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5 Reasons Robert Griffin III Failed with Redskins

By Maurice Barksdale

Aug 20, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) walks off the field after being injured against the Detroit Lions at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 20, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) walks off the field after being injured against the Detroit Lions at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Robert Griffin III
Dec 26, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) passes against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

The development of Kirk Cousins

During the off-season of 2015 the Washington Redskins picked up the fifth year option on Robert Griffin the third. Had he not been released this off-season Griffin would have been guaranteed to make $16 million in the 2016 season.

And even with his concussion in the preseason of 2015 Griffin more than likely still would have been the starting quarterback for the 2015 season had it not been for Kirk Cousins stepping up in the offseason and making the case for himself as the starter over RGIII.

Head coach Jay Gruden made the decision to start Kirk Cousins saying that Cousins gave the team the best chance to win.  This was seen as one of the moments when Gruden began to make the team his.  When the football people spearheaded personnel matters and not the owner.

However, Cousins struggled at the beginning of last season so Griffin’s name still had to be considered had those struggles continued. But midway through the season Cousins emerged as one of the top passers in the league and broke several Redskins passing records by the end of the season.

Had Cousins not had such a huge season, Griffin probably still would be the starter coming into 2016 and Cousins would be the one testing the free agent market.  But Cousins play in 2015 made RGIII the one who’s expendable this offseason.

Next: New head coach and new GM

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