RICHMOND, Va. -- Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III isn't worried about being a running quarterback, a dropback one or a guy who makes plays outside the pocket. He made it clear during his first news conference of training camp: He'll do what he's asked.

Griffin once was "All in for Week 1." Now he said he's just all-in.

"I can tell you now whatever Jay [Gruden] wants to run, that's what we're going to run," Griffin said Thursday. "And that's what we'll be successful at. I've bought in; the guys have bought in."

Griffin has no choice because if he doesn't perform the way Gruden wants, the Redskins' coach will turn to Kirk Cousins or Colt McCoy. But Griffin's past two seasons have been a mix of disappointment and criticism over how he's being used -- or not used. Should he run more? Should he stay in the pocket? Should Gruden change his offense even more to suit Griffin?

This is Griffin's second year in Gruden's offense, and the quarterback said both sides have learned quite a bit about each other, which has created a better comfort level among the two.

"That's part of the growth of a team and growing together as a quarterback and a head coach," Griffin said.

"You have to learn and know what your coach wants out of you, what he expects on certain plays and certain downs and distances, and I think that's something that I've been able to really hone in on and lock in on. ... You kind of know what to expect and what to go through. We're building; we're not just learning the offense now."

The Redskins showed their support for Griffin in the offseason, first naming him the starter and then picking up his fifth-year option for 2016. But if he does not play well, the Redskins can release Griffin and not absorb any salary-cap hit -- provided he passes the season-ending physical.

Last season, he missed six games because of an ankle injury and then three games after he returned, Gruden benched him. But he returned to the starting lineup to start the final two games after McCoy was injured. For the season, Griffin threw four touchdowns and six interceptions but posted an 86.9 passer rating. In his rookie season, that rating was 102.4.

The drop-off in his game has led to heavy analysis of Griffin -- much of it bad, based off two tough seasons. Now, he said, the focus is on keeping the starting job and returning to the success he had in 2012. He might not be the same player as he was then, thanks to his torn ACL as a rookie and an ankle injury last season. But he wants to regain the sort of impact he had that season.

"You can't worry about what other people say," Griffin said. "That's not who you play for. You play for your teammates, your coaches and your city. So that's all I've been focused on. All I can do is do what I can do to be the best player for this team and help this team win. So that's my focus, and it's nothing else.

"My focus now is to not worry about the past and to focus on the future. And the future started today."