Jon Gruden’s name is once again being mentioned as a potential head coaching candidate in the NFL. A report from the San Diego Union-Tribune said Gruden could team with A.J. Smith in St. Louis as a GM-coach tandem should the Chargers fire Smith. If the Rams, who are likely to clean house, are considering Gruden, there is something they should know.
During the Seahawks-Rams Monday Night Football game two weeks ago, Gruden strongly suggested St. Louis draft Andrew Luck or Robert Griffin III to replace Sam Bradford at quarterback. Here is a video of Gruden’s exchange with Ron Jaworski, who strongly disagreed:
Even before the Union-Tribune’s report was published I questioned Gruden’s mentality. Sure, Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III look like dynamite prospects, but Sam Bradford looked good last year. The Rams have disappointed this season, but Bradford is one of the last people I blame for their failures.
He’s been injured this season mostly because his offensive line has been awful. Steven Jackson — their best offensive weapon — got hurt in the opener and was pretty useless the first four games. Their defense severely underachieved compared to last year.
I think a team could be as successful with Bradford at quarterback as they would with Luck or Griffin. The Rams need to focus on upgrading the talent around Bradford. The only way I would follow Gruden’s advice is if I knew I could get a nice haul of draft picks in exchange for Bradford. If that were the case, then I’d consider making a deal. But I think St. Louis can have success sticking with Sam, as long as they upgrade the rest of the team.
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