Washington Redskins fans collectively held their breath as Redskins QB Robert Griffin III went down on a potential game winning drive against the Seattle Seahawks in the Redskins first home playoff game since 1999. Griffin III ended up with a torn ACL and LCL, and Redskins fans ended their season with broken hearts.

But it all could’ve been avoided if Redskins Coach Mike Shannahan was able to handle the QB situation better.

During a touchdown drive in the first quarter, Griffin III was tackled out of bounds and got up limping. He threw a touchdown on the next play and then limped off the field.

This is where the controversy started; when Griffin III reached the sideline, he was examined by who many believe to be the best orthopedist in the world: Dr. James Andrews. “Robert was not cleared to go back onto the field,” Andrews says. “Although he was sent back on.”

However, Coach Shannahan says that it was communicated to him that Griffin was in good enough condition to play and play effectively.

The Redskins took an early 14-0 lead, but the Seahawks came back and won the game 24-14, due to the Redskins inability to convert on drives after Griffin III initial injury.

Shannahan should not have left Griffin III in the game, but it was even worse to run a QB draw with an injured QB. He gained 9 yards on the play, but was obviously in pain and could’ve further injured himself.

Shannahan had other options; 2013 first-round-pick Kirk Cousins, who came into the game against the Ravens after Griffin III hurt his knee the first time in week14, would’ve been a great option. He led a game tying drive with a two-point-conversion, and the Redskins eventually won in overtime. Cousins then led the Redskins to a win in week 15 against Browns.

GriffinIII is one of the most dynamic and toughest football players I’ve ever seen. Shannahan may have been caught up in the moment, but he wasn’t himself. And that really hurt the team and maybe Griffin III future.

This is Griffin III second reconstructive knee surgery since he began college, and, if the coaching staff continues to put him at risk like this, there are certainly more injuries to come.

Shannahan wants to win now, and he’s a great coach. However, he doesn’t understand what’s better for the Redskins. Would he rather make it to the NFC Championship once in the next three years, or would he like to create a dynasty with a healthy Robert Griffin III and a top-tier running back Alfred Morris?

This is yet to be seen. Will Shannahan leave Griffin III time to heal after coming back from this severe injury? Nobody knows. What I do know is that, if Griffin III is healthy, he can dominate this league for years to come, and the Washington Redskins could continue to re-energize their fan base from 1990’s at RFK.