Mike Shanahan Is Wrong to Anoint RGIII Redskins Starter

Washington Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan has already declared Robert Griffin III the team's starting quarterback without any sort of competition. I understand the coach's desire to get his guy under center and on the field, but he should make Griffin work to earn that spot. 

The Redskins gave up a lot to make the trade to secure the No. 2 pick in the 2012 NFL Draft and the right to select Griffin. But by installing him as the starter without making him work for it, it could create a sense of entitlement in Griffin, or even some resentment on the part of his teammates. 

Players need to work to earn their spots in the NFL. I know it's an old-fashioned way of thinking but it is true. To earn the respect of teammates, rookies have to go through all sorts of trials before being accepted as part of the team. By immediately stepping in as Washington's focal point Griffin will be skipping some of those steps.

We all know that RGIII will be the Redskins' starter from day one, but he should at least have to earn that spot. By working his way into that position through OTAs and training camp he would earn the respect and trust of his teammates. 

Griffin would certainly work his way past fellow quarterbacks Rex Grossman and Kirk Cousins at some point because of his natural ability, and by doing so he would prove that he deserves the starting job. I just think handing anyone anything in the NFL is a bad idea.

At Baylor Robert Griffin III showed himself to be a unique talent and he won a Heisman Trophy as a result. But he will still be a rookie this fall and has to prove himself to teammates before he will be accepted. 

Mike Shanahan should let his young quarterback work his way into the starting role, rather than just handing it to him. It will be better for the team in the long run.