There has been a lot of focus on Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III’s play in the two weeks of the season, and that’s not going to change, especially with Washington starting 0-2.
What’s more, Griffin III’s leadership was a topic of conversation after Sunday’s loss to Green Bay, with the quarterback indicating he’s capable of being more demanding if needed.
“If those guys want me to go out there and be the stern leader then I can do that,” Griffin said afterwards, according to Rich Tandler of CSN’s RealRedskins.com. “I got some of that from some of my teammates on the sideline asking me to do some more things. Not necessarily change who I am as a person but if they want me to be hard on them, I’ll be hard on them.”
As a leader, Griffin said he tries to build his teammates up as opposed to being harsh.
“I believe in positive reinforcement. If something happens, I know he’ll make it up the next time he gets that chance,” Griffin said, according to Tandler. “And that’s just the way I lead. If they want me to do that, you know, I’m fine with doing that . . . If that’s what we need to get over this hump, to move forward and start winning games I’m definitely going to do it.”
Griffin III completed 26-of-40 passes for 320 yards with three TDs and one interception in the 38-20 defeat at Green Bay. All three TD passes came after halftime, when he completed 20-of-27 attempts for 213 yards with Washington in pass-first mode playing from behind. He was not much of a rushing threat, gaining one yard on four carries.
Griffin III and the Washington offense, as they were a week ago, were better in the second half than the first. With Griffin III only in his second game back from his January knee injury, perhaps some struggles were to be anticipated.
Still, Washington is just one game out of first place in the NFC East. Its next two games before the Week Five bye are against Detroit (Sept. 22) and at Oakland (Sept. 29). Should Washington get to .500 by the end of September, there doesn’t figure to be much more discussion of whether Griffin needs to tweak his leadership style. Winning will do that for a team.