Robert Griffin III Shines in Debut as Redskins Upset the Saints

In his NFL debut, Redskins rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III totaled 362 total yards and two touchdowns. (Bill Haber) 

When the Washington Redskins traded three first round and one second round pick to the St. Louis Rams for the #2 overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, there were those who wondered if they had given up too much to pick former Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III. Griffin was a phenomenal athlete. There was no denying that. People just wondered if he had the skills necessary to succeed at the top level as a passer.

Griffin did what he could to put those doubts to rest in his NFL debut. The task would not be easy as the Redskins had to travel to the Superdome to play an angry New Orleans Saints team. In the first quarter, Griffin made the first big play of his career. Dropped back to pass, he threw it to new Redskins receiver Pierre Garcon on the slant. Garcon's burst of speed carried him 88 yards all the way to the endzone.

With Griffin at the helm, the Redskins offense was the model of consistency. In each of the four quarters, they had one drive that ended in a touchdown and another one that ended in a made field goal. When you literally average ten points a quarter, your odds of winning increase significantly. With 7:10 left in the third quarter, the Redskins lead grew to its largest at 30-14. The Saints did pull to within eight points on a two-yard touchdown catch by running back Darren Sproles. But with only 2:25 remaining in the game, it was too little, too late for the Saints.

While the Redskins played excellent as a team, there was no denying that Griffin's performance shined brightest of all. The rookie quarterback finished with 320 passing yards and two touchdowns. He also added 42 rushing yards on the ground. The numbers don't do justice to how well and consistently he played.

The Redskins defense may have been the most impressed with Griffin of all. Nose tackle Barry Cofield stated, "He's captivating. I'm always watching that kid, all week in practice. You can't help but watch him." If you consider the quarterback play the Redskins have had the last several seasons, it makes sense why they are so excited about Griffin's play. Veteran linebacker London Fletcher added, "From our standpoint, defensively, he's a sight for sore eyes."

Expectations were relatively low for the Redskins coming into the season. That all changes now. They now have a dynamic playmaker at the most critical position. Griffin's confidence and composure seem to have him on the brink of major things. When asked about it, Garcon described it as, "This is a very difficult place to play and run your offense The crowd noise, the emotion all working against you. But he just gives you so much confidence that he's got it under control."

That's a sign of something special right there. When veterans are openly impressed by the play and confidence of a rookie, there's something special going on. Griffin and the Redskins will look to build upon this impressive performance next Sunday afternoon when they travel to St. Louis to take on the Rams. Griffin appears to be on the verge of extraordinary things. It will be exciting to watch him strive for them.