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          NFL Nation

          Redskins mailbag: Part 2

          • John Keim, ESPN Staff WriterSep 13, 2014, 09:30 AM ET
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              John Keim covers the Washington Commanders for ESPN. He joined ESPN in 2013 after a stint with the Washington Post. He started covering the team in 1994 for the Journal Newspapers and later for the Washington Examiner. He has authored/co-authored four books. You can also listen to him on 'The John Keim Report', which airs on ESPN Richmond radio, and follow him on Twitter @john_keim
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          ASHBURN, Va. -- More questions on Robert Griffin III and the locker room; when will Trent Murphy and Morgan Moses be ready to start and how to replace Jordan Reed. Enjoy.

          @john_keim: I've said this often, but no player is universally beloved -- heck, Darrell Green had some detractors. So, yes, Griffin has his critics in the locker room -- when you lose and play quarterback, that happens. But to the degree it was portrayed by some (who have never been in there)? No. Griffin is not a bad guy by any means. Donovan McNabb, even when playing well, had his critics in the Eagles' locker room. Even Russell Wilson reportedly turned off some vets when he took over a couple years ago. Point is, it happens. The rebuttal: play well.

          Keim: The D.C. media is far gentler than other major markets. I've read a few critical columns in the local media , but a lot more in the national media. So not sure how that would change going to a smaller market. He clearly wanted to come to this market -- it's big and it's a popular franchise, which was good for endorsements. (He also wanted to play for Mike Shanahan). When you put yourself out there so much publicly, you provide more ammunition for critics. Not knocking Griffin's style, but that's just the truth -- and if you don't win, it leads to even more. Wilson tweets similar stuff and is much more controlling of his image, yet he has a ring so it's accepted. There are definitely some things that have been overblown and unfair towards Griffin. But if the Redskins win and he plays well, watch the narrative flip. That is the answer, not playing in a smaller market.

          Keim: Certainly not this season, barring injuries. In the best-case scenario for Washington, Brian Orakpo has a big season and gets re-signed and the team has three outside linebackers. If not, then Murphy could be the starter as early as next season. He lacks Orakpo's explosiveness and needs to learn to play in the open field -- and in coverage. But he understands pass-rushing techniques. As for Moses, I never saw a reason to believe he wouldd be ready this season. He improved, but I would worry about putting him on the field against starters at this point. Don't forget: Tom Compton was active instead of him last week.

          Keim: Last week was very game-plan specific. The Texans' cornerbacks played so far off they almost gave them no choice but to throw short -- especially when facing their pressure. There was little time for downfield routes to develop, especially against such soft coverage. Jacksonville plays a different game and often uses eight in the box, so there should be more opportunities to go downfield. And last week wasn't a matter of not getting them involved early; they tried (four of the first six plays were passes). Had they not fumbled inside the 10 twice and had a punt blocked, the game plan would have worked.

          Keim: The tight ends don't just catch short passes, and if you use a receiver in that spot, you are telegraphing a pass is coming. Of course, I'm guessing you are just talking about obvious pass situations. They used a lot of three-receiver sets against Houston and I would expect that to continue. If Jordan Reed could play, you would probably see more two-tight-end sets. So adding a fourth receiver is not necessarily the answer -- though in some situations it could be. They did use a four-receiver set four times last week. In those cases, you can also put DeSean Jackson in the backfield, hoping to create a mismatch. I also think it depends on the sort of game Niles Paul is having.

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