Should Los Angeles Rams Take Flyer On Robert Griffin III?

How righteously poetic would this outcome be. With its irradiant glow of irony and just a little pinch of predetermined regret, this has all of the makings of a Shakespearian classic. 3 short seasons ago, the Washington Redskins did, well they did what the Washington Redskins do, and traded away a king’s ransom for the right to draft quarterback Robert Griffin III in the 2012 NFL Draft. How things have certainly changed, and now the St. Louis (excuse me, Los Angeles) Rams find themselves in the position to acquire the player that indirectly gifted them the opportunity to draft Michael Brockers, Janoris Jenkins, Stedman Bailey, Zac Stacy, and Greg Robinson among others.

As a side note, that may be one of the most lopsided trades in the recent history of NFL moves. Anyway, the Redskins have seemingly found their guy in former 4th rounder Kirk Cousins. Cousins has proven his starting value this season, leading a surprising Redskins team to an NFC East division crown and subsequent home playoff game. More over, its at least given head coach Jay Gruden legitimacy on his quest to dump former golden child Robert Griffin III.

Meanwhile, the Rams wrapped up their last season in Missouri. Aside from some flashes of brilliance displayed by rookie running back Todd Gurley, the Rams were, yet again, quite unspectacular on offense. They sucked, what I’m saying to you is, they were awful. Prior to this season, the Rams swapped quarterbacks with the Eagles, I mean Chip Kelly, excuse me. Shipping out very delicately packed Sam Bradford to Philadelphia, and in turn receiving surprising starter Nick Foles. There were no surprises from Foles this year, nor Sam Bradford either, but that’s neither here nor there. The fact is that Foles isn’t a prodigy and the Rams desperately, desperately need a quarterback.

For a few years, the Rams have sort of become the ‘sexy’ pick from preseason pollsters. Based off a strong defensive front and sometimes creative special teams, the belief is their oft-maligned offense could get just enough done to at least not harm their teams chances at winning. Well if that thought process continues, I don’t care if they move the team to Kathmandu, fans will continue to see underwhelming performances from Jeff Fisher teams. In fact, I wonder when Jeff Fisher most recently enjoyed success.

(Cue the obligatory dream sequence music)

Back in 2007, then coach Jeff Fisher of the Tennessee Titans took a team with a young duel threat quarterback to a 10-6 record and subsequent playoff birth against the Chargers. Although the following season, Kerry Collins returned to the helm, Fisher proved that he could most certainly win with a dual-threat QB, one with say Vince Young– like abilities. Enter Mr. Griffin III. There are few sure things in life, but we can safely add one to the list, and that is Griffin will not be back in Washington when the next NFL season starts. Although the Rams 15th overall selection isn’t oozing franchise quarterback status, Griffin could get the shot he so covets and the Rams will have a chance at a marketable offense for their new loyal following. There’s no question that Foles no longer gets the benefit of the doubt, there are still many who believe that given the right system, Robert Griffin can still produce at an elite level. On a Rams team where not much offense is expected, Griffin could sneak into Jeff Fisher’s system and potentially flourish. One must wonder whether or not Jeff Fisher would want to take on another project that Griffin has become. After the bizarre situations in Tennessee with the aforementioned Young, Fisher may have decided to wipe his hands clean of any player with certain personality traits or previous baggage.

Fisher proved that he could most certainly win with a dual-threat QB

Personally, I believe that Griffin could still be a productive NFL quarterback, if given the right opportunity or even a coach that a, like him, and b, don’t want to run him into the ground. Griffin took the league by storm in 2012, and not only was his individual game strong, Griffin made others around him that much better. Alfred Morris went from solid anonymity to bonafide star running back when Griffin was at the helm. Imagine Griffin commanding that kind of defensive respect to open potential lanes for Todd Gurley. Of course Griffin will still have to prove that he’s got it, but taking a chance on what Griffin may bring might be better than settling on what they know Nick Foles will bring.

There has been no real connection between the Griffin and Rams yet, most of those rumors have been settled around Dallas and Houston, where Griffin hails. Even if the team decides to use their first round pick on a quarterback, he’ll most likely be a development project. If nothing more, Griffin could bridge the gap between now and the future, at a much more team friendly deal.