The Perils of a Hyrbid Quarterback

Associated Press/Evan Vucci - Redskins fans knew this moment was coming.

We've seen this scenario before with hybrid quarterbacks. They have the ability to galvanize doormat franchises (see Michael Vick and Cam Newton). They have the ability to electrify the NFL (see Russell Wilson). And sadly, they have the ability to get hurt more frequently than a franchise player should.

From a young age, a QB with Robert Griffin III's skill set is taught to use his legs to get out of trouble. When the pocket broke down in high school or at Baylor, he was able to use his speed, which dwarfed 98% of the players on the field, and run for a first down (or a touchdown). In the NFL that doesn't work. You may get a first down, but unless you slide, you're going to get walloped by a defensive player who knows that the only way to slow you down is to rough you up. This is why players like Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and Aaron Rodgers drop to the ground when the pocket collapses. They'd rather have another down, albeit at a longer distance, than a career threatening injury.

RG3 played on one leg in week 17. It was obvious then that he wasn't 100%. Hell, I don't even think he was close to 80%. The Cowboys, one of the most inept teams in the NFL, weren't able to take advantage of this. The Seahawks were. Once the Seahawks saw RG3 limping to the sideline after his second TD pass, FOX showed head coach Pete Carroll chasing down defensive coordinator Casey Bradley and pointing toward the Redskins sideline while shouting something. I wouldn't be surprised if he had said, "Number 10 is on one leg! Get after him and we'll win this game!"

After throwing that second TD pass and giving the Redskins a 14-0 lead, Washington wouldn't score again.

RG3 finally succumbed to the pain in his knee early in the 4th quarter. Media and fans were quick to turn on head coach Mike Shanahan, saying he jeopardized the franchises future. Some even went so far as to call for his job. That's nonsense. This is the bed you have to lay in when you have a hybrid QB. Everyone involved with the Redskins and who watches the NFL knew that it wasn't a matter of "if RG3 gets hurt", but a matter of "when RG3 gets hurt". That's why Shanahan drafted Kirk Cousins, a more than competent backup.

RG3 will live to play another day, but how many is anybody's guess.