Robert Griffin III could surprise the Steelers and make this a game

Predicting the Ravens to win is a bit much, but expecting Robert Griffin III to show up is reasoned:

Robert Griffin III has a chance to make the Ravens competitive in a ridiculously odd Wednesday game that starts at 3:40…because it’s 2020. There is a talent drop off from Lamar Jackson and Robert Griffin III. That doesn’t mean Griffin III doesn’t provide value in these kinds of spots.

In his last game against the Steelers, he was 11 for 21 for 96 yards passing. He had an interception. He does need to avoid that in this contest. However unflattering his stats were, it was good enough for a week 17 win with mostly backups playing. Just because it’s not the same doesn’t mean it’s not at least a little relevant.

We haven’t seen much of Griffin. Last season though he did get into five games. In total, he went for 23-38 for 238 yards passing. It’s not great, it’s not awful, it’s on par with backup expectations, however. What did we see from Griffin? Well, he’s mechanically sound and he’s about timing. He knows the offense and he understands what he’s striving to do. That’s enough.

There is a reason that neither Trace McSorley nor Tyler Huntley is starting this game. Griffin has experience. He knows the difference between not making a play and not making a bad play. Do you expect McSorley to be on top of situational football, to be thinking about down and distance, to be reading defenses, and to manage the game? Nope.

Against the Steelers defense throwing out, McSorley might as well be the same as the Denver Broncos going quarterback-less on Sunday. Griffin can manage the game. Avoid bad plays and get by. If the Ravens win it probably won’t be because they had a difference-making quarterback.

It very well could be though, that the Steelers didn’t make the game-changing plays because of inept quarterback play. That’s all the Ravens can ask for. Griffin can’t lose it for them.  With the bar set so remarkably low, a surprise sounds likely. Remember, John Harbaugh and the Ravens really like RG3. He’s not a guy you build the team around, but he’s a guy you ask to get you through pinches like this.

The bottom line:

Robert Griffin III gives the Ravens a chance to go into this game with some level of confidence. Do they go in there kicking and screaming and all that? Do they go in with unwavering confidence? Nope. They go into a game just trying to make it one. Griffin can help them do that.

The Ravens have a chance. It’s not a great one. It’s not one that gets you all excited. They have to make this a game. This is what they have a backup quarterback for. This is why they kept RG3 around.