Will Robert Griffin III push Joe Flacco to perform better in 2018?

The Ravens may have found their backup quarterback for the 2018 season in the form of Robert Griffin III.

After winning the Heisman trophy in 2011 at Baylor, Griffin would win the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award in 2012 with the Redskins. However, Griffin suffered a sprained LCL in a week 14 game against Baltimore. He would return to lead Washington to the playoffs, but unfortunately, he tore his LCL, ACL, and meniscus in a wild-card game against the Seahawks. From 2014-16, Griffin suffered a dislocated ankle, concussion, and shoulder fracture. He has failed to stay healthy, and thus found himself without a team for the 2017 season.

The Ravens have decided to give the once electrifying quarterback another chance. Could Griffin be the spark that quarterback Joe Flacco needed to step his performance up?

During the 2015 season, after a season-ending knee injury to Flacco, Baltimore signed Ryan Mallett. He remained the backup to Flacco for the past two seasons, but is now a free agent. In 2017, Mallett struggled immensely during training camp and the preseason. His struggles, plus Flacco’s unexpected back injury gave cause for concern. It was reported that the Ravens had interest in Griffin at that time, but a contract was never agreed upon.

With Mallett as his backup, Flacco knew he was safe. No matter how bad a game could go, there was no way Head Coach John Harbaugh would pull Flacco in favor of Mallett. Now, with Griffin behind Flacco, there is the possibility of such a move. Griffin is hungry to prove he can still start in the NFL. This should put a little more pressure on Flacco to improve his game. Flacco has been criticized for his seemingly complacent attitude, but he hasn’t had any real threat to his job security in recent years. Griffin, possibly paired with a rookie quarterback could really turn up the heat for Flacco.

If Flacco doesn’t improve this year, then it could very well spell the end of his time in Baltimore.