Washington Redskins vice president and general manager Bruce Allen admitted quarterback Robert Griffin III returned to the field too soon from his injury. Allen said Griffin, who spent the offseason recovering from ACL surgery, shouldn't have started in the beginning of the 2013 season.
Allen made his comments Tuesday during an interview on ESPN radio, where he said Grrifin shouldn't have started the season opener because the signal caller had missed too many offseason practices rehabbing his knee.
"What you saw last year was almost a little disrespectful to the game of football," Allen said, via ESPN. "It's impossible to ask a player to perform well during the regular season if you haven't practiced.
"Last year at this time, he was still rehabbing his knee, and he wasn't allowed to practice or work in team drills. We put him on the spot by trying to do that. And this year he's had a full offseason, his knee is 100 percent, knock on wood, and he's had all [the practices], and that's how you get ready to play a football season."
He finished the 2013 season with a 60.1 completion percentage for 16 touchdowns, 12 interceptions and six fumbles; he rushed for only 489 yards and didn't record any touchdowns.
Griffin's mechanics - including his footwork - appeared to have regressed, and his numbers were a far cry from his rookie campaign, when he threw 20 touchdowns to only five interceptions and rushed for 815 yards and seven touchdowns.
The 2012 Rookie of the Year, though, appears poised for a major comeback season. Reports indicate he has looked sharp in practices, and he insists his knee is finally at 100 percent.
He also has an upgraded offensive line and more weapons to throw to, including Pro Bowl receiver DeSean Jackson and receiver Andre Roberts.
Washington begins the preseason on Aug. 7 against the New England Patriots.
