NFL News: Washington Redskins Head Coach Jay Gruden Expects QB Robert Griffin III To Make The Jump This Season

The Washington Redskins have struggled in recent seasons under head coach Jay Gruden and quarterback Robert Griffin III. But Gruden still has high expectations for the QB, who is entering his fourth NFL season. “Going into year two in this system should be a big jump, you know,” Gruden recently told the Washington Post.

“You’re not really thinking about who’s where, what’s my footwork," Gruden continued. "Everything should come a lot more natural for you, and hopefully, we see that transition from year one to year two in this system with the terminology and knowing where to go with your footwork and anticipation of getting the ball out quicker. Hopefully, that comes.”

Despite the rumors of past tensions between the two, Gruden has named Griffin the starter for the upcoming season. The franchise also picked up the QB’s 2016 contract option, which means the partnership will be tried and tested in the next two seasons.

Griffin has missed some games because of injuries in recent seasons, and the Redskins have struggled to find an identity during that time. Griffin played in only nine games in 2014 and had 1,694 passing yards on 147-of-214 completions, or a 68.7 percent completion rate. Griffin also had four touchdowns against six interceptions last season plus 176 rushing yards and a single rushing TD.

For his three-year NFL career, he has a passer rating of 91.0, after accumulating 8,097 passing yards and 1,480 rushing yards. Without their starting QB for about half the season, the Redskins finished 4-12 in 2014, landing last in the NFC East division and failing to qualify for the postseason.

Contact the writer via email at: j.gloria@IBTimes.com.au.