After all the rumors and doubt surrounding Robert Griffin III and his future with the Washington Redskins, everyone appears to be extremely confident in his ability to improve in 2015. Head coach Jay Gruden has made it clear that Griffin is walking on thin ice heading into the year despite Washington picking up his fifth-year option. Gruden believes the quarterback can back to winning after Washington opted to build around him in the NFL Draft rather than replace him.
Gruden has certainly had his criticism regarding Griffin. Last season NBC Washington reported that the head coach really did not favor Griffin has a quarterback and wanted someone like Kirk Cousins or a traditional passer to work with instead. That fueled rumors of trades and releases for Griffin while Washington was constantly connected to both Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota heading into the draft. However, now everyone is having a change of tune.
"Going into Year 2 in this system should be a big jump, you know," Gruden said, via the Washington Post. "You're not really thinking about who's where, what's my footwork. Everything should come a lot more natural for you, and hopefully, we see that transition from year one to year two in this system with the terminology and knowing where to go with your footwork and anticipation of getting the ball out quicker. Hopefully, that comes."
Gruden is not the only one taking time to express confidence in Griffin. Wide receivers DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon truly believe that he is the best quarterback for the job and made it clear they support him. The two receivers along with the depth at running back with Alfred Morris and Matt Jones should give Griffin the weapons needed to be successful.
"He's working, man," Jackson said, via ESPN.com. "He's doing what he needs to do to get better. You can never stay in one position in life and he understands that. He has a lot going. I'm just here to support him."
There are certainly quarterbacks in place ready to take over if Griffin struggles. Both Cousins and Colt McCoy return on the roster after seeing starting time last year. The Redskins also signed Connor Halliday. The rookie could easily just be a camp arm considering Washington will likely only enter the season with three quarterbacks on the roster. However, he is there to compete and Gruden is going to make sure the best depth is in place to help if Griffin ends up not making the jump the team needs him to make.
