NEW ORLEANS – Asked this week about how he thought Washington Redskins rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III would transition to the NFL, New Orleans Saints star Drew Brees described his fellow Texas native as “a winner,” and said: “It’s only a matter of time before he takes this league by storm. I just hope he doesn’t do it on Sunday.”
Griffin touched down in New Orleans, where both his parents grew up and where he spent a portion of his childhood, and had as fine an outing as he and the Redskins could have imagined, leading his team to a 40-32 stunner over the Saints. Meanwhile the Redskins’ defense forced the Saints into an uncharacteristically disjointed outing, helping the team to victory.
After posting a near-flawless showing in the first half, Griffin played more of a care-taker role in the second half. His NFL debut ended with him completing 18 of 25 passes for 298 yards and three touchdowns. The 40 points marked the most scored by the Redskins since Mike Shanahan took over as coach in 2010.
Shanahan and Washington’s other decision makers believed that Griffin had such big play capabilities when they pulled the trigger in March on a blockbuster trade that sent a total of three first-round picks and a second-rounder to the St. Louis Rams for the No. 2 overall pick in the draft.
But despite his potential, questions remained about how quickly Griffin would make his presence felt. It obviously didn’t take long. By the time the clock struck triple zeros, the Superdome crowd of 72,180 that reached a deafening pitch just before kickoff, filed out almost in silence.
Griffin connected with seven different receivers – Pierre Garcon leading the way with four first-half catches for 109 yards and a touchdown before leaving with a foot injury – to keep the Saints guessing. Rookie Alfred Morris had a solid debut as he started at running back and gained 97 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries. And kicker Billy Cundiff was a perfect 4-for-4 on field goals in his first official game as a Redskin.
The biggest surprise of the game may have come from Redskins’ defense, however.
After struggling with consistency and health in their secondary throughout the preseason, the Redskins seemed overmatched as they prepared for Brees and the Saints, who last season boasted the top offense in the NFL.
With weapons like Marques Colston, Darren Sproles, Jimmy Graham and Devery Henderson, Brees – who last season set the single-season passing record – and the Saints were favored to beat the Redskins by 9.5 early in the week. And with Washington forced to make-do without starting strong safety Brandon Meriweather while other defensive backs still were growing accustomed to their roles in the Redskins’ revamped secondary.
But defensive coordinator Jim Haslett said this week that he was “very comfortable” with his defensive backs and the schemes contrived this week. The coach and his defensive players also stressed the importance of a strong pass rush to keep Brees from getting comfortable.
Griffin touched down in New Orleans, where both his parents grew up and where he spent a portion of his childhood, and had as fine an outing as he and the Redskins could have imagined, leading his team to a 40-32 stunner over the Saints. Meanwhile the Redskins’ defense forced the Saints into an uncharacteristically disjointed outing, helping the team to victory.
After posting a near-flawless showing in the first half, Griffin played more of a care-taker role in the second half. His NFL debut ended with him completing 18 of 25 passes for 298 yards and three touchdowns. The 40 points marked the most scored by the Redskins since Mike Shanahan took over as coach in 2010.
Shanahan and Washington’s other decision makers believed that Griffin had such big play capabilities when they pulled the trigger in March on a blockbuster trade that sent a total of three first-round picks and a second-rounder to the St. Louis Rams for the No. 2 overall pick in the draft.
But despite his potential, questions remained about how quickly Griffin would make his presence felt. It obviously didn’t take long. By the time the clock struck triple zeros, the Superdome crowd of 72,180 that reached a deafening pitch just before kickoff, filed out almost in silence.
Griffin connected with seven different receivers – Pierre Garcon leading the way with four first-half catches for 109 yards and a touchdown before leaving with a foot injury – to keep the Saints guessing. Rookie Alfred Morris had a solid debut as he started at running back and gained 97 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries. And kicker Billy Cundiff was a perfect 4-for-4 on field goals in his first official game as a Redskin.
The biggest surprise of the game may have come from Redskins’ defense, however.
After struggling with consistency and health in their secondary throughout the preseason, the Redskins seemed overmatched as they prepared for Brees and the Saints, who last season boasted the top offense in the NFL.
With weapons like Marques Colston, Darren Sproles, Jimmy Graham and Devery Henderson, Brees – who last season set the single-season passing record – and the Saints were favored to beat the Redskins by 9.5 early in the week. And with Washington forced to make-do without starting strong safety Brandon Meriweather while other defensive backs still were growing accustomed to their roles in the Redskins’ revamped secondary.
But defensive coordinator Jim Haslett said this week that he was “very comfortable” with his defensive backs and the schemes contrived this week. The coach and his defensive players also stressed the importance of a strong pass rush to keep Brees from getting comfortable.