Washington Redskins head coach Jay Gruden is preparing his team to host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, knowing full well that a 3-6 record might already disqualify the team from playoff contention in a loaded NFC.
Taking that into account, ESPN Washington Redskins blogger John Keim was asked by one of his readers what grade he would give Gruden for what has been a challenging start to the 2014 NFL season:
Probably a C. It's tough to say he's been great, but it's not as if he's the only cause of a 3-6 start. His starting quarterback, who had a lot to learn, missed seven games with an ankle injury. So that hurt his development. I think Gruden has done a nice job changing the vibe at Redskins Park - that's different than culture; need to win do really do that.
He's been honest in his assessment of players, including Robert Griffin III. But has he made the Redskins better? Tough to say that right now. But this job is about more than just the coach; it's about the rest of the organization providing the necessary help. I think Gruden will end up using this year, because there won't be any playoffs, as one to determine what he really needs going forward. I think he has a good feel already. His success will be tied to Griffin's development, too.
In short, Gruden's job security is likely tied to what he can get out of Robert Griffin III - meaning that, with RGIII's injuries this year, the first-year coach likely deserves an "incomplete" grade rather than the middling "C" given to him by Keim.
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