Robert Griffin III is relieved to not be playing under Mike Shanahan and Kyle Shanahan this season. We know that because the former Baylor star has alluded to it a number of times. RG3’s most recent shot at the Shanahans came when he was speaking to reporters on Thursday about his struggles last season.
Griffin had a fantastic rookie season before falling victim to a brutal sophomore slump. He threw only 16 touchdowns passes and 12 interceptions in 13 games last season. He finished 2013 with a passer rating of 82.2. Some blame a slow recovery from ACL surgery, but it sounds like Griffin blames the coaches.
“You don’t go from the ability to read defenses one year and not have that ability the next, so I don’t believe that one bit,” he said, via Pro Football Talk. “And it’s really just a good thing to have two coaches that believe in you. Sean and Jay have done a great job. They’ve given me a lot on my shoulders in that quarterback room and I cherish that. You want to be asked to do more or just to do the bare minimum.”
I wouldn’t be surprised if Griffin has a big year in 2014. The fact that he is healthier than last year will certainly help, but so will having a good relationship with Jay Gruden. As a first-year head coach, Gruden will likely give Griffin more freedom. The confidence RG3 and Gruden have in each other should translate to success on the field.
If nothing else, it seems like RG3 will be much happier heading into the season. That has to count for something.
