Jay Gruden: Redskins Are ‘Not Giving Up’ On Robert Griffin III

Washington Redskins coach Jay Gruden says the team’s decision to bench Robert Griffin III does not mean they are giving up on the quarterback.

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Many view the Washington Redskins’ decision to bench quarterback Robert Griffin III in favor of Colt McCoy as a clear-cut sign the RGIII-era of Redskins football is over.

However, coach Jay Gruden says that isn’t the case, telling ESPN that the Redskins are “not giving up” on RGIII.

"“A lot of these young guys have been forced into action. Andrew Luck’s the exception. They’ve had some struggles. It’s not going to be perfect all the time. You can’t give up on him, we’re not giving up to him.”"

Regardless of Gruden’s words, it’s hard to imagine Griffin in a Redskins uniform next year. Too much has gone wrong between the team and the player this year for this partnership to continue, especially if Gruden returns as head coach.

Gruden has taken a number of shots at RGIII in recent weeks for his play and it seems clear the two aren’t meant to co-exist.

Still, Gruden is trying to convince us he and Griffin have no problems with one another in light of the benching.

"“A lot of people are making it out me vs. Robert. It’s not at all,” Gruden said. “I have a lot of respect for Robert as a quarterback and Robert as a person. We just want him to take a step back, work on his craft a little bit more, study the game a little bit more so the next time he’s in there he’s raring to go and has a little more faith and confidence in what he sees.”"

There’s nothing else Gruden can say in this spot. He’s not going to come out and admit the Redskins are moving on from Griffin and that he and RGIII don’t get along.

But Gruden’s actions (the benching) and past words (the criticisms) paint a far different story about Griffin’s Redskins future than the one the coach is trying to sell to us now.

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