Robert Griffin III had to learn the NFL was not all rainbows and roses sooner or later, and it is fair to assume the Washington Redskins are glad they got it out of the way now rather than during the regular season.
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The Chicago Bears gave the rookie quarterback all he could handle, sacking him three times in the first half, forcing a fumble and just brutalizing him throughout the evening. Fortunately, Griffin can take solace in knowing that the Bears are one of the NFL’s premier defenses and he doesn’t have to expect quite the same kind of punishment each week.
Unfortunately for the blossoming passer, however, the Bears did expose a shaky offensive line that more teams will look to take advantage of.
Griffin already comes into the league with a target on his chest, but an incapable line in front of him could make his first season in the league a living hell; thus why the Bears game will be a quality learning experience for the rookie as he prepares for some more difficult tests ahead.
RG3 showed flashes of good and bad throughout the game, finishing out the entire first half with 49 yards on 5-of-8 passing. He appeared comfortable in the pocket at most times despite the Bears’ fierce pass rush, but did scurry out of the pocket a bit too soon on a few plays.
Griffin will have his work cut out for him once the regular season gets underway, but these first two preseason games have likely done a ton for his preparation. The NFL is an entirely different ballgame from life as a quarterback in the pass-happy Big 12 conference and it is fair for one to assume Griffin has the talent and football I.Q. to adjust and develop into an exceptional pro quarterback.
The rookie quarterback has displayed great arm strength and accuracy—though with improvements to be made—as well as his stellar mobility, which will be a valuable tool when able to elude oncoming defenders. Now it’s just a matter of putting those things together and making them work in a manner that is successful on the gridiron for the Redskins.
For now, every game is a learning experience for Griffin as he races towards greatness.
Louis Musto covers the NFC East, NFL in general and pop culture at GridironGrit.com. Follow @LouisMusto and @GridironGrit on Twitter!
