Bruce Allen: Robert Griffin III still has high ceiling

INDIANAPOLIS -- Jay Gruden made perhaps the most surprising pronouncement of any coach or general manager at the NFL Scouting Combine when he said Wednesday that Robert Griffin III will be the team's "No. 1 guy" moving forward.

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The decision wasn't really eyebrow-raising, but the timing was. Our own Chris Wesseling posited -- and he wasn't alone -- that the sudden support for RGIII seemed to signal the move came from above Gruden's head.

Redskins president Bruce Allen offered some insight into the team's thinking during a Thursday appearance on SiriusXM Radio with Rich Gannon.

"If he can stay healthy, he has a high ceiling," Allen said, according to ESPN.com.

The Redskins appear to be holding onto the hope that RGIII can regain the form of his breakout rookie season if he can only stay healthy. Griffin has suffered two serious leg injuries in his NFL career, including a dislocated ankle that cost him five games in 2014.

"You aren't going to win in the NFL unless your quarterback plays well," Allen said. "That's not a new discovery. We've got to play better there. Our quarterback, Robert, has gotten injured. One thing you learn maybe growing and maturing in this league is you've got to protect yourself a little bit more. The No. 1 responsibility is to take the snap the next play. That hurts as you're trying to coach and develop him and learn the techniques coach Gruden wants."

Allen also addressed criticism Griffin received last season about his work ethic.

"There's never been a question about him watching film," Allen said. "He is motivated. He's a (25-year-old) man who is still growing and learning the NFL game. We've seen him, a couple years ago, play at the highest of highs. Maybe it spoiled us a little bit to expect that all the time."

Like Jay Cutler in Chicago, the Redskins seem prepared to move forward with their starter simply because outside options are no better. It certainly appears RGIII is going to get another shot at this in D.C. -- probably the last one.

The latest Around The NFL Podcast breaks down all the latest from the combine and gives updates on Peyton Manning and Adrian Peterson. Find more Around The NFL content on NFL NOW.