Yeah, could you imagine being the team owner and this freak was the (monstrously-ugly) “face of the franchiseâ€â€¦
In the past 10-15 years, I’d say this is the worst year for the “Great Black Quarterback Experiment†I can remember…
EJ Manual (mid-1[SUP]st[/SUP] round in 2013) was given up for dead after 14 starts in favor of the formerly-retired Kyle Orton. He’ll likely be cut this off-season.
Geno Smith (early 2[SUP]nd[/SUP] round in 2013) has been pulled repeatedly in favor of 34-year old has-been, Michael Vick. Nolan Nawrocki, the writer who was accused of “racism†for penning perhaps the most scathing review of a black player ever written when he questioned every single aspect of Smith's play/character (prior to the 2013 draft), must feel some vindication in the wake of Smith’s disgraceful showings.
Cam Newton, now in his 4[SUP]th[/SUP] season, has regressed by every conceivable measure. Or maybe he’s been figured out? Last year was their only playoff appearance, in which they were easily defeated by the 49ers. His running ability is now non-existent, he has bad instincts in the pocket, he’s an erratic passer, he takes countless sacks, he has poor body language/leadership on the field, and he’s bad with the media. I’m not saying it’s over for Newton, but if his poor play continues into next season, he might be the next quotablack on the chopping block.
Like Newton, Colin Kaepernick’s play has been abysmal at times this season, but given his past success and new contract, I wouldn’t expect him to be benched unless his play drops off dramatically and for a long period of time.
Robert Griffin’s stupendous fall from grace has been the most surprising and the most entertaining of all. When RGIII came into the league, he seemed like a nice, humble player with good leadership skill who was great as a rookie. Since then, RGIII’s attitude has done a 180, he’s been injured countless times, repeatedly put his foot in his mouth during interviews, Mike Shannahan was fired because their incessant clashing, new coach, Jay Gruden, has publicly criticized him in ways I’ve never seen before, and now it’s inconceivable to think that RGIII will be in Washington after this season. Who would want this guy? He’s fragile, he can’t run, he can’t throw, he can’t read defenses, his leadership skills are atrocious, he’s a locker room cancer (he wasn’t even voted a team captain), he bickers with the coaching staff, etc. After his benching was announced this week, ESPN's Jon Anderson kept calling Griffin
“RG 3[SUP]rd[/SUP] Stringer,†laughing at him and uttering some among other insults. There have been numerous articles written about RGIII this season, and I see very little sympathy from anyone in the media, which is very surprising given their investment in his success.
The only other starting black QB’s are Wilson and Bridgewater. Bridgewater is a rookie playing in a bad offense, so it’s too early to tell. Wilson is a Superbowl winner and while he isn’t the biggest, strongest, fastest, or the best passer, he can be very effective in his role.
Next season, if Manuel, Smith, and Griffin are gone and replaced with a white QB, there will only be four black starting QB's (Wilson, Bridgewater, Newton, and Kaepernick) left in the NFL.