Griffin: I'm The Best In The League

[markshark84]

Saying you are the best in the league when you CLEARLY are not isn't some harmless statement

Yeah, you're right. What the hell was I thinking...

Next thing you know DeSean Jackson will be out there telling the world that nobody can cover him when he can clearly be covered on occasion.

Apples to oranges. Desean Jackson isn't a QB. He isn't our purported leader. He can say what he wants as to his abilities; no one will care (unless he says something that has to do with the QB as we saw last year). QBs are held to higher standards and they should be.

QBs that win superbowls have far more in common with how they carry themselves than the way in which they play the game. They are generally mature, smart, and humble (among other qualities). The only one I can think of that doesn't meet that description in the past 25 years was Favre. RGIII's statement was immature, stupid, and boastful --- qualities that fall out of line with what we should be expecting from him. So to me personally, statements made by our QB that place him on the other side of the Superbowlesque fence are something significant.

[Bishop Hammer]

If you are a fan of the redskins and have any problem whatsoever with your starting QB having this attitude and mind set at all times, then you are a bad redskins fan. Bad fan! BAD FAN!!

It doesn't matter if what he says is true, if you think Griffin has been gifted anything, or if you think Cousins/McCoy is the answer. If Robert said anything other than what he did, then he should be immediately benched. Because if he doesn't believe that, then no one else ever will.

Griffin's job is to be ready to play, and that takes confidence. The media, in all its glory, can suc. . . jump off a bridge. Man, good thing he doesn't have a radio show or anything.

I agree. Ever professional athlete thinks they are the best at what they do. If they did not they would not last long at their sport.

People criticized Flacco and Eli Manning for saying they were elite and as good as any other quarterback. When folks laughed at them for their belief in themselves they won the Superbowl that year. Last time I checked its up to the person performing to make it happen because they are the ones doing it. For that reason it only matters if they belive in themselves not someone on the outside looking in.

[StorminMormon86]

I'm thinking a reporter could flat out ask Aaron Rodgers "Are you the best QB in the NFL?" and he would find a way to avoid saying "Yes, I am."

But he could say something like, "I think my play over the past couple of years could back that up."

Not so much for Griffin.

[aswas71788]

Something that is clear from reading responses is that those who dislike RGIII will always see his words and actions as something to be criticized. Read the whole statement! RGIII's comments are so distorted by the media now that it is impossible to get a clear understanding of what he meant. Keep in mind that sports writers have to constantly create something radical to keep their job or to boost their reputation. This whole discussion is pure fecal material created by some lackey, glory hunting media writer. If RGIII does his job, great. If not, he will be replaced. If the posters on this site want to raise cane, do it towards the media where it belongs.

[Chris Luva Luva]

Robert seems like the type of person who is book smart, but lacks in common sense. He has to be able to anticipate where certain questions are leading him and be able to respond accordingly...

That being said, anticipation isn't his strong suit in the passing game either.

[Irn-Bru]

There is no doubt that RGIII's words were distorted by the media with selective quotations.

. . . but I still think it was unwise of him to phrase it the way he did.

What gets to me is that he not only expressed himself poorly, but that he doubled down on it today rather than just giving a clarifying statement that would have put the whole thing to rest. Something like, "I was surprised that what I said yesterday set off the storm that it did. I think anyone who reads the full quote will understand that I wasn't claiming I have proven myself to be a better quarterback than the best in the league. I am saying that I believe myself to be a great quarterback and work toward being the best every day. My mindset is that I will take to the practice field and playing field and be the best, and I won't settle for anything less from myself."

That was literally what I could do off the top of my head, and IMHO it was way better than his remarks today. With even 30-40 minutes of work with a PR guy, he could easily have been done with this whole thing today. Instead the team over-reacted, Griffin continued to speak off-the-cuff in his somewhat elusive way, and the speculation will grind on for another few days or week. Plus, if he has a poor season than this quote will be trotted back out ad nauseam.

Again, I don't think there was much wrong with what he said in the first place. I didn't like how he said it because I know how it will be represented in the media. Like DM said above, we supporters of RGIII are left having to parse his words in a charitable way to show that they weren't a problem. I wish Robert had done that work for us.

[EA7649]

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/13464 ... click-bait

"I didn't make a lot out of it, you guys did," Gruden said. "All players want to strive to be the best, and that doesn't change. DeSean Jackson said he was uncoverable. Whether he is or isn't, that's how he feels, and Robert has high goals for himself. I don't fault anyone for having high goals. We don't want anyone that strives to be average. The key thing is, he said he has to go out and prove it. We all have to go out and prove it."

Gruden said he has not grown weary of all the hoopla surrounding Griffin, that it's been like that since he entered the NFL -- Griffin went from winning the Heisman Trophy to being named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and was viewed as a franchise savior.

"He has to go out and prove it and stay healthy and then continue to play," Gruden said. "The whole thing about great quarterbacks and top-notch quarterbacks is they're durable, and they do it year in and year out, game in and game out. We have to do our best to keep him healthy, and he has to do his best to perform."

[Chris Luva Luva]

Something like, "I was surprised that what I said yesterday set off the storm that it did.

But that would have been a lie. He can't be surprised anymore, because this is a common occurrence with him.


Robert begging Tony (PR) to let him address the media today. He'll never win over this locker room.

[StorminMormon86]

Something like, "I was surprised that what I said yesterday set off the storm that it did.

But that would have been a lie. He can't be surprised anymore, because this is a common occurrence with him.


Robert begging Tony (PR) to let him address the media today. He'll never win over this locker room.

Man I hope that is an old picture.

[DarthMonk]

I'm thinking a reporter could flat out ask Aaron Rodgers "Are you the best QB in the NFL?" and he would find a way to avoid saying "Yes, I am."

But he could say something like, "I think my play over the past couple of years could back that up."

Not so much for Griffin.

You know, I was driving last night and thinking Rodgers could look at the camera, give that discount double check grin of his, and say, "Yeah, I'm the best."

FWIW, during the 2012 run for the playoffs, I truly thought Griff had a chance to become exceptional. I really think he has the physical tools to be among the best. I hope he can get there.

We are in a bit of a Catch 22:

Griff needs all the work he can get.

We want to establish a power running game.

Cousins is probably a better guy to have in there for the purpose of evaluating guys trying to make the second team.

These 3 things work against each other. If we are running a lot then Griff gets fewer drop back reps. The more Cousins plays, the less Griff does, etc.

Rodgers threw 19 passes the other day. Griff threw what, 8?

Probably need a new thread.

[DEHog]

There is no doubt that RGIII's words were distorted by the media with selective quotations.

. . . but I still think it was unwise of him to phrase it the way he did.

What gets to me is that he not only expressed himself poorly, but that he doubled down on it today rather than just giving a clarifying statement that would have put the whole thing to rest. Something like, "I was surprised that what I said yesterday set off the storm that it did. I think anyone who reads the full quote will understand that I wasn't claiming I have proven myself to be a better quarterback than the best in the league. I am saying that I believe myself to be a great quarterback and work toward being the best every day. My mindset is that I will take to the practice field and playing field and be the best, and I won't settle for anything less from myself."

That was literally what I could do off the top of my head, and IMHO it was way better than his remarks today. With even 30-40 minutes of work with a PR guy, he could easily have been done with this whole thing today. Instead the team over-reacted, Griffin continued to speak off-the-cuff in his somewhat elusive way, and the speculation will grind on for another few days or week. Plus, if he has a poor season than this quote will be trotted back out ad nauseam.

Again, I don't think there was much wrong with what he said in the first place. I didn't like how he said it because I know how it will be represented in the media. Like DM said above, we supporters of RGIII are left having to parse his words in a charitable way to show that they weren't a problem. I wish Robert had done that work for us.

Exactly!! And the irony is this was after the Redskins said he WOULDN”T be made available to the media!! So the Redskins try to do him a favor and he still has to go out and say something?? RG should and he’d be well within his rights to go full Lynch on the media!! But unfortunately he just doesn’t get it and not sure if after all he’s been through with the media, he ever will??

[Chris Luva Luva]

But unfortunately he just doesn’t get it and not sure if after all he’s been through with the media, he ever will??

It's been... 4 years now? Something like that. He's not going to get it and it's good perspective into what has led to his failures on the field. He thinks that he has it all figured out. I absolutely hated what Gruden did to him last year but.. While what Gruden did (airing out his grievances) was unprecedented and unprofessional... It's totally understandable.

[OldSchool]

But unfortunately he just doesn’t get it and not sure if after all he’s been through with the media, he ever will??

It's been... 4 years now? Something like that. He's not going to get it and it's good perspective into what has led to his failures on the field. He thinks that he has it all figured out. I absolutely hated what Gruden did to him last year but.. While what Gruden did (airing out his grievances) was unprecedented and unprofessional... It's totally understandable.

Griffin is right he doesn't have to show how he's better than this guy and that guy to start for the Skins and that might be a big part of the problem. If Robert competed for the starting job last year and was slotted number 3 because Cousins and McCoy could run Gruden's offense last year it might have motivated Griffin to learn how to read defenses, move in the pocket and some of the other things McCoy and Cousins do so much better. Maybe Griffin would be more level headed and focused on his own improvement now. I don't know but given Griffins performance in 2013 and 2014 I find his dismissive attitude towards McCoy and Cousins insufferable. We haven't seen enough of his 2015 game to know yet how much improvement he has made but whatever the case it was a graceless and stupid thing to say.

Griffin starts against Detroit and McCoy gets the back up reps. Griffin didn't play long enough last game to have a fair chance to demonstrate progress or the lack of progress but he's supposed to get more time this week. I'd like to see Griffin play the whole half so we can really have a look at him. Give McCoy the second half to match Cousins performance last week but play Griffin the whole first half so he gets a chance to settle in and make some plays.

[langleyparkjoe]

stfu rg3

[riggofan]

Honestly, I can't believe any of us are contributing to this noise. Completely phony outrage. I understand it from the media, they have radio time that they need to fill. Kind of expect more from the type of fans who post here. Whether you like RGIII or not, we should be supporting your team and our f**** QB on this one - not piling on a phony issue like this.

[Chris Luva Luva]

Griffin starts against Detroit and McCoy gets the back up reps. Griffin didn't play long enough last game to have a fair chance to demonstrate progress or the lack of progress but he's supposed to get more time this week. I'd like to see Griffin play the whole half so we can really have a look at him. Give McCoy the second half to match Cousins performance last week but play Griffin the whole first half so he gets a chance to settle in and make some plays.

It's been suggested that the coaches prefer that Colt and Kirk run the 2nd and 3rd teams because they ALLOW the coaches to evaluate the young talent. Would you really know how well Crowder, Spencer and Grant have progressed with RGIII at the helm? When RGIII will elect to run the ball when he has 2 receivers open.

Is that the sole reason that RGIII is getting the start? No. But I believe it to be part of the reason. This decision alllows them to make a final determination on RGIII AND allows them to fully evaluate the talent on the roster. It's prolly for the best, all things considered. If I had to bet money on it, they prolly know that he's gonna fail. So they want to know what they have moving forward when they decide to cut the cord.

Honestly, I can't believe any of us are contributing to this noise. Completely phony outrage. I understand it from the media, they have radio time that they need to fill. Kind of expect more from the type of fans who post here. Whether you like RGIII or not, we should be supporting your team and our f**** QB on this one - not piling on a phony issue like this.

It's not phony and it's a symptomatic of a larger issue that he's had. Do you need me to list the LONG line of media problems this kid has created for himself? Because this isn't a one-time thing with him. You're looking at this one comment within a vacuum, which in of itself is kinda harmless. But add to it, his passive aggressive comments about being forced into a "basic" QB a few weeks ago for starters and work your way back.

Nobody has to support RGIII, he's had support. RGIII needs to STFU and complete a pass. RGIII needs to stop taking sacks. RGIII needs to stop taking unneeded hits. RGIII had the lowest, or the 2nd lowest QBR last year. RGIII is the one the needs to improve, not the fans. Kind words on a message board aren't going to complete passes for him. Well wishes and nice thoughts aren't going to help him diagnose his pre-snap reads. That's BS.

[Deadskins]

http://washington.cbslocal.com/2015/08/ ... headlines/

[Chris Luva Luva]

http://washington.cbslocal.com/2015/08/18/rgiii-frustrated-name-keeps-getting-used-headlines/

Wish they had interviewed Kirk and Colt about RGIII's comment about being the best QB on the team.

[OldSchool]

It's been suggested that the coaches prefer that Colt and Kirk run the 2nd and 3rd teams because they ALLOW the coaches to evaluate the young talent. Would you really know how well Crowder, Spencer and Grant have progressed with RGIII at the helm? When RGIII will elect to run the ball when he has 2 receivers open.

That's a cynical view but I think last year that was a fair statement. If the coaches actually feel that way 2015 is going suck. We haven't seen enough of Griffin in 2015 to see if the reports of his progress in camp can be validated on the field.

[OldSchool]

http://washington.cbslocal.com/2015/08/18/rgiii-frustrated-name-keeps-getting-used-headlines/

Wish they had interviewed Kirk and Colt about RGIII's comment about being the best QB on the team.

I think both McCoy, Cousins and every other QB in the NFL, college and high school would have enough sense to say something to the effect "I am focused on improving my game and will leave it to coaches to evaluate how I am doing relative to my teammates."

[Chris Luva Luva]

It's been suggested that the coaches prefer that Colt and Kirk run the 2nd and 3rd teams because they ALLOW the coaches to evaluate the young talent. Would you really know how well Crowder, Spencer and Grant have progressed with RGIII at the helm? When RGIII will elect to run the ball when he has 2 receivers open.

That's a cynical view but I think last year that was a fair statement. If the coaches actually feel that way 2015 is going suck. We haven't seen enough of Griffin in 2015 to see if the reports of his progress in camp can be validated on the field.

I'm cynical, admittedly so. The answer is always in the middle, which is what I provided in the post you replied to. But you must admit that having 2 QB's who can truly operate the offense the way it's intended to be run, is more beneficial for evaluating young talent... That was one of Jay's biggest gripes about RGIII, he can't operate within the scope of the offense. Granted that's RGIII's strength, but it's also his weakness.

I think both McCoy, Cousins and every other QB in the NFL, college and high school would have enough sense to say something to the effect "I am focused on improving my game and will leave it to coaches to evaluate how I am doing relative to my teammates."

They prolly would. Which would in turn, create headlines and heartache for RGIII. LOL He can't win, sad to say.

[riggofan]

It's not phony and it's a symptomatic of a larger issue that he's had.

With all respect, CLL...

Its phony outrage about the way he worded an answer. He didn't give the stock, cliche response and his answer left room for interpretation. This crap has zero to do with his play on the field or anything else.

And Skins fans who are so defensive about parsing words and being "PC" are the last people who should be getting all fake outraged about this non-story, pretending like it means anything or that its symptomatic of any larger issues.

I'd like to see RGIII go Trump-style on this and say, "Yeah I said it, so what?" and have Skins fans say, "Yeah he said it, so what. STFU." But apparently we're all suddenly real sensitive about every word that comes out of our QB's mouth and will not be happy unless he gives only the appropiate, PR-approved responses.

Man up, fellas.

[markshark84]

Something that is clear from reading responses is that those who dislike RGIII will always see his words and actions as something to be criticized. Read the whole statement! RGIII's comments are so distorted by the media now that it is impossible to get a clear understanding of what he meant. Keep in mind that sports writers have to constantly create something radical to keep their job or to boost their reputation. This whole discussion is pure fecal material created by some lackey, glory hunting media writer. If RGIII does his job, great. If not, he will be replaced. If the posters on this site want to raise cane, do it towards the media where it belongs.

Really????? Come back to earth my man.

His statement said: “I don’t feel like I have to come out here and show anybody anything or why I’m better than this guy or better than that guy. It’s more about going out and affirming that for me, I go out and I play, I know I’m the best quarterback on this team. I feel like I’m the best quarterback in the league and I have to go out and show that. Any athlete at any level, if they concede to someone else, they’re not a top competitor, they’re not trying to be the best that they can be. There’s guys in this league that have done way more than me. But I still view myself as the best because that’s what I work toward every single day.”

And you think his statement was "so distorted by the media now that it is impossible to get a clear understanding of what he meant"????? After reading it, I think the media could have been WORSE ---- MUCH WORSE than just taking the "I'm the best QB in the league" comment. They could have gone further. And what I have heard by the media thus far DIRECTLY relates to the statement and doesn't put it in any different light. They didn't take it out of context. He said what he said --- and he said it TWICE.

As far as the sportswriters having to say something radical --- this isn't radical. It is low hanging fruit presented by RGIII. Chris C00ley put it perfectly on Mike & Mike this morning --- he made everyone in the medias day easier by making that statement. Besides, if reporters want to make a name for themselves they find a unique story not SOMETHING EVERY SPORTSCASTER IN THE US IS TALKING ABOUT. And it wasn't "one media writer" --- literally everyone is talking about this. They are discussing it down here in Houston..... I listened to local 610 talk about it this morning on my way to work. Please -- this isn't some crazy conspiracy theory against RGIII. Get real. RGIII made a ridiculous comment and is paying for it. Look at Patrick Reed -- he made a foolish comment back in March of 2014 and is still remembered for it (after, to a degree, backing it up; something RGIII hasn't done)....

Two final points:
1. He should have stopped after the first sentence or even where I began to bold the statement. That would have been sufficient. I REALLY liked the comment up to that point. The remaining statement, to me, shows that he is -- in all reality -- NOT confident. Confident people don't go around telling everyone how great they are....
2. Every single person that is a skins fan was a HUGE RGIII FAN in 2012 and 2013 -- I sure as #*@& was. And I don't think many people "dislike" RGIII; more that they no longer think he is a viable QB option based on his 2013 and 2014 performances. Statements like these just affirm their beliefs.

[Chris Luva Luva]

Its phony outrage about the way he worded an answer. He didn't give the stock, cliche response and his answer left room for interpretation. This crap has zero to do with his play on the field or anything else.

And Skins fans who are so defensive about parsing words and being "PC" are the last people who should be getting all fake outraged about this non-story, pretending like it means anything or that its symptomatic of any larger issues.

I'd like to see RGIII go Trump-style on this and say, "Yeah I said it, so what?" and have Skins fans say, "Yeah he said it, so what. STFU." But apparently we're all suddenly real sensitive about every word that comes out of our QB's mouth and will not be happy unless he gives only the appropiate, PR-approved responses.

Man up, fellas.

"Man up"

Speaking for myself, I'm not sensitive about anything regarding him. I'm frankly tired of hearing from him. I'm tired of his lame ass sayings and moto's. I'm tired of hearing him TALK about his perception of himself. And I'm tired of seeing him look like complete trash on the field.

He's a QB that threw ONLY 4 touch downs in 2014, needs to STFU and stop talking about being the greatest of anything. He's the greatest at nothing right now. He needs to be the greatest at ShuttingTFU. Let your play speak for itself. Work on becoming an average pocket passer.

You want people to come on this forum and speak highly of this kid like it's going to help anything. If kind words made him a better passer, he wouldn't have fallen off in 2013 when everyone was still high on him. In reality, kind words don't make QB's good.

[StorminMormon86]

Its phony outrage about the way he worded an answer. He didn't give the stock, cliche response and his answer left room for interpretation. This crap has zero to do with his play on the field or anything else.

Agreed on this part.

And Skins fans who are so defensive about parsing words and being "PC" are the last people who should be getting all fake outraged about this non-story, pretending like it means anything or that its symptomatic of any larger issues.

How many more quotes are going to get "distorted" before it becomes clear that HE is the root of these problems within the media?! HE is the one making these comments year after year, and while I don't think there has ever once been any ill will in his words, he should have learned by now that because he's played so poorly, he needs to start giving the stock, cliched responses to help keep this circus like atmosphere away from this team.

I'd like to see RGIII go Trump-style on this and say, "Yeah I said it, so what?" and have Skins fans say, "Yeah he said it, so what. STFU." But apparently we're all suddenly real sensitive about every word that comes out of our QB's mouth and will not be happy unless he gives only the appropiate, PR-approved responses.

Man up, fellas.

But then he'd even look like a bigger jackass, because the argument can be made that he isn't even the best QB on this roster.