Benching RG3 the Right Move?

     Mike Shanahan decided enough was enough. RG3 has made his last appearance on the NFL game field. And apparently, it wasn’t just Shanahan. Shanahan said that this decision was made after talk with owner Daniel Snyder, who is known to have a deep affection for the young stud.

     The question is, is this the right move? I personally do not think so. I think the Redskins organization is just trying to gain some draft picks at this point. The Redskins just might be in the worst position in the NFL. They have a horrible record, which for most teams would translate in a chance to get an amazing young talent high in the draft. Problem is, they gave that pick to the St. Louis Rams a few years ago to move up and grab Robert Griffin III. The year they got RG3, it is widely publicized that Shanahan did not even want him, the owner Daniel Snyder did. So while the owner made his pick with the number 2 overall pick, Shanahan made his later in the draft with Kirk Cousins. Now things get fishy.

     Most people believe that Shanahan is basically already out the door. However if that is somehow not the case, then it’s hard to see what way this organization might go in at the quarterback position. 

     For prediction sake, lets say Cousins lights up the NFL these next three weeks while RG3 watches in shorts and t-shirt. Most people would say that would translate in a nice trade for the Redskins and indeed it would. The question becomes, which quarterback goes out the door? If Shanahan is fired, there is little doubt RG3 will be taking the snaps for the Redskins come September. However, if Shanahan is to stay, does he pick his personal favorite over the supremely physically talented? You typically can’t keep two starting quarterbacks on your team for too long. Once the second starts doing well, trade talks begin to pick up. Look at Green Bay with Matt Flynn a few years ago. Same with New England in 2008. And the same for Chicago this year. No question if Cousins does good, one of the two will go. Who is calling the shots might be the determining factor.

     Now as far as RG3’s benching goes, I think it sends the wrong message through the locker room. This is the ultimate team sport, and by doing this, the organization is putting one individual above the team. The reasoning behind it is because RG3 isn’t healthy. Excuse me, it is Week 14, who in the NFL is completely healthy?? You want RG3 to stop taking a beating because of the horrible Offensive Line play? Then why not rest Alfred Morris who takes a pretty bad beating as well. What about Pierre Garcon? What about Santana Moss? It simply is not fair. It can’t be blamed on RG3 because it is a coach’s decision, but how will it feel on Sunday after the game when the team is breathing hard and has dirty jerseys and they see Prince Griffin walk in front of them completely spotless. It hurts RG3’s respect.

R     Washington has 3 more weeks till this season mercifully comes to an end. Until then, the drama will roll on. Without Robert Griffin the third on the field.