Mike Shanahan: Injuries not the cause of RG3's struggles
The recent struggles of Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III after his stellar rookie season have perplexed many. Now, someone who knows the signal-caller well is weighing in on the matter.
Mike Shanahan, who coached Griffin in his first two campaigns, believes injuries are not to blame for his lack of production.
"I don't think getting hurt has anything to do with it," Shanahan told 106.7 The Fan.
Griffin excelled under Shanahan as rookie, when his coach allowed him the freedom to frequently take off with the football. He threw for 20 touchdowns and ran for seven more, while tossing only five interceptions. During the last two campaigns, though, Griffin's numbers have taken a hit, as he attempts to become more of a pocket passer.
"In college he didn't have a route tree, didn't have a playbook," Shanahan said. "That does take some time. If you take a QB like that you must run the kind of system that allows them to be successful."
That system involved a heavy dose of the read-option under Shanahan, but the Redskins have rarely used that play call since Jay Gruden took over, and it appears to be taking Griffin out of his comfort zone.
Shanahan believes the only way for Griffin to salvage his career is with old-fashioned hard work.
"I really believe Robert thought he was more of a drop-back quarterback," Shanahan said. "He hasn't done things the NFL asks you to do. It does take some growing pains. You better really work on it inside and out."
- With h/t to CSNWashington.com