Robert Griffin III: Redskins' Creative Offense Will Keep RGIII's Success Going

The Washington Redskins have used an orthodox offensive scheme this season to maximize Robert Griffin III’s potential, and the system will ensure that he continues to flourish.

Griffin is a unique player, and attempting to make him adapt to a traditional offense would only limit the ways that he can torch an opposing defense. 

After mortgaging the team’s future in order to obtain the No. 2 pick in this draft, the Redskins were determined to make sure their new franchise quarterback was a success. They could not have gone about this any better, and it continues to pay dividends on Sundays.

The team is using what tackle Jordan Black described as a “West Coast slash spread-option offense,” via Mark Maske of the Washington Post. This scheme is a perfect marriage between a coach and a quarterback.

Head coach Mike Shanahan is well-known for his proficiency with the West Coast offense, but he has made important tweaks to incorporate Griffin’s ability to run the ball.

It has clearly been working. A quarterback who properly executes the short passes in this style of offense should be an efficient passer. 

Griffin has completed 69.4 percent of his passes for 1,070 yards, four touchdowns and just one interception. He has a passer rating of 103.2, which ranks fourth in the NFL.

But the spread-option part should also allow Griffin to rack up rushing yards. He is averaging 6.5 yards per carry while racking up 252 yards and four rushing touchdowns. 

In this last game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Griffin proved how truly comfortable he is in the team’s offense. He was put in the most difficult and important situation a quarterback can be faced with—having to lead the game-winning drive.

He got his team into field-goal range despite his headset breaking, as noted by USA Today’s Chris Chase. Griffin was able to orchestrate the offense and even called his own plays, per Chase’s report. 

Going forward, Griffin will continue to succeed due to the offensive system that allows him to take full advantage of his special skill set.