The first stage of the Robert Griffin III reclamation project is over after the ex-Washington Redskinsquarterback landed with the Cleveland Browns. That was the easy leg of this journey.
Now the hard part begins.
As Around The NFL's Chris Wesseling detailed this week, RGIIIneeds to be rebuilt from the ground up. To do that, the quarterback must get back to basics.
NFL Media's Jeff Darlington noted earlier this week that in an attempt to improve his mechanics, Griffin would begin workouts with noted throwing instructor Tom House in the coming weeks. House has worked with the likes Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Carson Palmer and Andy Dalton -- the latest quarterback to run Hue Jackson's offense.
Cleveland.com added that Griffin's workouts will start this week, prior to the Browns' offseason program beginning on April 4th. RGIII will then likely return to work with House in the down time between minicamp and training camp in July.
House is often labeled a "QB guru" by us in the media. That's a bit of a misnomer, as the long-time pitching coach is closer to a "throwing guru." House called himself a "rotational-athlete evaluator" in a 2012 article on NFL.com, noting the kinematic similarities between pitching, quarterbacking, tennis, golf, etc. On his Train3DQB website, detailing the quarterback program, House is referred to in his bio as a Motion Performance Expert who has "become a highly recognized arm specialist."
It's notable that Griffin would work with throwing instructor like House. It displays a willingness from the the quarterback to start over, in an attempt to revamp his mechanics -- both upper and lower body, where RGIII struggled since his return from injury.
Shedding old habits and being able to get the ball out of his hands quicker will aid Griffin as he attempts to win the Browns' starting quarterback gig.
Few quarterbacks can morph their game at the pro level. Griffin wowed in 2012 as an ad libbing passer who was dangerous outside the pocket. He then struggled to try and win from the pocket.
The road to change is littered with speed bumps, potholes and failed projects lying by the waste side. Griffin is at the beginning of that road and working with House can't hurt his chances of maneuvering forward.
