Redskins' Jay Gruden: Robert Griffin III needs to think less, just play

Washington Redskins coach Jay Gruden said quarterback Robert Griffin III needs to think less and "have some fun playing." Griffin, in his third year with the team, has struggled this season, completing 69.7 percent of his passes for 869 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions in five games.

Washington Redskins coach Jay Gruden said quarterback Robert Griffin III needs to think less and "have some fun playing," ESPN's John Keim reports.

Griffin, in his third year with the team, has struggled this season, completing 69.7 percent of his passes for 869 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions in five games. He missed six games after dislocating his left ankle during Week 2.

Gruden said part of the problem for Griffin could be receiving coaching from too many people with different philosophies. In particular, Gruden talked about Griffin's quarterback coach, Terry Shea, who is not part of the Redskins organization.

“I know Terry is a good quarterback coach, but as far as system is concerned, he doesn’t know what we’re doing as far as footwork and fundamentals and all that stuff for each given concept of each play,” Gruden said. “As far as balance and his lead foot, his arm -- where he puts the ball, where he holds the ball, all that stuff that he can work with in the offseason -- that’s great if he wants a quarterback coach to work with him. I have no problem with him doing that. But during the season, we have enough coaches in house that can handle his fundamentals and his footwork and his decision making.”

• Gruden: 'Intent' is for Griffin III to start vs. Colts

Griffin has worked on fundamentals with Shea several times, including this past offseason, Keim reports.

Washington has started three quarterbacks at different points this season. Kirk Cousins completed 61.8 percent of his passes for 1,710 yards, 10 touchdowns and nine interceptions. The Redskins went 1-4 in games he started this year.

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Colt McCoy replaced Cousins in Week 7 and led Washington to wins over the Tennessee Titans and Dallas Cowboys. He completed 85.7 percent of his passes for 427 yards, one touchdown and one interception

The Redskins are 3-8 and tied with the New York Giants for last place in the NFC East. They play at the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday at 1 p.m.

- Paul Palladino