Words of Wisdom from the Washington Redskins, RGIII’s Dad, and Tom Coughlin

There were several  gems from the Redskins’ media availability this week that illuminate the story of the Washington Redskins’ current offensive success better than a detailed breakdown of stats.

One of these comes from the man who led the team in both rushing and passing yards for that game–Robert Griffin III. He was asked this week about whether he prepares more for a division opponent, presumably in light of the upcoming game against the Giants, and he had this to say:

“I used to high jump back in the day, way back in the day. A couple years ago, my dad was telling me you jump the same way you jump at 6’8” that you do at 6’0”. Just because it’s at 6’0” it doesn’t mean you put less into it. So for me, you always keep your preparation the same way, whether it’s the Giants or anyone else.”

Charlie Sheen would call that a winning attitude. We call it awesome life advice. No wonder Griffin is succeeding by leaps and bounds and 76-yard touchdown runs in the NFL.

But don’t take our word for it.  New York Giants’ head coach Tom Coughlin was asked about Griffin’s improvement since Week 1.

“He runs in the endzone, for crying out loud,” Coughlin began. “He’s got a better feel of what’s going on. He’s more acclimated to the game, to the circumstances, the situations. He’s playing outstanding, he’s not forcing anything.”

Aptly stated.

Griffin is now third in passer rating in the NFL, and leads the second-most prolific offense in the NFL in points (though they tie with the Giants for that distinction) — and the Redskins have done this without a wide receiver or tight end in the top 40 in the NFL in receiving yards.

But don’t try to label the magic.

“Every place I have been in, everybody says ‘What do you call this offense?’,” Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan told the media this week when asked about the team’s offensive identity. “Rick Reilly had asked and he wanted a name so I said, ‘Call it the East Coast Offense.’ I get tired of answering the question, to be honest with you. I’m not sure what the name of the offense is but we are just experimenting with what Robert can do and we are having fun with it. Hopefully we can keep executing.”

For a no-name offense, it sure is accomplishing pretty big things.