Redskins win goes a long way in mending fences

By Rick Snider December 22 at 8:00 AM

Robert Griffin III was probably looking for a second chance over this upcoming offseason. Instead, he found it on Saturday.

The Redskins quarterback won his first game in which he started and finished in 13 months a last-second 27-24 victory over the Eagles. He silenced the large contingent of Eagles fans at FedEx Field and won over the remaining Redskins die-hards that made up maybe half of the small crowd.

After throwing two 50-yard strikes to receiver DeSean Jackson and leading a late rally, Griffin isnt going anywhere after the season finale against Dallas on Sunday.

Coach Jay Gruden, who criticized Griffin often in recent weeks and seemingly wanted Colt McCoy as his 2015 starter, finally praised Griffin for completing 16 of 23 passes for 220 yards and an 81.8 quarterback rating. Gruden termed the passers play as outstanding, excellent and great during the postgame news conference. Thats high praise from Gruden, whose earlier frank criticism drew national attention.

Its a great opportunity for Robert to re-establish himself as leader of this team, said Gruden of Griffin finishing strong.

Meanwhile, Griffin did his own posturing after the win, twice saying he didnt want to play anywhere else.

I wouldnt want to play with any other players, he said. These guys mean a lot to me. A lot of guys in the locker room told me that everything I have personally been through this year, it was big for me to go out there and play like I did and help lead this team to a victory. I would say to them, without them I wouldnt be able to do it.

Certainly, it has been a tough season for Griffin. He missed six weeks after dislocating his ankle in the second game of the year and was later benched after two poor outings. If a neck injury hadnt forced McCoy to leave against the Giants on Dec. 14, Griffin might not have played again this season.

But Griffin now looks like the 2015 starter even if Gruden makes him earn it next summer. With the front office backing Griffin, it seemed a showdown between the coach and passer would come after seasons end. Instead, a victory eases pressure on their suburban street where Gruden and Griffin live a goalpost apart.

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Redskins win goes a long way in mending fences