At first, not many questioned the three first round picks that the Redskins traded for RGIII, but new questions arose as the Skins season neared its end. Throughout the season, RGIII has carried the Skins to a 10-6 record and led them to their first playoffs since 2007. Near the end of the season, RGIII suffered a sprained knee and was unable to play for a game as backup rookie quarterback Kirk Cousins started and won his first game against the Cleveland Browns. It was a minor scare for the Skins’ management since RGIII has had a history of knee problems dating back to his early college years where he tore his ACL.

Entering the wildcard playoff game, RGIII played well early in the game but injured his knee once again. The battle between Seattle and Washington was close and RGIII insisted in playing. The Skins’ management approved in keeping RGIII in the game, but little did they know that it was that poor decision that lead to more serious knee problems.

There comes a time as a head coach to make the tough decisions to keep a player in
a game or not. Mike Shanahan’s decision on keeping RGIII in the game caused the Redskins not only to lose the game but injuring the knee of their franchise’s quarterback. If Shanahan put backup quarterback Kirk Cousins into the game, the Skins would have had a better chance of winning.

When you step into RGIII’s shoes, all you want to do is lead your team to a playoff win.

But then again, there comes a time and a point where, as a quarterback, you have to realize that you are not making the team productive. This injury was sniffed out early by the coaching staff and fans watching, but RGIII wanted to remain in the game. We later learned that the team trainer said that RGIII was never cleared to go back in the game. The blame is completely on Mike Shanahan for this injury, even though RGIII may be cleared in time to come back for the 2013 season opener. Quarterback problems and concerns return to Washington, leaving fans wondering about the future of their once hopeful franchise quarterback.