Skins Beat: RG3 improved, but not there yet

Redskins QB Robert Griffin III has done some good things, but he’s still not “there” yet. The quarterback definitely looks more comfortable running the offense now that he’s in his second season with Gruden and Sean McVay, and thanks to the hours he has put in with quarterbacks coach Matt Cavanaugh.

Griffin is doing a better job of scanning the field, getting the ball out of his hands more quickly and making better decisions. His fundamentals have improved, and that helps delivery. There are times, however, where those fundamentals get sloppy, and his accuracy wanes. Or sometimes, Griffin misses an opportunity downfield because he’s so intent on getting the ball out more quickly. He still has a habit of staring down receivers, which helps telegraph to defenders where he’s going with the ball.

But all in all, Redskins coaches and officials believe that they see better play and confidence. In practices, Griffin has been the most consistent of the three quarterbacks. However, the Redskins need more from him. It’ll be good to see Griffin go through two quarters of action on Thursday night. The more he plays, the better. It’s the only way he’s going to improve.

The next two preseason games are extremely important for Griffin. He hasn’t led the first-team offense to a touchdown in a preseason game since his rookie season. He has to be able to put points on the board. Each week he must take another big jump forward in his development. If he regresses, and this offense doesn’t produce, Gruden will begin running out of patience and will be forced to try another quarterback, even though they each have their limitations. Kirk Cousins has had ball security issues, but looked good last week against the Browns. Colt McCoy has had a rather rocky training camp. Griffin must produce, and he must stay healthy, the story went on to say. Most of the news out of Skins camp has been positive about RG3 so there are some encouraging signs there. In terms of fantasy, he's more of a QB2 prospect to take with the hope he gets back close to his rookie form.