A year ago, the Eagles had the most advantageous quarterback scenario in the NFL. They had an MVP caliber player in the resurgence of Michael Vick alongside a player viewed by many as a future annual Pro Bowler in the embryonic Kevin Kolb. Andy Reid has been credited many times with his ability to mold quarterbacks. I mean, some critics of Donovan McNabb claim that he was no more than a worn out napkin without the presence of Andy Reid and his ‘run and gun’ offense. Other critics (me included) view McNabb as an undervalued asset for the majority of his career. But that’s beside the point. The NFL’s Miami Heat, err, Dream Team, ehh…definition of mediocrity, 8-8 Philadelphia Eagles need to take a long, hard and serious look at Robert Griffin III – a phenom that could change their city’s terrible (insert word of playoff blunders and mishaps here).
Having produced an electrifying career, filled with scrambling, deep bombs, big wins and NFL superstardom, Michael Vick is not the long term solution in Philadelphia, despite what his contract may state. Vick, who will turn 32 this summer, battled through a 2011-2012 season where he had extreme difficulties staying on the field for the Eagles. His reckless style leads him to be a target for defenses, more or less a tackling dummy with a $100 bill stapled to his forehead. The argument stands – Michael Vick’s two years in prison makes him only 30 in NFL years. I see it a bit differently. I see a 32 year old quarterback, especially one who takes as many hits as him, as a 32 year old quarterback. Vick has strong years ahead, no doubt about that, but the Eagles need a 10 year future, not a 3 year future. In the same precarious position, the Colts are going to take Andrew Luck, which is why the Eagles should take a leap and go with Robert Griffin III.
Let’s commence the argument with a discussion of pure dimensions. Robert Griffin is taller (6’2”), bigger (223 lbs) and almost as fast as Vick. His 40 yard dash time of 4.41 made him the second faster quarterback in history. The fastest (?) – Yeah, Mike Vick. But Griffin remains ultra-uber-mega talented. There is a chance that no one in the NFL has ever quite seen a talent like Robert enter the league at the quarterback position. He is mature and has his senses about him. He handles the media well and is always well-spoken. He was a scholar athlete at Baylor and is going back for a Master’s degree in Communication (in an era where many NFL players don’t finish undergrad degrees). Griffin played for a Baylor program that has been the pooper scooper of the Big 12 for some time. He was recruited throughout the country my major programs, but was only given the chance to play quarterback by coach Art Briles, whom he followed in his commitment from Houston to Baylor. At Baylor, he transformed the program, whereas by his final season he led the Bears to a 10 win season and a bowl victory over Washington –in the process put up gaudy statistics. In comparison, Griffin saw 4 years of action to Vick’s 2 at Virginia Tech. Griffin posted a completion percentage north of 70% in 2011, where Michael Vick never eclipsed 60% at Virginia Tech (and has only done it once in the NFL – during 2010 where he made only 12 starts). Vick entered the NFL as a 21 year old (20 when drafted), while Griffin enters the league as a 22 year old veteran. The second best quarterback in Vick’s class was Drew Brees –taken with the first overall pick (of the 2nd round). The second best quarterback in Griffin’s class, is… well, Griffin. He is behind a fellow quarterback from Stanford named Andrew Luck, who is the slam dunk first overall pick (and slam dunk hall of famer in the minds of some). The pressure isn’t on Griffin. He has the chance to be the exception. He has the chance to be the one who was snubbed.
This has been a lot of Vick vs. Griffin, with a lot of points made against Mr. Vick himself. It wasn’t my intent. Michael Vick has had to overcome a lot to get where he is in his professional career and what he accomplished in a year and a half in Philly was fun to watch, but when thinking Super Bowls and longevity of a franchise, the answer lies in Griffin. Under Andy Reid (which dear god, Philly must keep him at the helm), Griffin can flourish. He could be the best in the league. He seems almost like a perfect puzzle put together of the best quarterbacks in the NFL today. If anything, he is an Aaron Rodgers type who is more elusive, faster overall and with more experience coming out of college.
Griffin will be a star. The only thing holding him back from greatness is his bountiful list of gifts outside of football. Griffin has the intelligence of a Manning (bit of a stretch), the accuracy of a Brees (again, a tad of a stretch) and the speed and agility of a Vick (close, but same story). The fun part lies in the fact that he is one player. One quarterback. Anyone in the league would be lucky to have him on their roster. He should be like Ricky Williams (from a draft position, not a NFL career), where as any team should sell the ship for him. Trade everything.
Eagles, I know you have assembled a “dream team” of talent – but instead of using it to try and finish above .500, use it to acquire Griffin. We already know you met with Griffin. He was a nice guy right? Send Asomugha, Jackson, draft picks, whatever. The Rams are sitting by the phone. So do it. The worst case scenario for picking in the number 2 slot, is that you might be stuck with Andrew Luck…
Troy Klongerbo Griffin III
No comments:
Post a Comment