RG3 – Washington’s Football Messiah
In a game that I thought for sure was going to be over before it even got out of the first quarter, the Washington Redskins not only held on, but they kicked it into a higher gear to put a hurting on the 4 – 1 Minnesota Vikings with a final score of 36 – 24.
I was ready to call it a game by the end of the first quarter with so many blown coverages, missed tackles and an offense that looked like it was running in mud, but thankfully I hung around to see one of the greatest performances by the modern Redskins in a long time.
I’m not naive enough to think this leads to the post season by any means, there are plenty of worries to address: (offensive line, defensive secondary, defensive line) But there’s a reason to enjoy being a fan this year. That reason comes in the form of a one-two punch Robert Griffin III and Alfred Morris.
Griffin doesn’t show any nerves on the field. Whether he’s leading the game by 14 or facing a 21 point deficit, he remains poised and collected. That’s what a true field General does. He doesn’t sweat the details, he worries only about making the next play and getting his team closer to a win.
Alfred Morris is astounding for a rookie who was drafted basically as training camp fodder. Coming out of the sixth round, nobody expected him to even make the team, let alone become the premier rusher this season. He’s got a hunger and it shows in his style of play.
This is to take nothing away from the Vikings. They are a good team who’s continually getting better. They simply weren’t ready for RG3 to run down their throats today. Some will argue that it’s a gimmick offense and that running quarterbacks never remain at the top of their game. To that I would argue, how many running quarterbacks prior have been able to throw the ball with such poise and accuracy before RG3?
Certainly not Michael Vick. Certainly not Daunte Culpepper. And absolutely not Tim Tebow. They were fair passers (save for Tebow), but made their money with their feet. They weren’t reliable in the pocket.
Griffin seems to have both sides of the coin. He can absolutely run all over the place, but his presence in the pocket cannot be underestimated. This is a guy who can make all the throws. He just needs better protection in the pocket and I would have to imagine that the need for him to run so often will diminish.
All told, it was a great win for the Redskins and their fans. For a franchise so used to disappointment, beating a fairly good team in the Minnesota Vikings is going to do wonders for everyone.
