Washington Redskins: Jay Gruden And Robert Griffin III’s Weird Relationship Takes A Sharp U-Turn

On Saturday, Head Coach Jay Gruden and Quarterback Robert Griffin III stood spine-to-spine in what’s become a shocking development — they apparently have each other’s back. As The Stylistics said in 1972: ‘First you love me, then you hate me, that’s a game for fools.’ Oh, how the tide has turned.

The Washington Redskins won their fourth game of the year against the Philadelphia Eagles, 27-24. Robert Griffin III didn’t play spectacular — only completed 16 of 23 passes for 220 yards and an interception. But he played a highly efficient game and helped give the team a chance to win.

“Obviously, we only had the ball 23 snaps in the first half so we didn’t really get a chance to muster a lot of drives together, but I think Robert did a great job,” said Jay Gruden. “I think No. 1, getting the ball out of his hands and [No. 2] making good decisions. He only got sacked twice. One [of the sacks] he had no chance on. The other one was a great rush by their guy against Trent. Overall, I thought he did an outstanding job of managing the football game, not only in the passing game but he did a lot at the line of scrimmage in the running game, which his very, very important. He did an excellent job. I think [we were] just trying to get him comfortable, trying to get him an opportunity to get the ball out of his hands and make good, sound decisions like he did.”

One thing I learned about Jay Gruden Saturday is that he’s not as stubborn as I initially thought. Now, that could be due to necessity, as he’s attempting to keep his job. It’s also a little late for him to do it. But give him credit, Jay Gruden gave Robert Griffin III the best chance to succeed and he in turn seized the moment. Break up, to make-up. They’re actually in this together.

It looked like 2012. From pop passes to Pierre Garcon, to even utilizing Fullback Darrel Young on the goal line — Jay Gruden showed a willingness to bend Saturday and that’s a positive sign. Especially when it now appears that both Gruden and Griffin will be back in 2015. It was time for Gruden to ice-up the black eyes he gave to Griffin via the media many times this year. But in equal importance, Griffin needed to display a changed man — a better player — and he did.

I thought Robert Grffin III played a very good game. He stood tall in the pocket, ran when he needed to and was a good distributor of the football. It was ironic because the offensive line protected Griffin well — only allowing two sacks. The more impressive feat was Griffin not creating any sacks by holding on to the ball or simply running into a defensive player. He does a very good job when he has time in the pocket.

“The line gave him some good protection, too,” said Jay Gruden. “It works hand-in-hand. I thought there was a couple throws – especially the first drive, I think, where he hit Andre Roberts across the middle, he stood in there tall and made a great play. He made another great throw to Andre that Andre he couldn’t hold onto on the deep out route on third-and-long where he stood in the pocket. It was great to see Robert compete and play and he looked like he had a lot of fun out there and the players responded to him and [it’s] huge to get a win for him.”

Griffin did have an interception. But, in my opinion, I’d mark that as a good defensive play. Griffin looked off the safety from the snap attempting to get DeSean Jackson one-on-one downfield. Instead, the safety showed Jackson respect by disregarding Pierre Garcon’s deep route. Garcon is not a great deep route runner or catcher — Jackson was Griffin’s primary read.

The only pass I’m interested in looking at was a key third down miss late in the fourth quarter to Santana Moss. It was an out route and Griffin appeared to be late on the throw. Past film study gives me the educated guess that Griffin was probably waiting for Santana to turn his head. We’ll find out when the All-22 is distributed.

To sum up the day it was for Gruden and RGIII, this was the Head Coach’s response when asked if Griffin deserves a chance to start vs Dallas:

“We won today, so heck yeah. He did a great job. Let’s finish this season out on a high note against Dallas when they come here. Then after the season we will make all the necessary adjustments. It’s a great opportunity for Robert to reestablish himself as the leader of this football team – hoping he does it.”

Next time put your signal on, Gruden, when you decide to take another sharp U-turn.

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