Call it the Luck of the Draft, But Redskins Pose Far Greater Challenge Than Replacing Peyton Manning
The 'Luck' of the NFL Draft plays better for Anfew than RGIII.
Andrew Luck could not be stepping into a better position.
In fact, he’s in the best position of a #1 draft pick in the past 25 years. He’s under no pressure, even as he’s replacing a legend. He’s so highly touted, so similar to the person he is replacing, that fans and media are already giving him a two-year grace period to get used to the league and the team.
Robert Griffin, Jr., or RGIII, does not have that luxury, and as a result, the immediate pressure on him is far greater than it is on Luck. Griffin is with the Washington Redskins, which some pundits (incorrectly) peg as a team just missing one element from being a playoff contender.
Luck is also a traditional drop-back passer and his success relies on the personnel around him – line blocking, receivers and running backs. RGIII relies as much on his legs as his arm, and he’s going to be expected to make plays on his own. And the NFL is not exactly like facing the defenses of Texas A&M and Texas Tech. The Redskins – more like the Deadskins – were just 5-11 last year, and RGIII isn’t going to change that overnight.
He’s going to struggle, and it will be easier to criticize him for scrambling that it will be Luck for being sacked or throwing the ball away quickly or taking a sack.
Call it, well, the Luck of the draft.