5 Takeaways From Week 14 in the NFL

Steelers

Frustration Mounting in the Nation’s Capital

After Washington was blanked by the Rams, 24-0, the winds of controversy swirled through the nation’s capital. Fan favorite Colt McCoy managed nothing on offense except for two interceptions, which resulted in the fans calling for RGIII to return to the field to replace the ineffective third starter.

Griffin finally entered the game and replaced McCoy, who sprained his neck and needed to be relieved. After the lopsided loss, Washington coach Jay Gruden refused to name a starting quarterback for Week 15, and sources tell ESPN that Kirk Cousins remain in contention for the start.

Earlier in the week, ESPN reported there was “a real chance” Griffin would start more games for the team down the stretch of this season, while the Washington Post reported Gruden is “done” with RGIII and wants him out of the picture for 2015.

More frustration? Retired linebacker and former Washington standout London Fletcher criticized his old coordinator, Jim Haslett. Fletcher ranted to the media Sunday that Haslett doesn’t deserve his job, is “clueless” and cannot call a game. Haslett eventually responded, saying he was disappointed but didn’t fall for the bait.

This is one of the most interesting soap operas ongoing in the NFL today, with the debate ranging about if the coach, the quarterback or both will be off the team next year. This story still has many more chapters needed to be written, and that should begin as early as this week when Gruden anoints a starting quarterback.

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Sam Spiegelman
Sam Spiegelman is a native New Yorker covering sports in New Orleans. He likes Game of Thrones way too much. Tweet him @samspiegs.