'Say WHATTTT???' Washington Ex Robert Griffin III Blasts Jay Gruden
The Washington Commanders haven't had a franchise quarterback in quite some time and most agree you have to go back to Robert Griffin III or Kirk Cousins to find the last one that could have been if situations unfolded differently.
In the case of Griffin, injuries derailed what looked to be a promising career, and at 33 years of age today could still theoretically be leading the Commanders to this day.
Alas, Griffin took a beating in his early years, which is why he took exception to former Washington coach Jay Gruden calling out the Philadelphia Eagles for not protecting quarterback Jalen Hurts on Monday night in their playoff loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Washington Redskins head coach Jay Gruden (C) talks to Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) in the second half against the Philadelphia Eagles at FedEx Field. The Redskins won 27-24.
Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
"If I ever put a QB through what Philly is putting Jalen through, I apologize," Gruden tweeted Monday night. "Pick up a blitz!"
To which, Griffin quoted and added, "Say WHATTTT???" with a rather accusatory look on his face in an image attached.
Gruden then responded by asking Griffin if he wasn't prepared during their time together to which the quarterback responded, "You told me you didn't know how to coach a QB who could throw and run like me, so looks like you weren't prepared Jay."
The coach led the Commanders franchise from 2014 to 2019 winning 35 games to 49 losses and a single tie.
Griffin was only on the team for Gruden's first two seasons and played in nine games, starting seven, and had his highest career completion percentage while going 2-5 as the starter with four touchdown throws compared to six interceptions.
By the time Gruden arrived Griffin had already been injured several times, benched in favor of Cousins, and was wrapped up in various levels of controversy.
Their one season of really working together didn't go any smoother after the quarterback had to be carted off the field in Week 2 with a dislocated ankle in one of the two wins he had that year as a starter.
After missing seven weeks due to the injury Griffin returned but was benched in late November with Colt McCoy stepping in at the time.
An injury to McCoy put Griffin back in the starting lineup and he went on to finish 2014 relatively stronger than it had gone previously.
After suffering a preseason concussion in 2015 Griffin ended up third on the Washington depth chart, never played a snap that year, and left the now infamous note on his locker on what would be his final day as an active member of the organization.
