The Redskins are playing the Panthers this weekend, so there are plenty of comparisons between the two starting quarterbacks. This is supposedly the first ever matchup between the two most recent Heisman Trophy winners as starting quarterbacks. While Cam Newton and Robert Griffin may appear similar on the surface, in fact they are worlds apart.
Newton is emotional and on the field draws attention to himself. Griffin is more cerebral and deflects the attention to his team.
When he scores, Newton shucks off teammates and playfully pretends to reveal a Superman shirt, as if his ten teammates had nothing to do with the touchdown he just scored. Contrastingly, Robert rejoices with his teammates, and has even jumped into the stands to celebrate with the fans.
Cam bounced around to three colleges in three years, and then left school early for the pros. Robert enrolled at Baylor early (setting NCAA track records fresh out of high school), graduated early, and was well on his way to a graduate degree by the time he was drafted by Washington.
Newton left in his wake allegations of impropriety at Florida, Auburn, and Mississippi State. At Baylor the articulate Griffin carved out a legacy of community service.
When the Panthers went on a losing streak, Newton poured out his frustrations to the media, throwing others on the team under the bus. When asked about the comparisons with Newton, Griffin politely replied that he would rather be compared to Super Bowl winning quarterbacks like Aaron Rogers.
While Newton has outstanding ability both throwing and running, Robert has world-class speed as a hurdler, and speaks intelligently about the intricacies of reading defenses at the line of scrimmage. So far this year Griffin leads the NFL in yards gained per play: on first down, second down, AND third down. Unprecedented.
Like all NFL quarterbacks, both Newton and Griffin are in danger of a career-threatening injury on any play. As I watch Redskins games, I fear that prospect. I'd hate to see an injury take one play away from what could very well be a historic NFL career.
With the first pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Colts chose quarterback Andrew Luck from Stanford. Luck has shined brightly in Indianapolis. Since he and Griffin were the first two quarterbacks selected this year, their pro careers will forever be compared. While the Colts and Redskins made excellent choices, the jury is still out on the shaky Carolina franchise. Many question whether Newton has the mental fortitude to deal with playing for a consistent loser.
NOTES: Another reason to watch: the Redskins are breaking out throwback uniforms, that include helmets made to look like leather.
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