Robert Griffin III: Redskins Make Wise Move Declaring RG3 Starting QB This Early

The Washington Redskins made a smart decision to forgo the facade of having a quarterback competition this summer. Robert Griffin III has already been named the starter heading into OTAs.

John Kelm of the Washington Examiner first reported the story, via Twitter:

"

shanahan said Griffin will start off ota's with the first unit. #redskins

— John Keim (@john_keim) May 6, 2012"

Rotoworld later confirmed the decision, reporting that head coach Mike Shanahan said, "He's the starter. Period."

There was never any doubt that RG3 would be starting, but making the announcement now instead of later clears things up from the get-go—something that will ultimately benefit the locker room and give the Redskins the best chance to win games in 2012 and beyond.

Griffin III is clearly the best option on the Redskins' current roster.

Rex Grossman has his moments of brilliance, but he is a complete and utter failure as a legitimate starting quarterback in the NFL—throwing for more interceptions than touchdowns during his nine-year career.

Kirk Cousins and Jonathan Crompton are both projects at this time with far less to work with from a skill-set point of view than RG3. 

The Redskins need to get Griffin III as many reps as humanly possible to get him ready for the brutal grind that is the regular season, and pretending there's a quarterback competition would only delay his progress.

Mike Jones of the Washington Post reported RG3 is making great strides already, via Twitter:

"

Shanahan says of @RGIII: "He's great... I don't think we had one bust w playcall or coverages the whole minicamp."

— Mike Jones (@MikeJonesWaPo) May 6, 2012"

There is no reason to keep the young man from charging full steam ahead. He is more than capable of handling the pressure and responsibility of the job, and his physical skills speak for themselves.

Griffin III is also the catalyst of hope for the city of Washington D.C., and letting everyone know he's going to be the man behind center from Day 1 will inspire fans to approach the 2012 season with a sense of anticipation they haven't had in years.

This announcement makes sense any way you look at it. It's good for the team, the fans and the development of Griffin III.

Well played.

Follow @JesseReed78