Should Robert Griffin III be considered a sleeper? He's been pretty dreadful the past two seasons, struggling with injuries and throwing nearly as many interceptions (18) as touchdowns (20).
But Jay Gruden says he liked what he saw out of Griffin in the exhibition opener. We thought he was a mixed bag; doesn't look like the same guy he used to be. But Gruden's endorsement is a reminder that Griffin's got plenty of talent and is better than the team's other quarterback options.
Griffin had his moments in the game last Thursday, unlucky to miss out on a 60-yard touchdown to Pierre Garcon (it was dropped). If he can stay healthy -- the big if -- he could be a credible passer, and bring some potential to the table as a runner.
That's one of the big questions with him. He doesn't have the speed he once did after multiple knee surgeries, and he may not have the confidence to take the ball down and run with it. And if he does, you have to hold your breath in hopes he doesn't take a big hit and get sidelined again.
But he's still a talented guy in a quarterback friendly offense, throwing to a solid receiving corps, with a capable running back to keep defenses honest. The NFC East doesn't seem to have any great defenses -- might not even have any good ones. The fact that Griffin at least seems to have his head coach's support is a plus, as well.
Not that anyone should count on Griffin having a bounce-back year, but there might be some value there as a No. 2. You know, if he can stay healthy.
--Andy Richardson
