With the benching of former rookie of the year quarterback Robert Griffin III on Wednesday, Washington Redskins head coach Jay Gruden made a huge statement. While reports can say that Griffin still figures into the teams future plans it’s clear Gruden doesn’t want him.
What’s interesting is that Gruden has only had Griffin in his system for a total of 4 games, that sounds a bit quick to decide he doesn’t fit. It’s always been a known fact that Griffin needed to be further developed or have an offense custom fit his athletic abilities. One of the main things Gruden spoke of in the offseason was his intent to develop Robert as he was the teams “franchise guy”.
With five games to go and the team 3-8 the only reason Gruden would have for benching Griffin is if he is trying to win now. which is understandable as it’s a win-now type of league and a 3-13 finish could heat his seat up heading into the offseason. The question has to be asked, why did the Redskins draft Griffin knowing full well he fit a certain offense and then hire a guy two years later that can’t find ways to use him? It’s a perplexing thought. It makes not only RGIII look bad, but Gruden as well. One has to wonder what will Gruden do if Colt McCoy struggles?
All that being said Washington will enter the offseason with tons of cap space and all of their draft picks available.
Players likely leaving/being cut:
Add to your thoughts that it’s unknown what will happen with Robert Griffin III who has one more year on his rookie deal and Colt McCoy who is only signed to a one-year deal.
This team is facing yet another overhaul in terms of talent, they have to add guys that can start immediately on the offensive line no matter who the quarterback ends up being. Chances are Gruden will bring in a hand-picked QB during free-agency that he believes can win the job.
The Redskins will have all of their draft picks this year to help in the rebuilding process and should use them to upgrade several positions including the offensive line.
It’s an uphill battle, but the door is not closed yet on Griffin, he needs to massively improve to continue with the Redskins if Gruden is the coach heading into the future.
Gruden needs to understand by only giving Griffin four games in his system to show progression that he will always be judged on who he picks to succeed RG3. If the team parts ways with Griffin and then fails under the new QB next season, Gruden will likely not make it to the third year of his contract in Washington.
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