Via WP: Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III confirmed Wednesday that Coach Mike Shanahan has decided to shut him down with three games remaining in his second NFL season. The Redskins plan to start Kirk Cousins at quarterback Sunday at Atlanta.
In speaking to reporters at Redskins Park, Griffin expressed disappointment with Shanahan’s decision and said he “expressed my desire to play.” “At this point, I have to leave it up to Coach which it always is,” said Griffin, who said he would support Cousins in whatever way he could.
These guys will get a lot more time to talk on the sidelines now.
Well folks, this is it. For the next three weeks we will hear nothing but ridiculous rumors and rants about how this is going to play out. The reality of it all is that RGIII probably will benefit from the time off. He was never 100% this year and there was too much pressure put on him and the Redskins to make sure he was their opening week. But this isn’t about feeling sorry for RGIII because I don’t. In fact, I hope he uses this time to become a better quarterback and a better leader. RGIII was fantastic last year but this year has been full of drama and under performing. He needs to shut his mouth and be less concern with being a media darling and more concerned with his teammates. He doesn’t need to throw wide receivers and coaches under the bus, he needs to be the stoic leader who is above all that.
And Mike Shanahan has to go. He’s actually making a really good decision for RGIII. There is nothing good that can come from him being out there this season. Injury risk will be high and the Redskins look miserable out there at times. If I were RGIII, I’d probably put my leg in a cast and let it completely heal. Shanahan needs to move on because he and RGIII and Daniel Snyder can’t stay together any longer. Shanahan is the odd man out in a threesome where the other two are more valuable to each other. Snyder needs RGIII to be great so that fans will continue to come to his enormous stadium. RGIII can only benefit from having a positive relationship with Snyder as he will surely open the checkbook as soon as RGIII sniffs free agency. But Shanahan is right to shut down RGIII and showcase Cousins over the next few weeks. Cousins could potentially have value and if he performs well could potentially net the Redskins some draft picks since they traded the farm for RGIII a few years ago. It’s going to be very hard to watch the Rams draft in the top 5 with the Redskins pick.
Could Cousins bring draft picks via a trade?
In the end it’s a good move for all. Shanahan and Snyder should find some way to part ways amicably and RGIII should commit himself to being a leader along the lines of Brady, Manning and Brees. Those guys are great because of their ability to chuck the ball with precision but they transcend greatness by being able to lead a group of 50+ players year in and year out. The Redskins management and fans hope that he can become that type of leader.
