Washington Redskins head coach Jay Gruden was none too pleased about the post-game comments of safety DJ Swearinger. Talking to the media, Gruden fired back at Swearinger, who has often times criticized coaches and teammates following losses.
Swearinger’s latest grief was directed at defensive coordinator Greg Manusky, as he was not happy with the play-calling after Tennessee Titans backup quarterback Blaine Gabbert entered the game in second quarter as starter Marcus Mariota suffered a shoulder injury.
Gabbert completed 7-of-11 passes for 101 yards and the go-ahead touchdown — a two-yard touchdown toss to tight end MyCole Pruitt as Gabbert evaded a blitz off the edge from Swearinger on playaction.
“We should have blowed them out,” Swearinger said following the Redskins’ loss to the Titans. “If I’m the D-coordinator, I’m calling zone every time on third down because you got a backup quarterback. Make him beat us. We’re playing a backup quarterback. Why would you put us in man to man? We are our best on defense when we look at the quarterback.”
Sunday Gruden said he was “really disappointed” by Swearinger’s decision to publicly call out Manusky.
“I’m really disappointed to be quite honest with you,” Gruden said per Craig Hoffman of 106.7 the Fan.
Gruden added that he does not know if Swearinger realizes his words are not helpful.
“It goes without saying that I’ve had conversations with players the day after games, but never in the media,” Gruden continued per Hoffman.
Gruden also added a couple of interesting notes about Swearinger. He said he they haven’t previously disciplined the safety for post-game comments, “Thought we squashed it. I guess not,” Gruden said per Kareem Copeland of the Washington Post.
Gruden then stressed that Swearinger is not the voice of the locker room. He doubts guys such as Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne, and Mason Foster (defensive captain) feel the same way about Manusky and the play-calling.
He said he will sit down with Swearinger before any decision on discipline.
Swearinger has been a standout for the Redskins defense on the field. He is a Pro Bowl alternate, and there’s an argument he should have made it. He was on pace for consideration being an All-Pro early in the season.
In 15 games, Swearinger has 53 tackles, four interceptions, three forced fumbles, and sack. However, he has been standout off the field just as much with his repeated post-game comments following losses.
The Redskins were officially eliminated from the playoffs with wins by the Minnesota Vikings and Philadelphia Eagles coupled with their 25-16 loss at Tennessee Saturday.
