Washington quarterback Robert Griffin III didn’t appear to be in a good mood at today’s press conference, which came days after a tough loss and criticism from his coach, Jay Gruden. And so Griffin seemed to be trying hard not to say anything that might become controversial.
So what did Griffin say? He said, “focused on San Francisco.” Over and over and over again.
“Jay wants me to play better. I want to play better. We’re focused on San Francisco,” Griffin said early in his press conference.
Here’s a partial transcript of the rest of the questions from reporters and answers from Griffin today:
Asked if he should dial back his public comments: “Like I said, we’re focused on San Francisco.”
Asked what he saw in studying film of Sunday’s loss to Tampa Bay: “We want to win, that’s all we’re focused on, getting a win. We’ve got San Francisco coming up, they’re not going to be easy.”
Asked how he can improve his footwork: “Like I said, just focus on San Francisco.”
Asked if this year has set back his development: “We’re just focused on San Francisco, doing what I can to help this team win.”
Asked about Steve Young’s comments: “Focused on San Francisco, man, not letting anything on the outside distract us.”
Asked why he hasn’t played as well over the last two years as he played in his rookie year: “Like I said, man, focused on San Francisco.”
Asked if he’s getting more comfortable in Gruden’s offense: “Like I said, focusing on San Francisco, man, that’s all I can do.”
Asked who he’s leaning on for support: “You always lean on God, you always lean on your family, teammates, that’s what I’ve done, and we’re all pointing at the same thing, we want to get a win against San Francisco.”
Asked what he’s doing differently this week other than repeating the phrase, “Focused on San Francisco” (this is where the press conference got meta): “Just preparing for San Francisco, man. That’s all I can do.”
Asked how tough things are for him: “It is what it is, you get what you ask for, so I’m focused on San Francisco. Jay wants me to focus on San Francisco, and that’s what I’m gonna do.”
Asked about talking to his teammates this week: “We’re all focused on the same thing: Winning, staying together and beating San Francisco.”
When the Patriots were at their lowest point this season, coach Bill Belichick repeated the mantra, “We’re on to Cincinnati.” That week, New England beat Cincinnati, and the Patriots haven’t lost since. Perhaps Griffin can start a turnaround with his own press conference mantra.
