Concerns about the ability of Robert Griffin III to have success with the Washington Redskins began before the start of the regular season. At one point, some of Griffin’s teammates reportedly wondered if he was becoming a detriment to their future earning potential.
In a lengthy feature that highlights the dysfunction that currently exists within the Redskins organization, Liz Clarke and Mike Jones of The Washington Post wrote about the issues RG3 had with his teammates and head coach Jay Gruden during the preseason. At one point, Gruden apparently scolded Griffin in front of teammates in a meeting.
“That’s never going to happen again — my quarterback taking a six-yard loss when he could throw it away,” Gruden allegedly told RG3.
Griffin reportedly told Gruden “yes sir,” but we all know the criticism became more public as Washington’s horrendous season continued. And Gruden isn’t the only member of the organization who has expressed concern.
According to the Post, one anonymous wide receiver worried that Griffin’s poor play and decision-making was going to cost his teammates both on the field and off of it.
“Man, this guy’s going to wind up taking food off our tables,” the receiver reportedly said.
Between DeSean Jackson, Pierre Garcon, and tight end Jordan Reed, the Redskins certainly have no shortage of pass-catchers. RG3 simply hasn’t emerged as the pocket passer Gruden wants him to be, which is what makes this particular report so surprising.
Santana Moss, who chose to speak on the record, told the Post that Griffin hogging the spotlight — whether intentionally or not — has led to resentment.
“As players, you get tired if everything about what we do as a team is directed at one person,” Moss said. “When you keep giving all that attention to one person and you have 50-some other guys out here playing, as players, they get to feel some type of way. That’s only being human.”
Given that the Redskins have won just four games this season, Griffin isn’t exactly fortunate to have the spotlight shining on him at all times.
