This morning’s newspaper story discusses quarterback Robert Griffin III’s start to minicamp, with some specifics about his focuses in practice, particularly throws while rolling out to the left.
Through four days of practice, all of which included lots of 11-on-11 team drills, the look and feel of this offense with Griffin quarterbacking is beginning to crystallize.
We knew coach Mike Shanahan was going to run the option with Griffin and rely heavily on the keeper game for which his offenses are known, but now we’re seeing it for ourselves. The scheme showcases Griffin’s speed and running ability on many plays.
The Redskins’ defense has adjusted accordingly. After a full offseason with Griffin quarterbacking, defenders expect him to frequently keep the ball and try to escape the pocket. At the very least, they have to respect that. That knowledge has resulted in some busted plays because the backside defenders know to stay home and contain Griffin.
The Redskins, however, believe teams that don’t regularly practice against this offense won’t be as effective against it as Washington’s defense is.
“It’s going be really hard for other teams and guys who aren’t used to it,” defensive end Adam Carriker said. “The first day, I was all over the place. Now I’m getting used to it a little bit. I can kind of get a feel for it because of what the O-line does. I can feel if it is a boot or if it is a run based on how he’s blocking me. Guys who aren’t used to that, and they’re trying to read the quarterback? Good luck.”
Griffin doesn’t mind the Redskins defense’s adjustments because it’s preparing him for all scenarios.
“Nobody will be better at it than [outside linebackers Ryan] Kerrigan and [Brian] Orakpo,” Griffin said. “Those guys know it, and it helps me get better, so that I know no matter what look I get, whether I get the edge, don’t get the edge, kind of get the edge, I can run the play accordingly.”
