A quick observation of quarterback Robert Griffin III and how he played in the Washington Redskins' 17-13 loss to the 49ers in Week 12:

The Redskins’ passing game was a mess Sunday and part of that stemmed from Griffin. It’s tough to blame him for all the woes, however, as there were definite protection issues -- especially at both tackle spots. On a couple instances, Griffin could not step into throws. So to blame him alone for Sunday’s net 77-yard passing day would be incorrect. But when you take a struggling quarterback combined with protection issues and numerous third-and-longs (eight of 13 were at least 7 yards), it equals trouble. Major trouble.

Still, Griffin, who threw for 106 yards, rarely threw decisively except for two play-action passes over the middle. And it’s hard to say that he did anything to make the offense better Sunday. Griffin did not look like a confident quarterback in the pocket, either because he wasn’t trusting himself or because the Niners were perhaps providing looks he did not anticipate. The result was not stepping into throws more -- when he could have, that is -- and an inability to sustain drives.

It adds up to another week of questions about his development and future in Washington -- and whether he’ll even start Sunday vs. Indianapolis. Coach Jay Gruden said Monday his intent was to start Griffin, but we'll find out Wednesday if that's actually the case.