Redskins Roundup: Still on a high
Even from his backside, RG3 helped the Skins soar to new heights
People are still saying nice things about Robert Griffin III's pro debut last Sunday, as he joined John Elway as the only rookie QB, since 1970, to open a season by winning a road game against a team that had been undefeated at home the previous year. [The Broncos, in 1983, did it despite Elway's poor performance. He was terrible and Steve DeBerg had to come in to save the Broncos.]
“It was like the second coming of Cam Newton’s first game last year,” former Saints quarterback Bobby Hebert said. “To have that kind of game and be that calm in a really hostile environment like that, that was really impressive. I’ve seen a lot of veteran quarterbacks come into the Superdome and not handle things anywhere close to as well as that.”
Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon added: “I thought because of where the game was played and because of the circumstances with the Saints and the [bounty] suspensions and all of the emotions associated with that, it was one of the more impressive performances that I saw all weekend by any quarterback, rookie or veteran, and maybe the most impressive performance of all.” ...
“He took the throws that were open,” Saints safety Malcolm Jenkins said Sunday. “And once you buy time, things open up all across the field. He did a good job of finding those holes once he extended the play . . . He made good reads and threw it across the middle right on time. He didn’t throw late.” ...
“I thought the coaches for the Redskins did a great job,” Hebert, now a broadcaster in New Orleans, said Monday. “They had a great game plan to help him out. You expect a rookie quarterback to throw a few interceptions at some point and give the other team a chance, and that never happened. The Saints dropped one interception but, for the most part, he didn’t give them any chances.”
Want to read more praise for RG3, coming from the likes of Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Ron Jaworski, Trent Dilfer, Steve Mariucci, Michael Irvin, Adrian Peterson, Donovan McNabb, Brian Billick, Rich Gannon, Mike Ditka? Then check out The Sports Bog.
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Dan Daly has more on RG3's amazing debut.
Here is the latest news on injured S Jordan Bernstine and the signing of S Jordan Pugh to replace him.
By now, you know long snapper Nick Sundberg is a total stud. [I told you so yesterday, for example.] Today, the Skins hold tryouts to replace him, since carrying on with a guy who has half his arm in a cast isn't a realistic option. It isn't clear yet if the Redskins will end Sundberg's season by putting him on injured reserve or if they'll try to stash him on the inactive list until his arm heals.
It was hard running for the Redskins ground game last Sunday, but rookie starter Alfred Morris picked up 96 yards and 2 TD on 28 carries. Head Coach Mike Shanahan confirms Morris will start game two.
Anyone else wondering what happened to WR Leonard Hankerson last Sunday? By my count he played less than ten snaps and never had the ball thrown to him. Meanwhile, Aldrick Robinson played on 66 of the team's 76 offensive plays. I'm not sure what this means for Hankerson's career in DC, but it isn't good. Young man better get on his bike and soon.
Mike Jones has 5 observations about the Redskins. This is my favorite:
Speaking of speed, the Redskins have upgraded in this area, and not just at quarterback. The additions of Pierre Garcon, Josh Morgan, and Aldrick Robinson to go along with Brandon Banks, Santana Moss and Roy Helu Jr. have helped Washington attain its goal of making the offense more explosive. Receivers were getting separation from defenders Sunday and turning what would have been short gains last year into bigger plays. The Redskins had 10 plays of 13 yards or more, with five of them 20 yards or more. An ability to pick up yards in chunks will help the offense remain on the field, and also will keep the defense fresher than in years past. The defense looked faster as well Sunday. Part of it has to do with the fact that they didn’t have to be on the field for lengthy periods of time, but also because players are more comfortable in the scheme.
Rich Tandler notes OLB Ryan Kerrigan still hasn't missed a play in his NFL career. Amazing.
What happened on that blocked punt near the end of the first half last Sunday? John Keim provides the answer:
Shanahan blamed the blocked punt on a missed assignment. He did not name the culprit, but it was Chris Wilson, who blocked to his left on the play and a hole was opened. Shanahan said it would have been worse had Wilson been overwhelmed physically. “Sometimes a missed assignment occurs,” Shanahan said.
Finally, injured WR Pierre Garconhas indicated he will be ready to play against the Rams on Sunday, but Mike Shanahan was non-committal yesterday, saying the receiver's foot is still sore.
