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.

Wild Card Weekend Day 2

Thoughts on the Sunday games.

Ravens 24

Colts 9

Adam Vinatieri's missed 40 yard field goal with 11:44 left in the 4th was the end for the Colts, who had every chance to win this game.

Colts - Bruce Arians being hospitalized due to the flu may have cost the Colts a win. Andrew Luck took a beating, and to his credit, he kept on fighting. Had Vinatieri made the field goal, the score would've been 12-17, and all the pressure would've been on Joe Flacco (a player who has wilted under it this season).

For this franchise to be in the playoffs in year 1 of the Luck Era is remarkable. Persevering through Chuck Pagano being out the majority of the season while receiving treatment for leukemia was one of the great stories in sports history. This is a franchise that has a bright future.

Ravens - The Ravens are a live team. With this being Ray Lewis' last ride, would anyone be surprised if they made a run to the AFC Championship game? They'll have their hands full with Peyton Manning and the Broncos (who should be a touchdown favorite), but if they play stout defense and run the ball, they'll be in the game.

The key for this team is having Joe Flacco assume the leadership role Ray Lewis is vacating. If Flacco fails to do this, the Ravens will never win a Super Bowl with him as their starting QB.

--------------------

Seahawks 24

Redskins 14

Russell Wilson and Robert Griffin III delivered. This was the best game of the weekend.

Redskins - A wild game for the Redskins. After opening up a 14-0 lead, they didn't score again. RG3 was clearly playing on one knee, yet Mike Shanahan continued to go with him until he got injured. Shanahan jeopardizing the franchises future for a playoff win in year 1 is asinine. There's no explanation that will calm the Redskins fanbase.

One thing I noticed during the game was the beating that FedExField took. By the 4th quarter the playing conditions were poor, bordering on hazardous (see RG3 injury). Dan Snyder needs to shell out some money and get field turf installed for the start of the 2013-14 season. If he doesn't, RG3's play will suffer.

Seahawks - The Seahawks might be the real deal. There isn't a Falcons fan on the planet that is happy about having to face them. Russell Wilson, after being down 0-14 (on the road), guided the Seahawks to 24 unanswered. The defense has to prove that they can do it against a QB who has two working knees and more than one weapon on offense.