While Jay Gruden’s announcement this week that Robert Griffin III was his starting quarterback came as a bit of a surprise (at least in the timing), it’s clear that Washington understands he’s their best chance at a long-term fix at the position.
But team president Bruce Allen expressed the utmost confidence in Griffin, with the traditional caveat.
“If he can stay healthy, he has a high ceiling,” Allen said on SiriusXM radio, via John Keim of ESPN.com.
After leg injuries derailed his offseason preparation, he’s entering this offseason healthy and able to develop as a quarterback. And Allen made it clear that his continued health was one of the biggest factors in his hold on the job.
“You aren’t going to win in the NFL unless your quarterback plays well,” Allen said. “That’s not a new discovery. We’ve got to play better there. Our quarterback, Robert, has gotten injured. One thing you learn maybe growing and maturing in this league is you’ve got to protect yourself a little bit more. The No. 1 responsibility is to take the snap the next play. That hurts as you’re trying to coach and develop him and learn the techniques coach Gruden wants.”
They’re also taking a pragmatic position with RG3. When the options are Kirk Cousins and Colt McCoy, it’s easier to invest the future in the former Heisman winner. But if he can’t keep himself on the field and develop with the resources they’re giving him, that hold won’t last long.