Washington Redskins head coach Jay Gruden had some strong words about quarterback Robert Griffin III last week.
"He's auditioned long enough," Gruden said. "We want Robert to excel, we really do. But the last two games, it hasn't been very good, anywhere."
Those sentiments likely weren't changed by a 17-13 loss to the San Francisco 49ers yesterday. Griffin completed 11 of 19 passes for 106 yards and a QBR of just 7.9. Gruden did have the go-ahead to bench Griffin during Sunday's game, although it mercifully didn't come to that.
In the face of Griffin's significant injury history and Washington's recent struggles, does all of this spell the end for Griffin as a Redskin?
Washington's front office is reportedly standing behind Gruden in this matter, a departure from their stances in the past in which players received preferential treatment. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that Griffin's uninspiring play has spurred "internal doubts" within the franchise about Griffin's ability to be a long-term answer at the quarterback position. Apparently, Griffin is no longer operating under "special rules" either.
Recent reports suggest that the Redskins will not offer Griffin an extension, and may even decline to pick up his fifth-year option. The 24-year-old quarterback is just 1-9 in his last ten starts. He's thrown for 869 yards and two touchdowns with three interceptions in five games this season.
The Redskins will play the Indianapolis Colts this weekend.
