have to defend his play.. we lost so comes with losing is blame.

I agree with this completely. Also, I keep chanting wait until November before you try to ostracize the boy.

[hanburgerheel]

I agree with the OP and have stated a similar stance before. Griffin peaked in 2012. Thanks for the memories.

[HogHeaven1983]

Some good points raised.

I think it's simply a matter of maximizing his talents ... Kyle Shanahan was on the right track with the read option. THat was the perfect offense for him and he looked so smooth and comfortable (seemed easy to him). If he just could have worked on how to protect himself downfield on the few times he ran (run out of bounds or get down on the ground well before being hit)

Now we have a guy whose refusing to use his legs and wants to sit in the pocket and read traditional pass defense (never his strong suit). He just looks awkward, confused, and totally not instinctive doing that. Will he make some good throws on occasion, sure ... will he win a few games (maybe Jax?) sure ... but he's never going to be a Peyton Manning or Tom Brady. It's interesting to watch how those pure pocket passers can move around in the pocket to find a little bit of room to make a throw -- that is just not RG's ballgame.

It is sort of sad how many fans are hanging onto the dream of the 2012 version of RG though -- as long as this more traditional (pocket passing) offense is being run, that is a pipe dream.

I know the Skins spent so many draft picks on RG3 that they are practically locked into letting this play out until his contract expires. At that point some tough decisions will need to be made.

Well in any case, we can always watch those 2012 games on NFL Rewind and re-live the fun memories. Amazing to think what a flash in the pan RG3 might turn out to be. Set the NFL on fire his rookie season and then fade into obscurity after that -- it actually is not that rare of an event in the NFL.

[cowboykillerzRGiii]

Why is it so hard to believe that Robert will become a better pocket passer with the dual threat of extending plays with his legs?

2012 nearly ended his career so idk where you are reading about anyone wanting to see THAT version of rg.. we all want a hybrid. People act like he never made any throws in the pocket.. or that every big play was a read option.
Teams are collapsing the pocket on us 1. Due to our weak pass protection and 2. Bringing 5-6 pass rushers
No qb will be a true pocket passer if there is no pocket to throw from!

He didnt win rookie of the year merely for his rush yards guys.. he was accurate and protected the ball. We saw that vs Houston minus the read option that puts him in an even more vulnerable position to take hits.

Im glad some of you got this off your chest... Hopefully you wont be inclined to continue the bitching every week like a broken record. I already know he needs to win offensive player of the week to shut the talking heads down.. but can this be the last of the whining? Or is it non stop until sexy rexy vs 2.0 gets a shot?

Maybe at the end of the year you can saybi told you so and sit back in the delight that our qb didnt do well. MAYBE.

Did you jump ship on joey t his first year w gibbs after the 0-5 start, then jump back on after he won us a sb? Or was it love no matter what?

[Countertrey]

Why is it so hard to believe that Robert will become a better pocket passer with the dual threat of extending plays with his legs?

2012 nearly ended his career so idk where you are reading about anyone wanting to see THAT version of rg.. we all want a hybrid. People act like he never made any throws in the pocket.. or that every big play was a read option.
Teams are collapsing the pocket on us 1. Due to our weak pass protection and 2. Bringing 5-6 pass rushers
No qb will be a true pocket passer if there is no pocket to throw from!

He didnt win rookie of the year merely for his rush yards guys.. he was accurate and protected the ball. We saw that vs Houston minus the read option that puts him in an even more vulnerable position to take hits.

Im glad some of you got this off your chest... Hopefully you wont be inclined to continue the bitching every week like a broken record. I already know he needs to win offensive player of the week to shut the talking heads down.. but can this be the last of the whining? Or is it non stop until sexy rexy vs 2.0 gets a shot?

Maybe at the end of the year you can saybi told you so and sit back in the delight that our qb didnt do well. MAYBE.

Did you jump ship on joey t his first year w gibbs after the 0-5 start, then jump back on after he won us a sb? Or was it love no matter what?

I don't think he's listening, CK.

[FLWSkin]

They don't want to listen.

[HogHeaven1983]

Redskins bring back the read-option on the first play of the Jax game --- then he breaks his ankle on a simple sideline rollout play. Tracks stars are too frail.

Let's see Cousins!! I'm excited.

[SkinsJock]

another STUPID post OR just a STUPID opinion

[SkinsJock]

we are fortunate to have a good back up QB but his upside is nowhere near what we get from having a future great like Griffin

where do some of these fans come from

[langleyparkjoe]

HH3.. I agree, it will never be like his rookie season. I don't think we'll ever see a coach who would use those plays for RG3 as much as Shanahanananans did.