Gruden: RGIII growing more patient

We live in an era of instant gratification. 

Every virtue and vice lay only a click away and commentators in every medium routinely decry the present generation has one of entitlement.

Patience, then, is rendered a kind of social sin, an awkward and unpleasant feeling to be evaded as soon as possible.

A sentiment Redskins head coach Jay Gruden would like to disassociate from his starting quarterback, Robert Griffin III. Entering his fourth professional season, Griffin has seen himself as destined by his lofty draft status and natural ability to be an NFL quarterback almost by right.

Jay Gruden needed some convincing.

He hasn't been afraid to sit his quarterback when he thought his performance didn't warrant his starting, and hasn't been shy about voicing his opinions on his progression, or lack thereof, in public. He's the second 'Skins head coach to sneak something negative in conversation with reporters about the kid. 

After naming him the starter for 2015, Gruden said he would give Griffin the opportunity to find his own way in his second go-round in the offensive scheme. For the plan to work, the coach said, he himself has to be as patient as he expects his quarterback to be.

That, he says, could take some work.

"He's not used to failure," Gruden said. "He's very competitive. It has an effect on him. He wants to be the best, and he's got a long way to go to be that. But he still has the confidence and still the swagger where he thinks he can be, and he's starting to realize he has to put the work in and he has a lot to learn."

So Gruden's No. 1 job this preseason is to coerce that swagger and ability into waiting for the play to develop in front of him rather than he making the play himself every time. His unwillingness to do that at times in his brief career has compromised his chances in becoming what the team hoped he would be when they made those trades for him on draft day, 2012.

Griffin has shown that improvement so far in the spring, establishing himself with more confidence in the pocket in OTAs, locating receivers with greater ease, staying patient, and making better decisions overall. Training camp revealed some inconsistencies, but it has only been two days.

"[F]or the most part, when you play quarterback in this league, you're gonna have to stand in there and make some throws on third down and in the red zone," Gruden said. "Anticipate some windows -- make your reads and change your protections, pick up a blitz, make some things happen off-schedule. That's just continuing to grow as a quarterback."

But no man is an island.

Gruden is also hoping the improvements the Redskins think they made at the positions around Griffin this offseason will help ease him into his starting role as he finds himself in it.

"We can't put all the pressure on the quarterback," Gruden said. "There's only a few quarterbacks in the league that can handle that, and those guys are gonna be first-ballot Hall of Famers.

"The rest of them, they need help. They need help with the running game, some quick-element throws where the receivers do the work for them, screens, good play-action shot plays, good strong defense. If we win 17-13, who gives a [expletive]? We just gotta win."

It's that simple. Especially for a 4-12 team manned by an oft-injured signal caller. He got his fifth-year option, but it's guaranteed for injury, and that $16.2 million that comes with the signature won't be in the mail if Griffin isn't much more the player they imagined they got when they drafted him.

And that means his being patient. The Redskins certainly have been.

Experts tag Redskins' RGIII as lost cause

"Winning takes care of everything," Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III is wont to say.

A statement that, if true, proves the point that very little of anything is being taken care of in Washington these days. After a rookie campaign in 2012 that saw Giants defensive end Justin Tuck admit to suffering nightmares about the terror he saw in the little man under center, a bushel of injuries and coaching changes have the Skins languishing for answers once again.

The litany of losing has every Tom, Dick, and Harry looking forthem, and as the losses pile up, so does the anger. As does the anger, so does the blame. Head coaches and quarterbacks are first in the sights of those seeking answers. Especially the anonymous.

Who, in droves, spoke recently with ESPN's Mike Sando about the epidemic of losing in Washington. The source of their ire almost exclusively was the Redskins’ quarterback.

"There's no coming back," an offensive coach said of Robert Griffin III. "He is done. The reason is, the injury slowed his legs, and his ego will not allow him to hit rock bottom and actually grind his way back up the right way."

Sando in 2014 engaged on a personal quarterback ratings crusade, taking opinions and commentary from a legion of sources: eight personnel directors, six general managers, four head coaches, five offensive coordinators, five defensive coordinators, three salary-cap managers, two ex-G.M.'s, two ex-head coaches, and one offensive assistant coach.

Yes, they did refuse to give their names. But how else do you get the truth? Men say what they think when and only when they know no one else will beat them up for saying it. You could call it cowardice, and you might be right. Whatever it is, it's honest.

Perhaps too honest for RGIII's ears. And legs. And ego. And anything else prone to being broken in an off-tackle rush attempt.

"To get better in this league, you have to have a degree of humility," a personnel director told Sando. "When [Griffin] looks in the mirror, he is seeing things that everybody else is not seeing. That is why I was surprised when they gave him the fifth-year and said it was an easy decision."

This was the overriding concern among the inquired, that Griffin is too egotistical to lend himself to the counsel of coaching. Cue those memories of Mike Shanahan, who famously said after he left town that RGIII stopped just short of actually demanding which plays be called and which others be stricken from his playbook.

Shanahan was one of the few people connected with the franchise who said what he thought with his name attached. Jay Gruden was the other. Little of it was complimentary on either occasion. But, for Shanahan, Griffin’s being a control freak [allegedly] wasn’t the only thing that concerned him.

"I don't think getting hurt has anything to do with [his regression]," he said in May. "You don't have to have great running ability to run the read-option. You have to be able to know when to slide, when to throw the football away, depending on if you're running or passing."

In other words, decision making. Running and sliding has been the bane of Griffin's existence, so head coach Jay Gruden has been asking him to develop more into a pocket passer, building up the reps in OTAs on what will be their No. 1 priority in training camp next month in Richmond.

He showed progress in that department this spring, finding receivers easier out of their breaks and throwing with more confidence out of a surer pocket. But that continued ailment of his, nervousness and the tendency to flee, has gotten him into some well-documented troubles. His future depends on that habit being broken, fast.

But old habits die hard, as do old gameplans.

“I know how hard it is for a quarterback to go into a system for the first time,” a second G.M. told Sando. “With Griffin, I’m taking into account the new offense, the new personality at head coach, coming off an injury. He showed his rookie year that he could be a [top passer]. He is a young guy. I’m going to give him the benefit because of that.”

So, youth is the silver lining in an otherwise grey and foreboding cloud.

Obviously, the words of some unnamed sources aren’t tantamount to what a quarterback can do once exposed to real-time game action. But they are tantamount to what a quarterback has done once exposed to real-time game action. These are professionals who study game film and assess players for a living. And history tells us that things which begin at the top often fall the hardest. Early success combined with confidence breeds entitlement, and the unwillingness to improve.

The antidote? Humility, perseverance, and toil.

Granted, Griffin has spent much time off the field, particularly last season. But those games he played in 2014 showed few flashes of what his rookie season promised gullible Redskins fans desperate for some prolonged bout of good news. There were flashes amidst a four touchdown showing in seven games, like his performance against the Eagles in Week 16: only seven incompletions on 220 yards in a major upset win that eventually nudged Philadelphia from the playoff race.

That victory came with the help of a prideful run game in the red zone. All three of their touchdowns came from running backs, and the Redskins held firm at the line that night. But it was Griffin who paced drives with short passes to set up those chances. And the occasional bomb for DeSean Jackson, which doesn't hurt.

Football is, lest we forget, a team game. The success or failure of every man is largely, though not entirely, in the hands of every other man on the field. A quarterback depends in very large part on his ability to stay on his feet. Offensive line play has been hard to come by in recent outings for this club, something they hope is in some measure solved with the addition of rookie tackle Brandon Scherff.

But the road from here to September is still liberally paved in doubt. Andy Benoit of Sports Illustrated ranked Griffin 31st in the league at his position.

“He doesn’t have any sense right now of basic quarterbacking fundamentals,” he said. “He’s got leaps and bounds to go just to being an average NFL quarterback.”

All of these comments are well and good. But it’s G.M. Scot McCloughan, who has been no shrinking violet in his first year at the helm, who makes the decision. He’s made it, giving Griffin his fifth-year option, worth around $16 million. And he believes for good reason.

"I think this season is going to tell a lot," McCloughan said.

Well, yeah.

Redskins: Jay Gruden likes what he sees from Brandon Scherff

With defensive end Leonard Williams still on the board when the No. 5 overall selection came around, and the Redskins picking tackle Brandon Scherff instead, some of the eyebrows that adorn the faces of draft predictors found themselves raised.

And with anyone taken that high usually presumed to start on Day 1, current Washington right tackle Tom Compton may be finding himself nervous for his job as rookie camp starts. Especially after what head coach Jay Gruden said about Scherff on Saturday.

"We'll find a spot for him, but obviously we start him out at right tackle," Gruden said, via CSN Washington, adding, "Tom Compton is going to have something to say about that."

Scherff featured at Iowa on the left side and Compton in Washington last year on the right alongside Morgan Moses, but inexperience would likely not put a rookie out on the blind side, where any line must be its strongest and surest.

That said, Gruden likes what he sees already from their first-round pick, maturation-wise.

"He studies very hard, he takes coaching extremely well, and he's got the best coach to coach him up," he said. "But I think you see the progress from yesterday [Friday] morning to yesterday afternoon to today, it's a significant change for him already. And I think he's going to continue to get better."

A welcome prognosis for any protection that stands between Robert Griffin III and his would-be fourth NFL injury as the Redskins look to tussle in a very competitive NFC East.

@MrJamesParks

Redskins: Jason Hatcher really likes Brandon Scherff

ASHBURN, Va. - When the Redskins picked offensive lineman Brandon Scherff with the No. 5 selection in the NFL Draft, most saw it another solid fundamental pickup by general manager Scot McCloughan, a "meat and potatoes" pick as Bill Polian would say.

Or, as defensive end Jason Hatcher would say more bluntly, "a hell of a pick."

Hatcher, picked up by the team in March of last year, sees the Scherff addition as a return to the tough-playing style that harkens back to the team's heritage.

"We're slowly but surely getting back to our old 'Hogs' Redskins days," he told CSN Washington. "Our offensive line has gotten bigger and bigger every year."

He noted Scherff could be one of the guys opening up "huge holes" this year for Alfred Morris and Robert Griffin III. 

"He's nasty," Hatcher said of the unanimous All-American. "I like that. He's a rookie, but just watching him, man, he's really gained my respect. He loves to play the game of football. I'm looking forward to see what he can do this year."

Scherff was a pocket-sealing blocker at Iowa, equally adept at protecting the run and pass, something Washington has needed for some time, finishing at the bottom of the NFC East race in five of the last six seasons. And anything that will keep RGIII on his feet a second or two longer in the pocket will be a welcome addition this fall.

Jay Gruden says RGIII should make a "big jump" this year

ASHBURN, Va. - When the Washington Redskins picked up the fifth-year option on quarterback Robert Griffin III, many took it as a sign the club still had faith in him to repeat his rookie season exploits.

One of those who is starting to have faith in him is head coach Jay Gruden, who, despite hinting last season that Griffin may not be the right fit for his system, had some positive words for his quarterback coming into the 2015 campaign.

"Going into Year 2 in this system should be a big jump, you know," Gruden said through the Washington Post. 

"You're not really thinking about who's where, what's my footwork. Everything should come a lot more natural for you, and hopefully, we see that transition from year one to year two in this system with the terminology and knowing where to go with your footwork and anticipation of getting the ball out quicker. Hopefully, that comes."

All things Gruden worried his quarterback would be unable to muster last season.

That the team said "Yes" to his option should relieve some of thse worries Griffin had about his place within the franchise, and now some positive feedback from his coach seem to have the Redskins heading into a new season with some glimmer of hope.

Which could all change, of course, should he find himself sitting out with his fourth major injury.

RGIII wants to start over with Gruden

ASHBURN, Va. - Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III is ready for a new relationship between he and head coach Jay Gruden.

"Quarterback Carousel" are the words that come to mind when judging the Redskins' quagmire under center last season. The team would start three: the quickly-injured Griffin, interception-machine Kirk Cousins, and second-chancer Colt McCoy.

All of which added up to a four-win campaign for first-year boss Gruden, though a late regular season victory over the Eagles would keep rival Philly out of the playoffs.

Gruden publicly criticized Griffin on a few occasions for his performance and seeming inability to fit into the team's offensive scheme, though after last season ended did confirm the overall No. 2 pick three years ago would be the team's starter going into 2015.

Both seem interested in starting over, and to that effect Griffin addressed the future for him and the team, talking to Redskins Nation.

"My job is to not characterize or judge him as a coach," Griffin said of Gruden, via CSN Washington.

"We both want to win. Jay came in here with the plan to help develop me as a quarterback, and help this team win. He wants me to go out there and be the quarterback he knows I can be, and I will be."

Griffin noted that next season the expectations for he and Gruden will be much higher, and is looking to move past the somewhat tense relationship they have experienced.

"We're going to make sure we work together in a positive way to make sure this team is successful," he said. "We're going to win. That's all we can do."

And should they not, they may be looking for work elsewhere come January.

Redskins: Griffin not Gruden's guy?

ASHBURN, Va. - Former Redskins safety Ryan Clark has never been short of opinions since joining ESPN as an analyst before and following his retirement from football.

But after ESPN's John Clayton reported the team would draft Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota were he available in April's NFL Draft, Clark seemed sure the Griffin-era would be definitively over.

"Well, I guess if they draft Mariota, it's over [for Griffin] in Washington," he told ESPN's First Take. 

That, despite Gruden announcing publicly after the regular season that Griffin would be under center for the team when next season began.

That didn't convince Clark, however.

"He [Gruden] comes out early in the offseason and says, 'You know what? Robert Griffin III is our quarterback.' I think that was to kind of try to show there's no issues in house, but there clearly is. He's not his guy. They want to go in a different direction.

"And to hear this early, though, at No. 5 [overall], if Marcus Mariota is there, has to be disheartening to RGIII. And even if they don't draft Marcus Mariota, it could create some problems in the locker room and in that building."

Though Clayton had reported Redskins general manager Scot McCloughan said he had not yet evaluated Griffin, and that even if Mariota were drafted, that would not mean Griffin was done in Washington.

Clark started all 16 games for the Redskins last season and said that from what he saw inside the building and at team meetings during that time, he saw nothing endearing in the relationship between coach and quarterback, and that Gruden's subtle public slights at Griffin reveals deeper private ambivalence.

"Jay Gruden, as you saw from last year - the media reports where he would say RG3 took a five-step drop where he supposed to take three, or he looked the wrong way this many times in a game - he showed the world that it wasn't his guy," Clark said. 

Clark mentioned that any love lost between Gruden and Griffin did not exist between Griffin and Redskins owner Daniel Snyder.

"He loves RGIII," Clark said of Snyder's enthusiasm for Griffin. 

"This is what I know about Dan Snyder," he added. "He wants to win, and when he puts somebody in place to make decisions, he gives them full trust and full go, whether it was Vinny Cerrato, Bruce Allen. Now you look at the new GM. I think he says, listen, we're going to put people in place that know football and I'm going to do what you want me to do, you have full go. I will put the money where you tell me if it allows this team to win."

All that said, should the Redskins pursue Mariota even somewhat, Griffin would have even more reason to think he may be less than wanted in Washington, despite any public declarations to the contrary.

Redskins: Griffin will start at QB next season

ASHBURN, Va. - Washington Redskins head coach Jay Gruden said at the NFL Combine on Wednesday that Robert Griffin III will be the team's starter at quarterback next season.

"We'll go into the season with Robert as our No. 1 guy," Albert Breer reported him saying, via Twitter.

Griffin started the first two games last season under center for the Redskins (4-12), though would miss the following six contests after dislocating his ankle in Week 2 at Houston. He regained his position shortly before losing it again temporarily near the end of the season.

"It's up to Robert to continue to grow and mature as a quarterback and as a person," Gruden added. "Moving forward we want to see improvement. It's up to us as a staff to get more out of him."

Kirk Cousins and Colt McCoy relieved Griffin during his injury. Cousins went 1-4 in that stretch before being replaced by McCoy, and said in December he would request a trade from the team should Griffin receive the starting nod again.

McCoy started three games before injuring then aggravating a neck injury, leading the Redskins to a Week 8 overtime victory at the Dallas Cowboys in a Monday night contest.

Griffin threw four touchdowns and six interceptions on 1,694 yards passing last season.

"Robert is a hard worker," Gruden said. "He works hard on his body and his strength, but we will have things drawn up for him, specific things that he can do to get better from the quarterback position mechanics-wise, throwing-wise, drop-wise. He has a good idea of what we did in OTAs and during the season with footwork and fundamentals that he'll continue to build on."

Redskins: Gruden says QB spot open

ASHBURN, Va. - Washington Redskins head coach Jay Gruden said the team's quarterback position will be opened up to competition for the 2015 season.

Washington's three quarterbacks were responsible for 18 touchdowns and 18 interceptions and four victories against 12 defeats this season. 

All of which leaves first-year man Jay Gruden in somewhat of a bind, giving him the inspiration to start over again.

"I'd like to pick one as soon as I could so we could try to work and grind on him and develop him," Gruden said. "But until that position is earned, you have to have a competition. I anticipate us having a competition at a lot of spots, and quarterback is no different next year."

Robert Griffin and Colt McCoy both lost time to injury and Kirk Cousins was turnover-prone, responsible for half the team's interceptions, including 4 on one Monday night against the Giants.

"All three quarterbacks have shown the ability that they can play quarterback in the NFL," Gruden said. "But all three have shown they need some work. That's the case with most teams who are out of the playoffs right now. We're going to go through that process slowly but surely. But we will get there."

But Griffin, still the favorite of team owner Daniel Snyder, is clearly the greatest disappointment for the Redskins.

He featured in seven games this season after dislocating his ankle in Week 2. Backup Cousins would later be benched in favor of McCoy, who led the 'Skins to two of their four wins before Griffin returned from his injury in Week 9 at Minnesota.

Griffin completed 68.7 percent of his 214 pass attempts in that time for 1,694 yards, slinging four touchdowns and six interceptions as Washington acquired two wins in contests he started, against Jacksonville and Philadelphia.

Though Griffin would suffer the same fate as Cousins, being benched for McCoy before the Redskins' third-stringer fell to a neck injury twice, and Gruden was forced to start Griffin again.

"Obviously as a young quarterback he's going to go through some growing pains," Gruden said of him. "We all have a long way to go as far as learning each other's strengths and weaknesses, and we've just got to grow from there. He's got the arm talent to be a good quarterback. Obviously some issues in the pocket have to be worked with - anticipation, accuracy. There's a lot that can be improved on."

Redskins: Cousins wants out if Griffin is in

ASHBURN, Va. - Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins says he would like to be traded from the team should Robert Griffin be named the starter for the 2015 season.

"Isn't it obvious I couldn't stay here?" Cousins told Dianna Marie Russini of NBC4 (Washington).

Cousins went 1-4 in relief of Griffin over five starts, tossing 10 touchdowns and 9 interceptions, including a 4 pick outing in a Monday nighter against the Giants in September, a 45-14 defeat.

He went 10-of-16 for 139 yards in Week 8 against the Titans before his turnover-prone ways found him on the bench in favor of Colt McCoy, who led two scoring drives in a two-point victory.

Cousins would not see the field again for the Redskins as Griffin was named the team's starter after McCoy was put on injured reserve following a neck injury.

Over three seasons in the professional ranks, the former Michigan State Spartan has 3,030 yards passing, adding 18 touchdowns against 19 interceptions.

Washington (4-12) finished their season on a 1-7 skid with Griffin under center, though they did upset the Philadelphia Eagles in a game that effectively eliminated them from postseason contention.

QBs trade picks in DC

LANDOVER, Md. - Robert Griffin and Tony Romo have exchanged interceptions in the second half of play between Washington and Dallas on Sunday.

Bruce Carter has two picks off Griffin, both on would-be red zone scoring possessions as the Cowboys hold a 27-10 lead over the Redskins.

Tony Romo ventured a toss off his back foot for Joseph Randle that was pulled down by the Redskins' Jackson Jeffcoat at the Cowboys 25 and returned to the 16.

Though Griffin would return the favor 22 seconds later on a three play drive that went nowhere, his 3rd-and-10 pass attempt tipped by the Cowboys' Orlando Scandrick, off the fingers of Andre Roberts, and into the arms of linebacker Bruce Carter.

Carter picked Griffin late in the end zone near the end of the third quarter to kill an 83 yard drive kicked off by Griffin's 47 yard pass to Pierre Garcon.

Griffin is 16-of-28 for 246 yards for Washington (4-11). DeSean Jackson has 86 yards on 2 receptions, including a 69 yard touchdown that gave the Redskins a brief lead early.

DeMarco Murray broke Emmitt Smith's former Cowboys franchise season-rushing record in the first half. His 32 yard rush in the first quarter broke the mark as the league's best back has 1,822 yards this season on 13 touchdowns, both the best of any runner in football. 

DeMarco Murray breaks the record

LANDOVER, Md. - DeMarco Murray became the all-time best rusher in Cowboys history on Sunday.

His 32 yard rush over left end gave Murray his 1,798th yards on the season. Emmitt Smith held the team's previous best record, rushing for 1,773 yards in the 1995 season. 

Dez Bryant caught the 23 yard touchdown reception to conclude that drive as the Dallas Cowboys lead the Washington Redskins 17-7 in the first quarter.

The catch was previously ruled incomplete, but a Jason Garrett challenge overturned that decision for the ten-point advantage.

His 65 yard touchdown regained the Dallas lead after Robert Griffin connected with DeSean Jackson on a 69 yard score two minutes earlier.

Dallas (11-4) is seeking their fourth straight victory after clinching their first NFC East title since 2009. 

Redskins down Eagles 27-24; Birds practically out

LANDOVER, Md. - Washington: first in war, first in peace, last in the NFC East.

Though after sixty minutes, two missed field goals, and four combined turnovers, the nation's current capitol would chuck its first practically out of view of their once-assured postseason hopes.

Robert Griffin flung the pigskin for 220 yards and Kai Forbath booted the game-winner as the Washington Redskins hand the Philadelphia Eagles their third-straight defeat with a 27-24 decision on Saturday night.

Washington (4-11) nixed a six-game losing habit with the win over their rivals.

Mark Sanchez tossed an interception on the Eagles' last chance to set up the Redskins' go-ahead 50 yard drive.

"We wanted to spoil their Christmas and send them home," Griffin said, "and we did our part."

Griffin secured his first complete-game victory of the season, a campaign hampered by injury, awkward play, a benching, and a sudden start Saturday in relief of Colt McCoy, recently added to the team's injured-reserve list.

"[He] did an outstanding job of managing the football game," Redskins coach Jay Gruden said.

"Love the way our team battled and competed," Gruden added. "There's been a lot of talk about people quitting and you can see what type of guys we have. Guys didn't quit."

Darrel Young pounded for two touchdowns as the Redskins blanked the Eagles 14-0 in the third quarter for a ten-point advantage. He capped off drives of 76 and 64 yards, both from a yard out after Eagles penalties in the end zone.

"You would think a 3-11 football team would just quit, and we're not," Griffin said afterwards. 

It was trouble early on for the Eagles as they traded touchdowns with the upset-minded Redskins. Alfred Morris for Washington and LeSean McCoy for Philadelphia rushed for scores in the opening frame.

Morris finished with 83 yards on 21 rushes and DeSean Jackson's 4 grabs netted 126 yards through the air against his former club.

Philadelphia (9-6) was flagged 13 times for 102 yards, including two occasions of roughing Robert Griffin that led to a touchdown and twice more on what became the Redskins' game-winning drive.

"We didn't go enough good things to win obviously," Eagles coach Chip Kelly said afterwards.

Kelly's Birds suffered two turnovers to bring the count to a league-worst 35, both from quarterback Mark Sanchez.

His first quarter fumble and fourth quarter interception both produced field goals, the latter to in essence sink the Eagles' season.

Sanchez went 37-of-50 for 374 yards and two touchdowns to Riley Cooper, in the second quarter to give Philly the 14-10 lead and a fourth quarter toss from 16 yards during their failed comeback bid.

Zach Ertz secured 15 receptions for Philadelphia, a career-best outing, finishing with 115 yards in defeat.

"Ertz just went off, had an awesome day," Sanchez said afterwards. 

The Eagles had a perfect chance to enlarge their lead after the Redskins' Andre Roberts fumbled the kick to open the second half. Malcolm Jenkins punched the ball from Roberts' grasp and Nolan Carroll recovered to give the Eagles possession on the 'Skins 16.

But Cody Parkey would miss the first of two sliced kicks, having only missed two the entire season before then.

"That was big," Kelly said. "You wanna start off with points. We get the ball out there, we think we'll at least get three, but that's what the game was like all night."

LeSean McCoy finished with 88 yards on 22 rushes and a score for the Eagles, who are eliminated from the playoffs if the Cowboys win on Sunday.

In the meantime, Philadelphia closes their regular season at the Giants.

"One game left. We got to get ready and focused for the New York Giants. We got to win that game," Chip Kelly said.

Young rushes twice as Skins lead Birds after 3rd

LANDOVER, Md. - Darrel Young rushed for two touchdowns to give the fledging Washington Redskins the 24-14 lead on the playoff-seeking Philadelphia Eagles over three quarters Saturday in the nation's capitol.

Young capped off two Redskins drives over the period, the second of which came off Cody Parkey's second-straight missed field goal on the night.

Robert Griffin led Washington (3-11) over 76 yards the first time, slinging a first-down toss to DeSean Jackson, evading a sack and carrying himself over midfield for a 7 yard rush. His 17 yard pass to Pierre Garcon worked the Redskins to the Eagles 22.

Griffin was roughed illegally twice on the charge by linbackers Brandon Graham and Vinny Curry, giving the Redskins possession on the Eagles 1.

Penalties would put Washington on the Eagles 1 again as Nate Allen interfered with DeSean Jackson in the end zone. Jackson hauled in a 55 yard pass-play from Robert Griffin to the Eagles 13.

His 51 yarder past Fletcher set up the Skins' first touchdown earlier in the evening.

Griffin went 12-of-17 for 190 yards passing, adding 11 yards on 5 rushes. Alfred Morris has 63 yards on 14 attempts.

Zach Ertz and Jordan Matthews caught the Eagles to the Redskins 36, gaining a quick 33 yards. Sanchez rushed twice to produce the 3rd-and-1, on which LeSean McCoy was stuffed for no gain over the right side.

But Cody Parkey would miss his second field goal try on the night and only his fourth this season as the Redskins retained their three-point lead. 

The Redskins, on a six-game losing skid, avoided a near fatal turnover as the third quarter began.

Andre Roberts fumbled the opening kick in the third quarter when the football was punched from his grasp by safety Malcolm Jenkins. Nolan Carroll jumped onto the recovery for Philadelphia on the Redskins 16.

But the Eagles would fail to convert in their goal-to-go series and Cody Parkey's 34 yard field goal fluttered wide right.

Philadelphia (9-5) is seeking to avoid a three-game losing streak and to represent the NFC East in the postseason after losing that division's lead to Dallas on Sunday night.

Eagles-Redskins preview

LANDOVER, Md. - After a long and winding road paved with injury, poor play, benchings, emergency starts, public insults from his coach, and a personal ban from social media, Robert Griffin will once again captain the good ship Redskins when they host the Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday.

Griffin will get the nod as his replacement Colt McCoy was added to the injured-reserve list after aggravating the neck injury he acquired two Sundays ago.

McCoy gave Washington their last victory, an Oct. 27 overtime contest in Dallas, though since then the 'Skins have dropped six in a row and 19 of 22, their worst stretch in nearly fifty years.

Griffin has seen the field seven times this season for the Redskins (3-11), tossing three touchdowns and three interceptions. He has been sacked 28 times, including seven at the Giants last week.

His only victory came in Week 2 over Jacksonville, the game in which he dislocated his ankle. 

"He's got every chance this week against the Eagles to take this position and run with it," Redskins coach Jay Gruden said of Griffin, of whom he has spoken unglowingly in recent weeks. "And I'd like to see him have some urgency about him and play well, and hopefully there won't be much of a debate if he does well."

Gruden benched Griffin after being sacked 16 times and throwing two scores and three picks in what became a three-game skid. Washington had a two-game winning streak with McCoy under center until then after dropping four straight with Kirk Cousins.

All statistics the Eagles care to disregard.

"If you sleep on that guy, trust me, you'll be sitting here after the game going, 'Boy, he ran for 100 yards against you, how'd that happen?'" Chip Kelly said of Griffin Wednesday. "That kid's athletic as heck, and he can run really, really well. We have to understand where he is on every single play."

"We've got to be really sharp on our contain when we rush the quarterback, because he's a different element than we've seen except for Russell Wilson," Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins said this week.

Two weeks ago found Wilson scamper for a 26 yard touchdown in Philadelphia, fleeing untouched around left end after a fake handoff on the inside had Trent Cole fooled.

Griffin has 146 yards rushing on 27 attempts in his brief campaign.

"We expect to get his best," Jenkins said of Griffin. "This is his opportunity at the end of the year to put some good tape out there."

Good tape has been hard to come by for Chip Kelly's Eagles recently.

Philadelphia (9-5) lost control of their postseason destinies after losing two straight games, to Seattle and a rematch with Dallas, their first two defeats at home this season.

To sneak into January football, the Eagles need to win their final two games Saturday and at the Giants, and for the Cowboys to fall to the Colts on Sunday or the Redskins next week. Seattle, Green Bay, or Detroit will have to lose both their final games for Philly to contend.

"I don't know if playing a scenario out in your head makes you feel better or whatever; I don't know how that helps you," coach Kelly said. "It's about one thing we can do and that's go out and play against Washington on Saturday."

Their 34 turnovers are the most in football, three more than any other club. Of their 15 fumbles, five have come from quarterbacks and Mark Sanchez has 9 of the team's 19 interceptions. 

"That's what's been hurting us," Sanchez said. "We need better ball security and that starts with me." 

He tossed two interceptions and no touchdowns in the Eagles' 38-27 loss to the Cowboys that gave their arch-rival the division lead. A game in which, after surrendering a 21-0 burst answered with 24 straight points for a brief lead.

"I need to clean up some mistakes and attack this thing like I do every week. That's with a positive attitude, learning from the previous week, learning from this game and being ready to play."

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The interceptions number one more than Chicago, this season's benchmark for turnover football and their fumbles number one more than the league's second-worst Colts and Giants.

Philadelphia has also allowed a league-high 109 points off turnovers this season.

"We keep coaching not turning the ball over," Eagles offensive coach Pat Shurmur said this week mournfully. "We keep and keep coaching ball security."

Should the Eagles cough up the football on Saturday, their defensive front may bail them out. The Redskins' protectors have allowed the second-most sacks in football (53) and the Eagles have recorded the second most (47), behind Connor Barwin, who ranks third behind J.J. Watt with 14 1/2. 

Though the Eagles will be without linebacker Trent Cole after he had surgery on a broken hand sustained in the team's loss to the Cowboys six days ago.

Both rivals met in Philadelphia Sept. 21, a three-point win for the Eagles. Kirk Cousins quarterbacked the Redskins to 427 yards in a nail-biter that found he and Nick Foles both throw three touchdowns. DeSean Jackson hauled in an 81 yard score in his first rematch with his former side.

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Gruden: McCoy will start if healthy

ASHBURN, Va. - Colt McCoy will start at quarterback for the Washington Redskins if he is medically cleared to play, coach Jay Gruden said Thursday.

"We've had looks at all three quarterbacks," Gruden said Thursday. "Right now we feel like Colt is in the lead. If he gets a clean bill of health, he'll be our starter Sunday."

McCoy suffered a neck sprain in the fourth quarter of the Redskins' 24-0 loss to the Rams last Sunday, and noted the day after the game of his continued pain there, though tests taken this week revealed no structural damage.

He participated in the team's throwing drills and general practice Wednesday, saying a disc and some nerves in his neck were aggravated.

"I'm doing a lot better," he said after practice. "It has to continue to calm down. But I've seen significant recovery over the last few days."

Sources within the team have stated the injury is not a threat to McCoy's career.

McCoy is 1-2 as the team's starter and has thrown 4 touchdowns to 3 interceptions. Robert Griffin, whose relationship with Jay Gruden has been strained in recent weeks, is 1-3 as starter, and has been sacked 16 times in those games.

He relieved Colt McCoy after his injury, completing 3-of-4 pass attempts.

Washington (3-10) travels to play the New York Giants Sunday.

Gruden: Griffin may start if McCoy cannot

ASHBURN, Va. - Washington Redskins coach Jay Gruden said Monday that should quarterback Colt McCoy remain injured, the team may start Robert Griffin in their Week 15 meeting at the New York Giants.

"It's hard to say right now," Gruden told the Washington Post. "I don't know how healthy he [McCoy] is. I'm not going to make any assumptions or conclusions until I get all the tests back from the doctor."

McCoy left action in the fourth quarter Sunday with a neck sprain. The quarterback mentioned Monday that the pain in his neck was the same as it had been at the time of its injury, and after underoing an X-ray and MRIs.

Robert Griffin finished the team's 24-0 defeat to the Rams Sunday in relief of McCoy, who was himself in relief of Griffin after the latter was benched by Jay Gruden for poor performance.

Griffin went 1-3 as the Redskins' starter, throwing for two touchdowns and four interceptions on 902 yards passing, enjoying a completion rate of 70 percent.

He missed seven games this season after suffering a dislocated ankle in the team's Week 2 meeting with Jacksonville before returning, though went 0-3 in that time and was sacked 16 times.

Gruden also said he was undecided who would start even if McCoy were healthy.

"I'm just going to wait before I make any assumptions or conclusions," Gruden said Monday. "I don't want to rush into any decision at this time anyway. Nobody else has to announce their starters on a Monday press conference, so I don't think I should be any different. I'm going to wait and see until I get all the information on the quarterback."

The relationship between Gruden and Griffin has become strained in recent weeks as the Post's Jason Reid reported the coach spoke privately with management in no uncertain terms that it would serve the program better if they made a "clean break" with Griffin following the season.

Gruden also mentioned that former second-stringer Kirk Cousins may see the field before season's end.

"I could see myself playing with Kirk, no doubt about it," the coach said. "I like Kirk. He did some good things when he was there. Obviously, the turnovers and third downs have really plagued us, plagued them pretty hard."

Cousins was benched following the first half of the Redskins' Week 7 meeting with the Titans in favor of Colt McCoy, who led the team's comeback victory.

Reports: Jay Gruden done with RGIII

ASHBURN, Va. - Washington Redskins head coach Jay Gruden would like quarterback Robert Griffin to pursue his career elsewhere, according to reports.

Gruden feels Griffin is more concerned with enhancing his personal brand than about becoming a franchise quarterback, according to Jason Reid of the Washington Post.

The report also intimated that Gruden benched Griffin for the Redskins' game at the Colts last Sunday not merely because the coach felt Griffin was not the answer for this season, but long-term.

The Post article sites a number of unnamed sources, all in agreement that a large rift has developed between the coach and quarterback, and that Gruden believes Griffin lacks essential talents required of a pocket passer in the team's offensive scheme.

According to the Post, Gruden is dedicated to moving on from Griffin to so great a degree that, "Gruden may have to come up with an exit strategy even faster than Mike Shanahan did."

That, provided Redskins owner Daniel Snyder or general manager Bruce Allen do not pursue a trade for Griffin in the offseason.

It is unsure what position is held by Dan Snyder or Bruce Allen.

Though ESPN has reported in recent days that Snyder admitted to those within the program that he was "befuddled" and "confused" as to why the progress of Griffin had fallen so greatly.

Griffin has thrown for two touchdowns in five contests this season for the Redskins (3-9). He left their Week 2 game with a dislocated ankle, returning under center for the team in Week 9, though lost all three of those starts, a stretch in which he was sacked 16 times.

Gruden publicly criticized Griffin after the team's 27-7 defeat to the then 1-win Buccaneers, calling his play "not even close to good enough."

"He's auditioned long enough," the coach said following that loss. "Clock's ticking. He's gotta play. We'll see."

Jay Gruden: Griffin will start for Redskins

Ashburn, Va. - Washington Redskins head coach Jay Gruden has confirmed quarterback Robert Griffin will start for the team when they travel to the Colts this coming Sunday. 

"Right now, we have every intent for Robert," Gruden said, "but we'll look at the tape and make our evaluation here shortly."

That, after a two-game losing streak and candid public criticisms from Gruden that had many believing there to be a rift between he and Griffin. 

Gruden said his quarterback's performance was "not even close to good enough" after the Redskins fell 27-7 at home to the then 1-win Buccaneers, a game in which Griffin threw a touchdown and two interceptions and was sacked six times.

"Robert had some fundamental flaws," he said after that game. "His footwork was below average. He took three-step drops when he should have taken five. He took a one-step drop when he should have taken three on a couple occasions and that can't happen. He stepped up when he didn't have to step up, and he stepped into pressure. He read the wrong side of the field a couple of times."

That contest was the first game action Griffin saw since returning after nursing his dislocated ankle, and since falling 17-13 to the 49ers is now 0-3 in that time. Griffin was sacked five times in that loss and threw no touchdowns, and the Redskins (3-8) have now failed to score more than 13 points in three of the four games in which Griffin has started.

"We have a 24-year-old kid who has not had a lot of these concepts thrown at him," he said after the Redskins' loss to the 49ers. "We think we got him all sorted out, but he hasn't seen these concepts against different coverages."

Colt McCoy is the only quarterback on the roster who has completed an entire contest with a winning result this season, Washington's Monday night 20-17 overtime victory at Dallas, though he played the second half of their 19-17 win over Tennessee. His first pass attempt in that game was a 70 yard touchdown to Pierre Garcon.

And Robert Griffin has lost 17 of the last 20 full games he has started.

"He's auditioned long enough," Gruden said this week of Griffin. "Clock's ticking. He's gotta play. We'll see."