Wow.
This isn't the usual Florio hack-job. This is quote after quote of the Head Coach of the Washington Redskins literally gutting Griffin.
So, my first question is - if Gruden is purporting to believe criticism should be managed in house, and apologized for violating that edict himself already once this week, how in the hell does this kind of interview/commentary fit into that model?
Maybe Gruden is trying to apply max pressure to Griffin in some kind of last ditch effort to wake him up. My sense though, is that this isn't the way to motivate Griffin. I don't believe Griffin is 'fragile' - but I do believe (and I've validated this over 30 years of management and leadership experience) that every cat is different and has to be motivated a little differently. I think Griffin, for right or wrong, is the kind of guy that needs support, expressed confidence, and to feel secure to perform well. I think he'd respond a lot better to Gruden pulling him in and having heart to hearts with him. 'We're in this together', 'You're my guy but we have to get this fixed', that kind of approach. Maybe Gruden's already tried all that - none of us know. But honestly, this sounds like a head coach who's going out of his way to create a crisis. I almost wish he'd just demote Griffin now and move on with Colt. Because it sounds like that's what he wants to do. I understand Griffin has looked beyond shaky. But I also think it's awfully early on in the Gruden era to give up on a guy you gave up a year's worth of draft picks to get, and who has shown the kind of natural ability Griffin has. And what kind of a wizard coach are you if you can't take the kind of talent Griffin has and find a way to help him be successful? No kind of coach if you ask me.
I find this interview, in light of the week's drama, pretty astounding. I have to wonder what Gruden is thinking putting all this out there?