Robert Griffin III's Performance Shows Criticism of Mechanics Is Irrelevant

Washington Redskins star quarterback Robert Griffin III has picked up some criticism over his mechanics in his recovery from a partially-torn ACL and LCL last postseason, but he's shown with his on-field display that such talk is simply pointless.

ESPN analyst and former NFL quarterback Ron Jaworski sounded off on ESPN's Mike and Mike in the Morning, according to Michael David Smith of "Pro Football Talk," on what he's seen from RG3 since working his way back onto the practice field for training camp and preseason practices. 

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“I was watching him throw the football — there were a few clips — and I was concerned in the weight transfer,” he said. “I didn’t see the clean mechanics I’ve seen in the past. I’m not there every day, I’m not a doctor, but he just looks a little different right now. It’s pregame, it was warmup, people can discount that. I’m just saying from my eye, I didn’t see the clean drops, the weight transfer, stay on that back foot, snap the hips, that I’d seen out of him.”

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He didn't stop there, as he continued on about his potentially-diminished mobility in the upcoming season.

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“I really don’t know what to expect,” Jaworski said. “His mobility has always set him apart and I’m not sure where his mobility is going to be.”

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Perhaps Jaws has a point about the mobility factor—although Adrian Peterson defied our expectations with a 2,000-yard season after recovering from a similar injury. But to question RG3's mechanics just seems irrelevant at this point.

Griffin is working his way back from an injury that was expected to sideline him six to eight months, per Chris Mortensen of ESPN. The surgery took place January 9, so he should be knocking on the door of eight months when the regular season kicks off.

No critics, especially one who enjoyed a lengthy career at the same position in the same league, should be surprised that RG3 isn't back to early 2012 form.

Griffin clearly isn't immune to injuries, but has proven his ability to excel despite them. On October 7 of his rookie season, he suffered a mild concussion and returned one week later to put up 138 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground in a win over Minnesota.

He also led his Redskins to the playoffs after his right knee was crushed by 340-pound Haloti Ngata in Week 14. Despite never being the same player, he still prevailed in a win-and-you're-in final meeting with the Dallas Cowboys to send his team to the postseason. 

Plus, his stellar 2010 and 2011 collegiate seasons—the latter of which resulted in a Heisman Trophy—after tearing his ACL in 2009, speak for themselves. He had nearly 7,000 passing yards and 77 total touchdowns in those two campaigns.

Griffin's track record is one of a player who has only upped his game in lieu of tough injuries. There's no reason to believe now, after seeing him emerge as one of the league's top quarterbacks as a rookie, that this time would be any different. 

RG3 has proven that he's a natural at the quarterback position. He has consistently shown that, when healthy, his mechanics are on point and his mobility is downright lethal.

No preseason workouts will change that.