Robert Griffin III, The Option And The Future Of The Chiefs

by Chiefs

It may be too early to proclaim Team Tebow a success. However, if the option-style offense that the Broncos are running becomes a trend, as the Wildcat has, then teams all across the league may not just be open and willing but, planning for this new offensive wave.

The timing couldn’t be better for the Chiefs. If you’ve spent any time at all watching Robert Griffin III (RG3, pictured on the left) then you can see he is Tebow on steroids (and that’s really not a fair comparison) and will likely be available when the Chiefs pick in late April.

But, I’m getting ahead of myself.

While Tim Tebow hasn’t proven yet that he can be the long-term answer at QB for the Denver Broncos he has certainly raised eyebrows around the league. This new found attention transcends the Tebow adoration foundation that has been in place since before he came out of Florida.

Yes, Tim Tebow can run the option and run the ball himself. He reads a defense… for the sake of the option… really well and can make split-second decisions about whether to keep the ball, hand it off or pitch it. The big question with Tebow is obviously… will he ever be able to throw the ball with any kind of accuracy?

What stands out about the option as a possibility for other NFL teams is the extra preparation it causes opposing defenses.

“I think it’s just one more thing for people to prepare for. It’s not like we went out there and did a lot (Sunday) but it’s something you have to scheme for, you have to prepare for and you have to be sound.” ~ Tebow.

That’s all fine and good for the Broncos but, I’m still not sure that Tim Tebow will ever be a long term success, as a QB, in the NFL.

Now, if RG3 was running that offense, I can see it working. Robert Griffin is a world class athlete. I’ve never seen anyone like him. What I really mean by that is… I’ve never seen anyone as good as he is. Yes, Cam Newton, Michael Vick and Vince Young play “like” him but, none is in Griffin’s league. Not nearly.

Mind you, Griffin can play in the drop back passing game that most NFL teams require and I believe he won’t have any trouble making that transition. But, Robert Griffin can do so much more than that. Robert Griffin is so much more than that.

I’m sure many of you who haven’t seen RG3 play are leary. Especially by the very mention of Vick and Young, you may have already categorized him and that would be unfortunate. RG3 runs to win when a play has broken down. He doesn’t think run first. The play that won #22 Baylor the game over #5 Oklahoma, he ran to his left, set his feet again, then threw to his right, in the corner of the end zone. He could have just gone ahead and taken a 5-10 yard gain on a run to the left side of the field but that would have left the game up to a field goal kicker.

RG3 is smart. He can zip the ball with accuracy. He can pull up and loft the ball long with touch. His play fake is great and he had a TD in this game with a killer play fake. He’s a humble kid too. He gave his OL first credit when interviewed after the game.

Griffin does so many things well. He eludes the rush. He can throw on the run with accuracy. He knows how to extend a play and keep the passing play alive. He reads defenses and has a fantastic sense of anticipation.

Griffin is an AAU track and field gold medalist in the 110 and 400 meter hurdles. His recent awards (and award nominations) include:

  • 2010 Semifinalist for Maxwell Player
  • 2010 Semifinalist for Walter Campbell Player of the Year
  • 2010 Baylor’s Kyle Woods Inspirational Leader

RG3 graduated seventh in his class in high school. He already has a degree in Political Science from Baylor and also wants to go to law school. So, this guy has plenty of grey matter that doesn’t go to waste. One positive impression I have from his game against the Sooners is he kept an eye on the sidelines the whole time between each play. Even after they would send in a play, he’d keep a watch until just before the ball was snapped. He’s very in tune with the coaches.

He’s loyal too. Prior to his freshman year, when coach Art Briles, who had recruited him to the University of Houston was hired by Baylor, he changed his letter of intent to Baylor, too.

Griffin is also experienced. He’s been starting since his freshman year when he started 11 games.

Call it keeping up with the Joneses… Broncos in this case… or you can just say the Chiefs are staying ahead of the curve. Either way, Robert Griffin would make an incredible addition to the Chiefs roster.

I’ve watched Andrew Luck several times this year. Griffin twice. At this point, I’d take Griffin over Luck or Landry Jones. Funny thing is, I was tuning into that game to basically watch Jones, thinking it was going to be good that I’d get to see Griffin again. Well, Griffin blew the thing up. Boy was it good to see Griffin. He’s so good I could easily see him climbing up the draft board ahead of Jones, as well as Luck. I know Luck is supposed to be a future NFL QB god but Griffin has more intangibles and a higher ceiling.

RG3, JC, Breaston, Bowe, Baldwin, McCluster and Moeaki. It would be unstoppable. It would also solve all the OL problems because, the Chiefs wouldn’t need one. :)

Robert Griffin III is a National Football League standout waiting to happen. I hope he happens to the Chiefs.

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I love the RG3 talk but he is not an option QB! he can make all the throws and given a few years will be a top QB. The guy can make a lot out of nothing. He only runs when its needed and is always looking to throw the ball down field...But when he does run he can fly!...You never want to run the option in the nfl if you dont have to because you dont want your QB to take the hits. The donkeys have to, thats all Tebow can do and he does it well but he will never put up major points when its needed and the D lets the team down...YES to RG3 heck no to the option!!!

I dont know why alot of you are saying if he is there when we pick. We are gonna compete for the top spot on draft day. Colts first of course but we will probably end up top 10 if not top 5. While I too watched and love OU vs Baylor and was very impressed with RG3 I noticed Landry was better than Matt Cassel too. I think all of the first round quarter backs this year are pretty safe picks. Here is the order I would pick them in if I were a GM. 1) Matt Barkley 2) Andrew Luck 3) RG# 4) Landry Jones. All four of these backs are more accurate, have better feet and have better arms than Cassel. All four would be an upgrade. I do agree about the hype around RG3 though the dudes worth a first round pick.

First we do need to address the line that much is obvious. Superman would have trouble passing with the protection the Cassel has had the last two games. However if this guy is available or we even trade up a spot or two to get him I would not complain. One thing to consider is the new rookie salary cap. The number one overall pick will no longer be a financial curse, nor trading up to get it. I mean teams no longer need to over pay for hope and promises. This guy is a potential long term difference maker even if Cassel was still around a year to two (as a back up).

I'm sorry, but you all look like lemmings. Where was all the RGIII talk during the "Suck for Luck" campaign? Cassel is under contract. If he's given time, he's a serviceable QB. Chiefs will take lineman in the next draft and we'll all be cheering Cassel again in 2012.

We talk about Pioli and the "new england way," but do we really think Pioli is stupid enough to not see that Brady is the reason they won the championships? Yes, Cassel won 11 games as the starter there with the "pieces" around him, but Brady is the one that won them the super bowls. I have to hope Pioli is smart enough to know this and take a top notch QB in the first. P.S. If he isn't, and we keep losing, i'm still going to waste my time here...

You absolutely read my mind with this article. I watched that whole OU game and he was beyond clutch...something I haven't seen enough from Cassel. I know that is only on the college level but with all our WR talent? And if Moeaki comes back strong? Look out. RG III could be the future for the Chiefs but I DO believe that Cassel returns and burns us another year. I'm sick of saying one more year and next year to all my buddys(none KC fans) then go on to fail again. I knew the Charles/Berry injuries were huge but a good defending division champ should put up a fight and we haven't. We are soon to be dead last behind the Teballers. So when is enough? When do we make a MAJOR, BOLD change to forever landscape this franchise? If Cassel stays and fails again next year....he better be gone along with Haley AND Pioli. I happen to actually like them all but Oakland and Denver are moving forward....are we?

Instead of suck for luck.. Lay a turd for Griffin the third The guy throws one of the prettiest deep balls i've seen

I've liked this guy since the Baylor/KState game. I remember wondering how good Luck must be if he's grabbing all the attention away from Griffin. I wouldn't complain at all if we drafted. Thanks for the article, Ladner! Great information about Griffin.

I know absolutely nothing about college players, I watch but to just enjoy the game, not who is playing. That said, does anyone really believe the Chiefs will grab a QB with their first pick?? Isn't it the NE way to trade down for extra picks? How do they address the OL or DL? I know nothing but I just do not see the Chiefs taking a QB, got Cassel under contract, Cassel is a Pioli/NE guy, will be healthy in 2012, Haley may be gone or another OC there. It all stacks up, at least to me, no QB in the next draft for the Chiefs.

@tm1946 With Pioli it is all about who is avaliable.

@tm1946 Pioli kinda suprised everyone with last years draft though so you never know.

He is someone to keep an eye on. Good call Ladner!

Agreed! RG3 Is a freak of nature an i would probably cry tears of joy if the Chiefs picked him up to replace Matt "Casserole". Hes a very good decision maker, i remember when Baylor played K-State he had more Touchdowns then he had incompletions, thats saying something!

like leading up to the game he did

He is by far the best QB I have seen in the draft in years. It is unfair to compare him to Vick and Young. He is an extremely accurate passer, which neither of those guys are. He has a rocket arm, and doesn't panic when the pocket collapses. This guy is the real deal. A franchise QB. I want.

He's impressive in interviews, very well spoken. Smart and physically gifted bodes well for his NFL career.

After watching RG3 play against Oklahoma, I was totally impressed. My only concern is whether he will be available when the Chiefs get their first pick. His play last night should move him up in the draft.

That's my worry too. He may be gone before we pick. @BluMax

@laddiemorse@BluMax I my opinion he should go before any other QB. Once the season is over and the true NFL scouts take over he stock will rise faster than anyone.

I'm an Oklahoma Sooner fan! and he absolutely beat us single-handily last night!! I've been saying for months now that KC would be a perfect fit for RG3. Just imagine him running the option-read with Charles in the backfield... It's like pick your poison defensive end! you wanna chase charles? I'll keep it. you wanna chase me? I'll give it to charles.. you don't think I can throw? i'll bomb it! he's a perfect fit in KC and i'll be Pis**** if we don't draft him if he's available.

@JustinSmith I don't often second guess Stoops, but i thought he should have kept it on the ground more last night instead of trying to show case Jones. The Ok off line was doing a good job of controlling the Baylor defence. The way you beat a guy who is hot like Griffin was last night is to keep him off the field. As for not needing an off line. Griffen has a small body and I doubt he could take a pounding game after game. Every player is unique in his own way, but Griffin is more like Vick than anyone else I can think of.

BearsChiefsfan 5 pts

I love the RG3 talk but he is not an option QB! he can make all the throws and given a few years will be a top QB. The guy can make a lot out of nothing. He only runs when its needed and is always looking to throw the ball down field...But when he does run he can fly!...You never want to run the option in the nfl if you dont have to because you dont want your QB to take the hits. The donkeys have to, thats all Tebow can do and he does it well but he will never put up major points when its needed and the D lets the team down...YES to RG3 heck no to the option!!!

Danny W 137 pts

I dont know why alot of you are saying if he is there when we pick. We are gonna compete for the top spot on draft day. Colts first of course but we will probably end up top 10 if not top 5. While I too watched and love OU vs Baylor and was very impressed with RG3 I noticed Landry was better than Matt Cassel too. I think all of the first round quarter backs this year are pretty safe picks. Here is the order I would pick them in if I were a GM. 1) Matt Barkley 2) Andrew Luck 3) RG# 4) Landry Jones. All four of these backs are more accurate, have better feet and have better arms than Cassel. All four would be an upgrade. I do agree about the hype around RG3 though the dudes worth a first round pick.

ArrowFan 205 pts

First we do need to address the line that much is obvious. Superman would have trouble passing with the protection the Cassel has had the last two games. However if this guy is available or we even trade up a spot or two to get him I would not complain. One thing to consider is the new rookie salary cap. The number one overall pick will no longer be a financial curse, nor trading up to get it. I mean teams no longer need to over pay for hope and promises. This guy is a potential long term difference maker even if Cassel was still around a year to two (as a back up).

nyr8rh8r 6 pts

I'm sorry, but you all look like lemmings. Where was all the RGIII talk during the "Suck for Luck" campaign?

Cassel is under contract. If he's given time, he's a serviceable QB. Chiefs will take lineman in the next draft and we'll all be cheering Cassel again in 2012.

ArkansasChief 28 pts

We talk about Pioli and the "new england way," but do we really think Pioli is stupid enough to not see that Brady is the reason they won the championships? Yes, Cassel won 11 games as the starter there with the "pieces" around him, but Brady is the one that won them the super bowls. I have to hope Pioli is smart enough to know this and take a top notch QB in the first.

P.S. If he isn't, and we keep losing, i'm still going to waste my time here...

Redfield182 22 pts

You absolutely read my mind with this article. I watched that whole OU game and he was beyond clutch...something I haven't seen enough from Cassel. I know that is only on the college level but with all our WR talent? And if Moeaki comes back strong? Look out.

RG III could be the future for the Chiefs but I DO believe that Cassel returns and burns us another year. I'm sick of saying one more year and next year to all my buddys(none KC fans) then go on to fail again. I knew the Charles/Berry injuries were huge but a good defending division champ should put up a fight and we haven't. We are soon to be dead last behind the Teballers.

So when is enough? When do we make a MAJOR, BOLD change to forever landscape this franchise? If Cassel stays and fails again next year....he better be gone along with Haley AND Pioli. I happen to actually like them all but Oakland and Denver are moving forward....are we?

TrappedInDonkeyland 244 pts

Instead of suck for luck..
Lay a turd for Griffin the third

The guy throws one of the prettiest deep balls i've seen

natasha2marie 92 pts

I've liked this guy since the Baylor/KState game. I remember wondering how good Luck must be if he's grabbing all the attention away from Griffin. I wouldn't complain at all if we drafted. Thanks for the article, Ladner! Great information about Griffin.

tm1946 183 pts

I know absolutely nothing about college players, I watch but to just enjoy the game, not who is playing. That said, does anyone really believe the Chiefs will grab a QB with their first pick?? Isn't it the NE way to trade down for extra picks? How do they address the OL or DL?

I know nothing but I just do not see the Chiefs taking a QB, got Cassel under contract, Cassel is a Pioli/NE guy, will be healthy in 2012, Haley may be gone or another OC there. It all stacks up, at least to me, no QB in the next draft for the Chiefs.

ArrowFan 205 pts

tm1946 With Pioli it is all about who is avaliable.

Danny W 137 pts

tm1946 Pioli kinda suprised everyone with last years draft though so you never know.

merlin_AA 191 pts

He is someone to keep an eye on. Good call Ladner!

JacobCrouse 12 pts

Agreed! RG3 Is a freak of nature an i would probably cry tears of joy if the Chiefs picked him up to replace Matt "Casserole". Hes a very good decision maker, i remember when Baylor played K-State he had more Touchdowns then he had incompletions, thats saying something!

JacobCrouse 12 pts

like leading up to the game he did

KingHate 5 pts

He is by far the best QB I have seen in the draft in years. It is unfair to compare him to Vick and Young. He is an extremely accurate passer, which neither of those guys are. He has a rocket arm, and doesn't panic when the pocket collapses.

This guy is the real deal. A franchise QB. I want.

Celtks 40 pts

He's impressive in interviews, very well spoken. Smart and physically gifted bodes well for his NFL career.

BluMax 135 pts

After watching RG3 play against Oklahoma, I was totally impressed. My only concern is whether he will be available when the Chiefs get their first pick. His play last night should move him up in the draft.

laddiemorse 205 pts

That's my worry too. He may be gone before we pick. BluMax

ArrowFan 205 pts

laddiemorseBluMax

I my opinion he should go before any other QB. Once the season is over and the true NFL scouts take over he stock will rise faster than anyone.

JustinSmith 8 pts

I'm an Oklahoma Sooner fan! and he absolutely beat us single-handily last night!! I've been saying for months now that KC would be a perfect fit for RG3. Just imagine him running the option-read with Charles in the backfield... It's like pick your poison defensive end! you wanna chase charles? I'll keep it. you wanna chase me? I'll give it to charles.. you don't think I can throw? i'll bomb it! he's a perfect fit in KC and i'll be Pis**** if we don't draft him if he's available.

jimfromkc 45 pts

JustinSmith I don't often second guess Stoops, but i thought he should have kept it on the ground more last night instead of trying to show case Jones. The Ok off line was doing a good job of controlling the Baylor defence. The way you beat a guy who is hot like Griffin was last night is to keep him off the field. As for not needing an off line. Griffen has a small body and I doubt he could take a pounding game after game. Every player is unique in his own way, but Griffin is more like Vick than anyone else I can think of.

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