Redskins Not Practicing in Pads for 2 Straight Weeks Proves Jay Gruden Was Way too Relaxed
By Scott Rogust
After an 0-5 start to the season, the Washington Redskins front office handed head coach Jay Gruden his walking papers at 5 a.m. ET on Monday. Many point to the lack of talent the likes of president Bruce Allen brought in for exorbitant amounts of money for the lack of success.
Yet, there's some blame to be placed on Gruden himself.
According to players who have spoken to The Athletic's Rhiannon Walker, the Redskins haven't had a padded practice in the past two weeks.
Many of Jay Gruden’s former players were disappointed to see the coach. Others felt it was time for a change as the team hasn’t practiced in pads in two weeks, there was too much of a laid back culture and for an 0-5 team there wasn’t enough seriousness https://t.co/T69Qt2xEDo
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) October 8, 2019
This paints a sad picture for the Redskins.
Their performances in Weeks 4 and 5 certainly reflect that. Two weeks ago, Washington fell 24-3 to the New York Giants, and were blown out 33-7 by the New England Patriots this past Sunday.
"It's just a different culture here… Guys being a little late to meetings. If you're one of their guys, like one of the top draft picks, second big contract, and walk in a little late—like 10, 15 minutes… this is all good… You know, they'll get there whenever they get there." https://t.co/6TnljRIxzz
— Burgundy Blog (@BurgundyBlog) October 8, 2019
If understanding the nature and speed of the game requires pads, your players should probably be practicing in their pads, especially when you're 0-3.
Nonetheless, this isn't all on Gruden. From the mind-boggling signings by Allen, to the dysfunctional nature in which owner Dan Snyder runs the team, better days are nowhere near close for the Washington Redskins.