If Robert Griffin III sits out the Washington Redskins' game versus the Tampa Buccaneers on Thursday night, he will go the entire preseason without directing a single touchdown drive.
Griffin's transition from gimmick offense to pocket passer was fully expected to feature a few bumps in the road. What has had us concerned since the preseason opener, though, is that the bad habits in his footwork and throwing motion seem to have carried over from last season's return from ACL surgery.
Appearing on The Herd with Colin Cowherd this week, ESPN analyst Ron Jaworski confirmed, after watching hours of preseason film, that Griffin's mechanics have regressed.
"They have regressed in the fundamental way of throwing the football," Jaworski said, via The Washington Post. "His throwing slot, his footwork, his inability to remain consistent in that."
The preseason attention has primarily focused on RGIII's reckless playing style, exacerbated by an inability to execute a proper slide.
Jaworski is more alarmed by the mechanical issues and Griffin's rudimentary understanding of what it takes to succeed versus NFL defenses.
"Because you have to play from the pocket, you have to play smart," Jaworski added. "Bill Walsh said it best: You have to process information quickly, and that's really what the position is about.
"You know, every year there's hundreds of guys coming out that can throw the football. But the great ones can process information, throw it accurately, and with pinpoint accuracy, and velocity when necessary."
RGIII's struggles have been an ongoing topic of discussion on the Around The NFL Podcast. Whereas the offseason was filled with the promise ofa returnto 2012 form, the harsh reality is that Griffin is the rare franchise quarterback currently being outplayed by his backup.
On the latest "Around The NFL Podcast," the heroes preview the entire NFC and chat with Giants linebacker Jon Beason.
