Redskins coach Jay Gruden wasn’t asked by the media during his introductory press conference whether quarterback Robert Griffin III was involved in the interview process. The media didn’t need to ask, because it was clear that the two men have had no communication.
“I have not talked to Robert,” Gruden said. “I look forward to it, though.”
Gruden separately addressed the issue of trust with his quarterback.
“It’s gotta be genuine, he’s gotta believe,” Gruden said. “And I’m gonna let him know I’m a trustworthy guy.”
Gruden also made it clear that he expects Griffin to work hard and, when necessary, to be accountable.
“I expect him to take the blame on some throws,” Gruden said, a remark sparked a memory of the the strong stance receiver Santana Moss took in November regarding the importance of a young leader periodically taking blame, even when the blame perhaps doesn’t belong to him.
Still, Gruden said that he’s excited to coach Griffin, and that Griffin has “every trait that a quarterback has to have to be successful.” Gruden hopes the feeling of anticipation is mutual.
“Hopefully he’s excited to play here,” Gruden said.
Gruden doesn’t actually know whether Griffin is excited because he hasn’t heard it. Griffin has been quiet throughout the last 10 days, reading a prepared statement to the media during a conference call and then otherwise dropping out of view.
Even on Twitter, Griffin has said nothing about his new coach.
And so the relationship between new coach and incumbent franchise quarterback will continue to hover over the franchise through the offseason, and likely beyond.
UPDATE 5:18 p.m. ET: Griffin opted to go old school just before 5:00 p.m. ET, posting a message on Facebook, not Twitter. “Excited about the hiring of Coach Jay Gruden. Can’t wait to get to work with him & the guys!”
UPDATE 6:02 p.m. ET: The same message also has been posted on Twitter.