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Last year the Washington Redskins finished the season 3-13. It was more than another disappointing season for Redskin’s Nation. It was embarrassing to watch a coaching staff become exposed and give up, a sophomore slump that questioned the future of RG3, and a media frenzy about the team name REDSKINS that drew more attention to politicians than to Native Americans.
It was ugly.
With a new season, with a new head coach, Jay Gruden and please sports gods, a new Robert Griffin III.
Jay Gruden makes his regular season head coaching debut for the Washington Redskins this Sunday in Houston, Texas. Finally, a head coach that I’m a huge fan of. He has a laid-back energy that draws you to him. He’s not a “look at me” kind of personality. He enjoys the simple things in life like a cold beer, a broken in baseball hat and the perfect moment to call out a member of the media just by pausing and looking at him. (Washington Post writer, Jason Reid.)
But don’t let his relaxed sense of humor fool you. His football intelligence, playing experience, and his ability to teach the game are about to explode. Challenge him and he will beat you! Just ask his older brother, John. Jay has crushed him before in competition and that competitive nature is molded into who he is. It’s the quiet ones that always surprise you and I can’t wait to watch the Jay Gruden era in Washington.
It’s not a secret; Griffin is a one-read passer. When play option one doesn’t go as planned (his first read isn’t open) Griffin’s instinct isn’t to look for another open player, he just scrambles and every fan in burgundy and gold holds their breath when he uses his legs. The more Griffin runs, the more his teammates are scrambling too. Gruden’s main task will be teaching Griffin not to panic and scramble. Griffin has to set the offense’s rhythm and rhythm comes from consistency.
If Griffin listens to Gruden and lets Gruden teach him how to make new reads when his first option isn’t open, develop his pocket mechanics and his footwork, Gruden can re-develop the Heisman trophy winner into finding the teams rhythm and restoring the superhero that lives inside of RG3.
Houston, you will have a problem. The White family is taking Carmen, Matt, and I to the Redskins season opener in Houston! I still have no idea how I got so lucky to be living the suite life with them at both FedEx and on road games. They are seriously the nicest family I have ever met. Hail To The Redskins!