Robert Griffin III already is the team’s first-string quarterback — Shanahan said so Sunday. Now Shanahan has embarked on the process of tailoring the offense to Griffin’s scintillating skill set.
“One thing that the NFL is not used to is a quarterback with his type of speed and his type of throwing ability,” Shanahan said, twinkle in his eye. “I think we can do some things that people haven’t done.”
Shanahan gushed about Griffin’s combination of elite speed and arm strength. Griffin already is ahead of the schedule at which he should learn the playbook, Shanahan said. He envisions a game-changing player who will challenge defenses in unprecedented ways.
“I really believe he can make any throw on the field,” Shanahan said. “He does a great job in the pocket looking downfield, not looking at the rush. No. 2, he fits into our system perfectly because we like to run play-action, quarterback keeps, bootlegs. With his speed, he can get on the edge and do things most quarterbacks can’t do.”
Griffin's rushing yards make him an interesting fantasy prospect in his rookie season. Keep in mind that he's not nearly as big as Cam Newton, so he won't be used in the same way around the goal line (which is what made Newton such a fantasy force in 2011).