QB situation leaves Redskins in unwinnable quandary

As the Washington Redskins fell to 3-9 on Sunday with a 49-27 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, it became clear that Washington's problems are far bigger than just who starts at quarterback.

But over the final four weeks of the season, with the playoffs clearly out of reach, Washington needs answers at quarterback more than at any other spot on the roster.

It leaves first-year head coach Jay Gruden with a tough decision.

Washington has invested so much in Robert Griffin III, the No. 2 pick in the 2012 draft, whom the franchise traded multiple first-round picks to acquire, but because of injuries and ineffectiveness, hardly have confidence that he can — or should — be their quarterback next season.

Colt McCoy, meanwhile, has little expectations. After a failed stint as starter in Cleveland, after time running the scout team in San Francisco, McCoy was just trying to get his career back on track. It was a heartwarming story when McCoy led the Redskins to a win against the Cowboys, but is there really any true belief that Washington could build around McCoy for the long-term?

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Yes, McCoy was more effective Sunday against Indianapolis than Griffin had been in recent weeks, but now that Washington is playing for the future, does that really matter?

The big decision the Redskins have to make is about Griffin. Do they try to trade him? Do they keep him and let him earn his starting job back? Do they pick up his contract option for 2016?

Washington has already made one franchise-defining move by drafting him; what they do over the next month, and the months after that, will define the Jay Gruden era.

Follow Lindsay H. Jones on Twitter @bylindsayhjones.

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