Robert Griffin III Slams Steve Sarkisian for Punishing Quinn Ewers: “What the Hell Is Arch Manning Gonna Do?”
In a bold and highly publicized critique, former Heisman Trophy winner and NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III has publicly expressed his displeasure with Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian for his handling of starting quarterback Quinn Ewers. Griffin’s remarks have stirred up debate within the world of college football, especially as they concern the potential rise of Arch Manning, the highly touted freshman quarterback from the Manning dynasty.
The Controversial Decision
The controversy began when Sarkisian made the decision to bench Quinn Ewers during a key stretch of the season, citing his inconsistent performances. Ewers, a former five-star recruit and one of the highest-rated quarterback prospects in recent history, has been under scrutiny for his play, which has seen highs and lows during the 2024 season. Sarkisian’s decision to bench Ewers appeared to be a statement about the team’s offensive struggles, but it was also seen by many as a punishment for the young quarterback’s performance.
However, the decision has not sat well with Griffin, who made his feelings clear during a recent television appearance. Griffin, a respected voice in football analysis and known for his candid commentary, did not hold back in his criticism of Sarkisian’s decision to bench Ewers.
Griffin’s Outburst: Defending Ewers, Questioning Manning’s Readiness
During his remarks, Griffin vehemently defended Ewers, questioning the impact of Sarkisian’s move on the quarterback’s confidence and development. He pointed out the pressure that comes with playing the quarterback position, especially for a young player still finding his footing at the collegiate level.
“What the hell is Arch Manning gonna do?” Griffin asked bluntly. “You’re gonna punish Quinn Ewers, who’s been out there trying to make plays, going through growing pains, and then you think Arch Manning is the answer? This is not the NFL where you can just swap quarterbacks in and out like chess pieces. These are young guys, and you have to let them learn.”
Griffin’s critique centers on the idea that Sarkisian is overreacting to Ewers’ struggles and prematurely turning to Manning, who is still in the early stages of his college career. Manning, the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, arrived in Austin with immense hype, but he has yet to take significant snaps in a meaningful game.
The Pressure on Arch Manning
Griffin’s comments also highlight the tremendous pressure that now falls on Manning’s shoulders. The freshman quarterback, who has been labeled as the future face of Texas football, carries the weight of the Manning family name. The move to possibly start him or give him increased playing time has sparked questions about whether he is ready to handle the responsibility of leading one of college football’s most storied programs.
“Arch is talented, no doubt,” Griffin continued. “But is he ready to step into that role right now? You’re talking about throwing a kid who’s barely had any snaps into the fire. That’s not fair to him or to the team. You can’t just pull the plug on a guy like Quinn Ewers because he’s had a few bad games. That’s football, especially at the college level.”
Griffin’s comments suggest that bringing in Manning at this stage could disrupt the team’s chemistry and potentially harm both quarterbacks’ development. The former Baylor star emphasized that college quarterbacks need time to adjust to the speed and complexity of the game and that coaches need to demonstrate patience in guiding their young signal-callers.
Sarkisian’s Decision Under Scrutiny
Steve Sarkisian, who took over the Texas program in 2021, is no stranger to controversy when it comes to quarterback management. His tenure at Texas has seen multiple high-profile recruits and transfers at the quarterback position, and his decisions in handling the position have often been debated by fans and analysts alike.
Sarkisian has defended his choice, explaining that the benching of Ewers was necessary to spark the offense and address inconsistency issues. The Texas Longhorns, once viewed as potential national championship contenders, have faced unexpected struggles this season, and Sarkisian has been searching for answers. However, the decision to turn to Arch Manning or other backup options has raised concerns about Sarkisian’s long-term strategy and whether the move could backfire.
Griffin’s criticism of Sarkisian’s quarterback management echoes concerns from Texas fans who fear that the constant changes at the position could hinder the development of both Ewers and Manning. The former Heisman winner’s comments add weight to the conversation, as he is not only a prominent voice in football but also someone who has experienced the pressures of being a highly touted college quarterback.
The Long-Term Implications for Texas Football
The situation Sarkisian finds himself in is a delicate one. If Arch Manning is thrust into the spotlight too early, the pressure and expectations could overwhelm the young quarterback, potentially stunting his growth. On the other hand, if Ewers continues to struggle and is given more chances without improvement, Sarkisian risks alienating fans and boosters who are eager for the program to return to its former glory.
Griffin’s pointed question—“What the hell is Arch Manning gonna do?”—reflects the sentiment of many observers who believe that Texas football should be focused on gradual, consistent improvement rather than seeking immediate fixes at the quarterback position. The challenge for Sarkisian is finding a balance between nurturing the development of his quarterbacks and delivering the results Texas fans demand.
Conclusion
Robert Griffin III’s passionate defense of Quinn Ewers and critique of Steve Sarkisian has sparked a broader debate about the handling of young quarterbacks in college football. While Griffin’s concerns about Arch Manning’s readiness are valid, only time will tell how Sarkisian’s decision will play out. Whether Ewers is given more time to prove himself or Manning is thrust into the spotlight, the pressure on Texas football continues to mount as the Longhorns look to restore their place among the nation’s elite programs. For now, Sarkisian will have to navigate these treacherous waters with both Ewers and Manning under intense scrutiny from fans, analysts, and former stars like Griffin alike.
