So we have finally arrived at the Top 10. While Andrew Luck was the top pick in last year's draft, and broke the rookie record for passing yards in a season, it was RG3 who really captivated the NFL last season.
He opened up the season in spectacular fashion, leading the Redskins to a shocking road win against the New Orleans Saints. In Griffin's first NFL game, he completed 73% of his passes, for 320 yards, two touchdowns, no picks, and ran for 42 yards. He never looked back. Week-after-week, RG3 dazzled with incredibly accurate throws, spectacular running plays, and terrific leadership. RG3 finished the year with 3,200 yards, 20 TD, only 5 INT, with a 102.4 passer rating, while completing 65% of his passes! Not to mention the 815 yards rushing with seven rushing TD. Very impressive in a rookie season.
Sure he had a few bumps in the road, as is the usual for NFL rookies. But clearly his bumps were few and far between. Another highlight came during his 6th game of the year, when he clinched the game with a 76-yard touchdown run, displaying elite track speed. Here's the impressive thing though. The Redskins started the season 3-6. The season looked lost, despite the play of RG3. Remember, this was a bad football team the previous year, and honestly the 2012 version wasn't so much better, besides the addition of RG3. Granted, Alfred Morris came out of nowhere to lead the backfield. But the defense was mediocre at best. And the passing weapons around RG3 were poor, especially when Pierre Garcon missed games.
But RG3 led the Redskins to six straight wins to end the year, (Kirk Cousins won a game late in place of RG3 to make it seven straight wins overall), and the division title. Unfortunately, RG3 completely tore his ACL in the playoff game vs. the Seahawks, and the Redskins failed to advance. I've already seen enough of this guy to know he is a stud at quarterback. He's not just an elite running QB; he's an incredible pocket passer, as well as thrower on the run. The only question mark one has to have with Griffin at this point is how he recovers from the ACL injury. All reports this offseason are encouraging, and it might not be ludicrous to suggest that he returns much like Adrian Peterson did a season ago. This kid has all the talent in the world, and I expect big things for him in year two.
Projections: 3,800 yards, 29 TD, 8 INT, 500 rushing yards, and 3 rushing TD
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