Washington Expected to Bench Robert Griffin III against Colts

The Washington Redskins might be nearing an end with quarterback Robert Griffin III. A source close to the team said last Tuesday that the Redskins would have Colt McCoy as their starting quarterback this Sunday when they face the Indianapolis Colts.

Griffin is not in the game play for Washington on Sunday, but according to a second source, he still appears to be an important part of the long-term plan of Washington. However, many question how true that is.

If the plan was to have RGIII as the long-term answer at quarterback, why push the reset button now with a third of the season still left to play.

For just the first time since giving up three picks in the first round and one in the second for the opportunity to draft Griffin, Washington will have its full draft pick allotment as well as salary cap room for next year’s NFL Draft.

This gives the team the ability to spend top dollars to improve the players around Griffin III.

In addition, the Redskins hired Jay Gruden as head coach due to his ability to coach quarterbacks and the organization is convinced that his coaching, cash as well as patience will help transform Griffin back into the player that won a Heisman Trophy and then a Rookie of the Year for offense in two consecutive seasons.

For now however, the battle has been difficult with Griffin having his most challenging outing in the NFL last weekend against San Francisco on the road, where he was hit hard while in the pocket and then struggled the times he had time to throw.

The net result was another loss by Washington 17-13.

Griffin’s play forced the Redskins to consider making a change that likely will be announced on Wednesday, when coach Gruden meets reporters.

Gruden said on Monday his intention was to start Griffin versus Indianapolis but did not make a full commitment.
Griffin will meet reporters Wednesday at 11:30 am, though it is unknown if that will still go on if he is benched.
The move by the coaches for Washington is just one more turn for the Redskins and Griffin.

While a rookie, RGIII had 3,200 yards passing and 815 rushing, with the Redskins winning the NFC East for the first time since 1999.

However, since that time, Griffin has had to recover from a major injury to his knee, a broken relationship with Mike Shanahan his first coach and questions over his leadership ability.

Under Gruden this season, the worry has been over on-field development. Some of his develop was set back due to a dislocated left ankle during Week 2 which put him on the sideline for six games.

McCoy rallied Washington to a win against Tennessee October 20 and the defeated Dallas in his first start a week later.

However, with Griffin back healthy he started in McCoy’s place against Minnesota. Against the Vikings, he played decent, but then he played poorly against Tampa Bay and San Francisco.