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3-Wide: Should Washington continue to build around RG3?

The Washington Post / Getty

3-Wide is a weekly feature in which theScore's NFL editors debate the hot topics around the league. Grab a cold towel and brace for hot takes.

Should Washington continue to build around Robert Griffin III?

Michael Amato: It all depends on where the Redskins pick in this spring's draft. If Jay Gruden feels he can get another franchise quarterback in the first round and owner Dan Snyder approves, then they should go for it. If not, continuing to start Griffin might not be the worst idea as he's still playing under his rookie contract and players with his talent aren't easy to come by. An injury-free season under Gruden's tutelage may tell the Redskins if Griffin can return to his rookie form.

Gino Bottero: The easy answer is no. He's struggled to consistently move the offense, his mobility has taken a hit by injuries, he hasn't been able to stay on the field and there are questions about his ability to occupy a leadership role. But the reality is, the team invested heavily in him, and it's too early to cut him loose. If the Redskins were to do that, there just isn't a good alternative out there. The upcoming draft class doesn't look to be very deep at the position either, so Washington figures to be tied to Griffin for a while longer. 

Justin Boone: Griffin isn't the only one who deserves blame for Washington's 3-7 record. RG3 has only appeared in four of the team's 10 games, including one where he left with an injury in the first quarter. While his numbers haven't been great, his struggles can partially be blamed on rookie head coach Jay Gruden, who showed his inexperience by publicly criticizing his quarterback after last week's loss. Griffin is 24 years old and still needs to mature, but the bigger issue in Washington is the team's coach, not the quarterback. 

Who will claim home-field advantage throughout the playoffs in the NFC?

Bottero: While the Cardinals were able to weather the absence of Carson Palmer for one week, the team's lack of a passing game is going to catch up with it sooner or later. The Dallas Cowboys won six in a row earlier in the year before hitting a bit of a speed bump. Coming out of the bye, they figure to be as healthy as they've been at any point this season. The schedule sets up favorably for the 'Boys down the stretch. If they can stay committed to the run game, and DeMarco Murray doesn't break down, 13 wins isn't out of the question.

Boone: The Packers are playing so well right now that they may not lose another game in the regular season. After starting the year 1-2, Green Bay has grown stronger each week, with its only loss coming in a game against the Saints when Aaron Rodgers suffered a hamstring injury. They still have the Patriots and Lions left, but I expect the Packers to finish 12-4 or 13-3 and secure home-field advantage.  

Amato: Even though they've lost their starting quarterback, I'll say the Arizona Cardinals. Drew Stanton is now 3-1 as a starter and the Cards have a two-game advantage on everyone else in the NFC. Other than a meeting with the Atlanta Falcons, their remaining six games are tough, but they would probably need just three more wins to pull it it off. 

Who has been the best rookie receiver so far?

Boone: Sammy Watkins may have been the first receiver selected this year, but Mike Evans has already emerged as the best receiver in this class. Watkins will be a star in the NFL, but Evans has a chance to reach another level. Evans has already usurped Vincent Jackson as the Buccaneers' top receiver and is only 21 years old. Evans has over 100 yards receiving in three straight games, including a 209-yard effort last week. He also has seven touchdowns in his last six outings. Few players have the ability to take over a game in their rookie season, but few players are as talented as Evans. 

Amato: He's only appeared in six games, but Odell Beckham Jr.'s numbers would be scary if he didn't miss the first month of the campaign with an injury. In four starts since Victor Cruz went down, Beckham is averaging seven catches and 119 yards per contest. He also had a seven-catch, 108-yard performance against Seattle Seahawks corner Richard Sherman. 

Bottero: Carolina Panthers wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin entered the draft with all the raw tools, but it was thought that he would need some time to polish his game and get accustomed to playing at the NFL level. His route running could still use a lot of work, but he's been one of the lone bright spots in an otherwise disastrous season in Carolina. He ranks 13th in the league in receiving yards and is tied for eighth in receiving touchdowns. Still with plenty of room to improve his game, Benjamin is looking like a steal at pick No. 28.

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