Current starting quarterback of the Washington Redskins, Robert Griffin, III, has had some problems executing his position to his head coach’s satisfaction. Last week’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers brought that into stark relief. RGIII threw interceptions when there was no need to force throws, appeared to feel that his protection in the pocket was breaking down when it was not and, as Jay Gruden said to the media on Monday following the game, “he took three-step drops when he should have taken five. He took a one-step drop when he should have taken three…” and so on.
Throughout the week various colleagues, both nationally and locally, have indicated that this is “it” for either Griffin or Gruden or both, suggesting that there is no way to repair the relationship. Griffin said in is Wednesday press conference that the two men were “great.” Gruden has indicated that Griffin is coachable and that’s extremely important.
After much speculation about the amount of authority that Gruden has with regard to who he starts at quarterback, it has recently been confirmed though various sources within the organation that he has total control over the quarterback situation and that neither President/General Manager Bruce Allen, nor owner Dan Snyder, is calling the shots on that front.
Some of us in the media that are out at Redskins Park on a regular basis have maintained this for some time so it should come as no suprise then that Ian Rappaport of NFL.com reported and tweeted today that the head coach had the power to do what he needs to do with respect to Griffin and that the powers that be in the office would not interfere:
#Redskins coach Jay Gruden does have license to bench RGIII if his play isn’t good enough. I’m told it’s “not out of the question.”
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 23, 2014
This is huge for both Gruden and Griffin. It says to both that the head coach is in charge and can do what he feels is in the best interest of the team with regard to who is on the field. Rappaport also tweeted that the staff had gone back and watched film of Griffin and that they feel the injuries the third year signal caller has sustained over the years has affected his play on the field.
#Redskins studied 2012 film of RGIII that saw him thrive. They have internal doubts he can be the same physically. Injuries took a toll. — Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 23, 2014
Griffin is a unique athlete. Even with his injuries affecting his play, he probably still has enough athleticism to be a good quarterback if Gruden can coach the mechanics and mental aspect of the position well enough. The fact that his head coach has the autonomy required to make the decisions on the team means that, if Griffin doesn’t continue to develop enough to satisfy Gruden, the coach can put either Colt McCoy or Kirk Cousins in if he feels that is the best route to take either today during the San Francisco 49ers or further into the season.
That’s huge for this team given its past. Snyder and Allen should be applauded for taking the right approach as owner and President respectively. The staff and the media need to watch and wait, giving Gruden the opportunity to show what he can do with the this team.
Hail.