Dec 23, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan along the sidelines during the first quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Redskins defeated the Eagles 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

For as long as Robert Griffin III has been the quarterback, Mike Shanahan has been dogged by the same nagging question: Are he and Griffin on the same page? More specifically, does Shanahan place a higher value on protecting the star of the franchise than winning? This question was pushed to the background during the final two months of the season as the Redskins produced a miraculous winning streak to capture the NFC East and secure a playoff bid. But as RG3 lay crumpled on the FedEx Field mud during the playoff game against Seattle, the question resurfaced louder than ever. Despite the many feel good stories of Griffin’s knee rehab during the off-season, it’s clear that the coach-quarterback relationship has not been fully addressed.

Washington Post columnist (and former Redskins beat writer) Jason Reid discussed this issue on Thursday with Lavar Arrington and Chad Dukes. Based on his inside knowledge of the team, there are problems still to be ironed out:

“The situation has to be straightened out. Let’s put it that way. They don’t have to love each other, but they have to be on the same page. And I don’t think it’s a big stretch by what we’ve seen so far publicly, to say that there are clearly questions as to whether or not they’re on the same page.”

This damning quote is in response to tweets sent by RG3 to ESPN’s Trey Wingo in March. Griffin asserted that, “I know where my responsibility is within the dilemma that led to me having surgery to repair my knee, and all parties involved know their responsibilities as well.” Griffin clearly placed significant blame on Shanahan for the injury. Reid believes this is still a problem for the organization.

There are countless examples of Shanahan taking unnecessary risks with the health of his quarterback. Before the final injury during the playoff game, there were clear signs that Griffin was in debilitating pain. Yet Shanahan did not bench Griffin, and even called a quarterback keeper that saw RG3 hobble to the sideline on one leg. Even before the playoffs there were questions. Why were the Redskins so slow to diagnose a concussion in an October game against the Falcons? Why did Kyle Shanahan call so many veer option plays that left RG3 exposed to NFL defenses? Why did Mike Shanahan wait until the end of the season to suggest that RG3 needs to learn how to slide? These examples provide evidence to the question of whether Shanahan has been too risky with his quarterback. The question that is much more difficult to answer is, In what ways has Shanahan actually protected RG3?

Locker room dynamics are often overblown in the media. However, the relationship between Robert Griffin III and the Shanahans is a critical one for the future of the Redskins. If Griffin is to continue putting his well-being into the hands of his coaches, he needs to trust that they have his best interest at heart. At the moment, that does not appear to be the case.

Feb. 2, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA: Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III walks the red carpet prior to the Super Bowl XLVII NFL Honors award show at Mahalia Jackson Theater. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Robert Griffin III is currently experiencing a meteoric rise in stardom. He has the number one selling jersey in the NFL. He has over 900,000 followers on Twitter. He showed up looking dapper at the Kentucky Derby. The man is a transcendent cultural icon…and a pretty decent quarterback as well. For these reasons, I am starting a new weekly column on Mondays in which I track the every movement of RG3 during his highly publicized off-season. Whether he is rehabbing his knee or stretching it out on the red carpet, you will find it here.

The Week of May 6th

Griffin Counsels Cowboys WR: NFL.com’s Kevin Patra details Griffin offering advice to his former Baylor teammate Terrance Williams who was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys last month. Griffin’s advice: “Be happy with your capabilities and show what you can do.” Williams will be auditioning for the third wide receiver slot on the Cowboys depth chart. If he finds a starting role, we can credit Griffin’s sagacity. While some people may question RG3′s decision to offer professional advice to a rival, I think it exemplifies Griffin’s character as a teammate. Plus, like the old adage says, “Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.”

RG3 fights cancer, knee pain: On Wednesday, Griffin attended a luncheon hosted by the American Cancer Society which honored Tanya Snyder, Dan’s wife, as the “Mother of the Year.” He raised $33,000 in charitable contributions by posing for eighteen photographs with fans (at $1,000 a pop) and auctioning off a pair of cleats for $15,000. Of infinitely more importance, his knee continues to heal nicely. The Washington Times’ Rich Campbell reported that Griffin answered only one question about his knee: “The knee feels fine. It’s just about taking it slow. Each day is a better day because the knee feels better, you do more things. It’s just a process, and I’m going through it.” Does anyone have $15K I could borrow? It’ll go to a good cause…

RG3 is finally getting married: Jackie Griffin, RG3′s mother, discussed her son’s upcoming wedding with Fox DC’s Shawn Yancy. Washington’s version of the “royal wedding” will take place this summer between Griffin and his longtime fiancee, Rebecca Liddicoat. More interestingly, Sarah Kogod of The Washington Post found a gift registry for the couple. The Bed Bath & Beyond registry confirms that the wedding will take place on July 6th. Kudos to our American hero and his impending Fourth of July nuptials. Now to find the couple a present that is more intimate than a lemon zester, but that won’t break the bank. I’m so bad at picking out presents.

And speaking of Griffin’s mom…

RG3 Tweet of the Week:

Happy Mother’s Day to the most influential mom in my life, Jackie Griffin. I love you and you will always be “mommy” to me

— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) May 12, 2013

With that in mind, the Redskins schedule is still noteworthy for a number of reasons:

1) The Redskins are a hot commodity. Washington has five prime time games, the maximum number a team can receive in an NFL season. The Skins open with a Monday night match-up against the rival Eagles, a game that figures to be among the most watched of the regular season. Let’s face it: the public is interested in watching the Redskins and Robert Griffin. RG3 has the highest selling jersey in the NFL, and networks are more than happy to take advantage of the quarterback’s emerging star power.

Jan 6, 2013; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) scrambles during the fourth quarter of the NFC Wild Card playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

2) The NFL thinks RG3 is “All In For Week One.” The fact that the Redskins are featured in the first Monday Night Football telecast of the season indicates that the league believes Griffin will be healthy enough to start week one. There is no way the Redskins are in that spot if it looked like Kirk Cousins was in position to start. Does the league have insider information? I find it hard to believe a call wasn’t put into James Andrews before the schedule was released. Take it to the bank: RG3 starts week one.

3) The team has a week four bye. Usually teams hope for later byes to break up the rigors of the season. However, the Redskins might be pleased to be see an early week of rest for RG3 (whom we established will be ready in week one). October also figures to be a tough stretch for Washington, as the team plays at Dallas, Chicago, and then travels to Denver. The bye will allow the team to get organized for this critical stretch. Or at least will give you a weekend to stock up on Vitamin D.

4) The Redskins will have the opportunity to defend the NFC East in December. If the Skins are within striking distance of the division lead, they will have the ability to play themselves into the playoffs in December. The team begins and ends the month with games against the Giants, and faces the Cowboys December 22nd in the home finale. No way to know how the season will shake out, but the Redskins will have control of their own destiny in the NFC East come December.

5) It’s a good season for road trips. Who wants to travel with me to Green Bay in September? Should be beautiful in Wisconsin that time of year. I might skip Oakland though.

The Redskins’ full season schedule can be found here. Post your schedule thoughts in the comments section.