Andrew Luck or Robert Griffin III?
That was the question the Colts had to ask themselves before the 2012 NFL draft in April. They went with Luck, and the two quarterbacks couldn’t have had more different first games. Luck threw three interceptions against the Bears and RGIII took down the mighty Saints at the Superdome.
In hindsight, this makes sense as the Bears have forced more turnovers than any team in the NFL and the Saints are currently 31st in the league in pass defense. But at the time, RGIII looked like Cam Newton 2.0 and Andrew Luck looked like a boy who might have a rough season.
Through nine games, the Luck-led Colts are 6-3 while the Redskins have struggled of late. The Skins are on a three-game losing streak while Luck’s boys are on a four-game winning streak.
This is not all on the quarterbacks, obviously, but while Griffin was earning all the hype early on, much of it has shifted Luck’s way.
The Stanford graduate broke an NFL rookie record when he passed for 433 yards in a tight win over the Dolphins two weeks ago. That just broke Cam Newton’s 432 yard game last year.
However the reigning Heisman winner has been no slouch. Griffin has managed to throw just three interceptions thus far, and is tied with Tom Brady for the lowest amount amongst starters.
Additionally, Griffin has rushed for over 500 yards and six touchdowns, which would be more than respectable for an NFL running back. Still, Griffin is a pass-first quarterback who doesn’t need to scramble to be effective.
Luck has some wheels as well and he has rushed for five touchdowns and 134 yards.
Griffin is an amazing athlete and an explosive player, but still manages a high NFL IQ. Luck has proven he knows how to win games, and is off to one of the best rookie campaigns of all time.
Early on, it seemed the NFL was not ready for RGIII. His explosiveness and ability to make plays with his legs had defenses on their heels and unsure of whether he was going to throw or pass. Lately though, defenses have been catching on, much like they have for Cam Newton this year.
Luck has only gotten better. He had an awful game against the Bears and got roughed up against the Jets, but in every other game he has thrown for a combined nine touchdowns and four interceptions.
Luck has Reggie Wayne to throw to, who he does, more than any quarterback throws to a receiver. Wayne has helped young receivers T.Y. Hilton and Donnie Avery have productive seasons.
Meanwhile, Griffin’s top target, Pierre Garcon has played in just three games. Santana Moss has lost a step, Fred Davis is lost for the season and Griffin has no one to throw to.
Ultimately pocket passers reign supreme in the NFL. RGIII is a special athlete, and a very talented quarterback and I’m sure he will have a great career if he can stay healthy, but I think the Colts made the right decision drafting Luck. He is the best rookie quarterback this year.
With the Texans looming twice in the last three weeks, Luck will have to continue improving to keep the Colts’ very real playoff chances alive.
John Hilsenroth Jr. can be reached at minaret.sports@gmail.com.