Head coach Jay Gruden continues to have to deal with a quarterback carousel. This likely is not what he had planned when he took over the Washington Redskins, but struggles and injuries from Robert Griffin III and failures from Kirk Cousins have third-string quarterback Colt McCoy starting in Week 13 and a media circus around the team. Griffin told the media that he respects the move and is ready to help the team any way he can.
Over the past two years Griffin has not looked like the quarterback that won Offensive Rookie of the Year just two years ago. He never looked comfortable last year following his return from a knee injury. This year has not been much different as he sat out several games for an ankle injury. After two bad losses, Griffin has been benched and it could be for longer than the quarterback intends.
"Coach's decision," Griffin said, via ESPN.com. "I'm here to help the team win. Just be ready to play and be here to help this team in any way I can."
Gruden spoke plenty of confidence in McCoy saying it is the quarterback's job to lose at this point. McCoy earned two of the three wins the Redskins have on the year and Gruden is hoping the momentum continues. When asked about the benching, Gruden said that he hopes to move toughens Griffin up for the future.
"I'm hoping as a pro this helps toughen him up and fuels a fire in his belly," Gruden said, via NFL.com. "We'll see how he reacts to this and how he gets himself ready. People handle adversity in different ways. Some people can't handle it, some people can. I think Robert is the type of guy that can. ... The expectations were a little unfair, but I'm not going to give up on him. He's not going to give up on himself, but as far as the future is concerned, we don't know."
Is a trade the ultimate outcome? Ever since the benching, everyone from NFL.com to ESPN NFL sources are reporting the quarterback could be out in Washington. The Redskins sold the farm to get the quarterback, so a decision like this will not be taken lightly. It is clear the Redskins need to make quarterback adjustments and Griffin is not part of the short-term plan. If the right deal is presented, he will not be a part of the long-term plan either. The Oakland Raiders, New York Jets and Philadelphia Eagles could all be favorites to try and land the quarterback.
