The Washington Redskins Must Scoop Up Rob Chudzinski
By Erik Lambert
Dec 29, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Washington Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan walks off the field after a game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. The Giants defeated the Redskins 20-6. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Four seasons produced some intriguing results but not enough winning for the Washington Redskins. They now need somebody who can utilize Robert Griffin III, and Rob Chudzinski is the man to do it.
Mike Shanahan shown the door after 3-13 flop season
For a brief moment in time it looked like things were on the rise for Washington. They rode a win streak to the 2012 playoffs and built an early two touchdown lead against Seattle. Head coach Mike Shanahan was being validated for his hard work at turning around a perennial loser. Then the lead began to melt away following quickly by a badly timed knee injury to Robert Griffin III. The Redskins lost the game and were never really able to recover from the disappointment. Dysfunction regarding RGIII and when he should play began to arise, followed closely by a bad swoon on defense dropped the previously predicted contender all the way to 3-13. The final embarrassment was knowing they wouldn’t have a first round pick available to correct their problems due to the trade for Griffin. Hence after four seasons Shanahan was shown the door and likely the rest of his staff with him.
Players angry at Cleveland Browns for dumping Chudzinski
Rob Chudzinski can relate, but unlike Shanahan he never really had a chance to implement his plan. Sadly he became yet another victim of the craziness going on with the Cleveland Browns, who fired him after just one season as head coach. Their disappointment is understandable, having to deal with a 4-12 finish and a late-season losing streak but there were signs from several angles that the Browns were a talented team that could compete but just hadn’t figured out how to win yet. All Chudzinski needed was a quarterback and a little more time. He didn’t get either. Not only are the fans up in arms about the stunning move, even the Browns players spoke out in the media questioning the decision. They understand no team can win in the NFL without continuity and despite a tough first year they believed Chudzinski had a good plan in place. Now everything is scrapped again.
Robert Griffin III could flourish under the eye of Chud
As the saying goes though, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” The Washington Redskins have need for a new coach and they would be smart to find one who can get the most out of Robert Griffin III. Despite his abrupt exit from Cleveland, Rob Chudzinski is still deserving of a shot. He’s one of the best, young offensive minds in the game and is very adept at getting the most from his quarterbacks. He turned Cam Newton into Rookie of the Year and a Pro Bowler, as he did with Derek Anderson. In spite of having three different quarterbacks play in Cleveland, they combined for 4,361 passing yards with 26 touchdowns and 20 interceptions. That is with the 49 sacks they took collectively. RGIII could take his game to the next level with a man like him in charge, somebody who can adapt the playbook to what he does best.