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[NC_Skins]

Mike Shanahan wants Robert Griffin III to protect himself better - ESPN

PHOENIX -- The Washington Redskins don't know when Robert Griffin III will be ready to play again following offseason knee surgery, but whenever the quarterback does return to the field, coach Mike Shanahan would like to see him do a better job of protecting himself.

Mike Shanahan wants Robert Griffin III to take fewer big hits, such as this one by the Buccaneers' Mark Barron, next season.

"You can't take shots consistently," Shanahan said at the NFC coaches breakfast Wednesday morning at the NFL owners meetings.

Shanahan said he thinks more experience as a pocket passer and more practice throwing the ball away or sliding in situations that call for it will help Griffin improve in areas of his game he didn't have to worry about as a Heisman Trophy-winning superstar in college.