Lynch » “I have interviews each week before our broadcasts with players and coaches. Last week when I first met Robert, I was blown away. He is smart. He is very poised and has an amazing football IQ. Robert might be the most impressive rookie that I have ever interviewed. I came out of our meeting and I called my wife and told her that I was buying one of his jerseys for my son because he represents everything you want your kid to be. After [five] games, he is quickly becoming one of the elite quarterbacks in the NFL. I am not worrying about his running. I know he will figure it out before he is hurt badly.”

From Washington Examiner

Oct 7, 2012; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) attempts a pass against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at FedEX Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-US PRESSWIRE

Washington Redskins rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III, who suffered a concussion last week, will start Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings, a league source has told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

From ESPN

The Redskins are ranked seventh in the league in total offense, based on yards gained, and eighth in scoring. Griffin has thrown the ball efficiently and has run the ball well when needed, with four rushing touchdowns to go with his four touchdown passes in five games.

Griffin’s running was being curtailed even before he got hurt. He had a total of 33 rushing attempts in the Redskins’ first three games, including 13 in a loss at home Sept. 23 to the Cincinnati Bengals. The Redskins seemed to dial back the college-like offensive looks during a Sept. 30 triumph at Tampa in which Griffin had eight rushing attempts.

From TwinCities.com

What’s ironic about the hit, it came on an afternoon in which Griffin was not a significant part of the ground attack. In fact, Griffin’s rushing attempts have plummeted each the past three weeks, from a season-high 13 against the Bengals to eight vs. the Buccaneers to just one against the Falcons.

Since returning to practice on Wednesday, Griffin has said all of the right things. If he’s given the go-ahead by an independent neurologist to suit up against the Vikings, we’ll find out if he meant it.

From ESPN

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Although it appears Robert Griffin III will suit up Sunday against the Vikings, the status of the Redskins’ top wide receiver suddenly is uncertain again.

Pierre Garçon has been listed as questionable after struggling Friday with a sore right foot. The veteran missed two games earlier this season with the injury.

From CSN Washington

September 9, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; Washington Redskins wide receiver Pierre Garcon (88) against the New Orleans Saints during the first half of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE

Washington Redskins’ running back Roy Helu was the featured back for the Redskins in 2011. He led the team in rushing, and was the team’s third leading receiver out of the backfield with 49 receptions. However, before the start of the 2012 NFL season, Washington head coach Mike Shanahan declared the starting running back position was an open competition.
Despite Helu’s experience, it was 2012 sixth round draft choice Alfred Morris who won the starting position. That had to be disappointing to Helu. Making matters worse is that Helu has only two carries on the season. It seems that he’s been relegated to third string running back status, behind Morris and second year running back Evan Royster.

From Washington Times

Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III went through a third consecutive day of practice and reported no concussion-like symptoms afterward and is expected to play Sunday against the visiting Minnesota Vikings.

Redskins Coach Mike Shanahan said Friday afternoon that Griffin practiced fully, a day after taking “75 to 80 percent” of the offensive snaps rather than his usual 85 to 90 percent.

From Washington Post

Washington Redskins rookie running back Alfred Morris isn’t known for his breakaway speed, but he’s having success in the Redskins’ zone-blocking scheme this year. He has 17 run plays on which he’s gained at least 10 yards, the most such plays in the league according to ESPN Stats & Info. The Vikings obviously have a great running back in Adrian Peterson, but the Redskins will have to contend with an unusual threat in wide receiver Percy Harvin, whose 22 receptions at or behind the line of scrimmage this year are 12 more than the next-highest receiver. Harvin has gained a league-best 319 yards after the catch this year, and the Redskins’ linebackers are going to have to be at their most disciplined if they hope to contain Harvin in the short passing game.

From ESPN

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Barring any unexpected setbacks between now and Sunday, Griffin will start against the visiting Minnesota Vikings.

“It’s a serious issue, but I felt fine when I left the locker room” after being injured in Sunday’s game against Atlanta, Griffin said. “I went home, watched some TV and kinda just relaxed. I haven’t had any symptoms at all. Practice went good. I felt sharp. I felt good. No symptoms of a concussion: no dizziness or (feeling) off-balance. I feel right today. We’ll see what happens come Sunday.”

From ESPN

Oct 7, 2012; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) attempts a pass against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at FedEX Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-US PRESSWIRE

I reviewed every offensive play from Washington’s week 4 and 5 match-up and tallied a few stats:

18 – is the amount of times Washington has lined up in the pistol formation.

10 – is the amount of times Washington ran a running back out of the pistol formation.

6 – is the amount of times Washington has thrown out of the pistol formation.

1 – is the amount of times Washington has designed a read-option for Robert Griffin III (Robert chose to run). The Redskins also ran one trick play out of the pistol formation that involved Brandon Banks, Griffin III, and a throw to Niles Paul.

From proplayersiders.com

The Redskins currently have the NFL’s worst third down conversion rate at 23%, but this is a widely misunderstood statistic. And that misunderstanding is the basis for some poor offensive tactics throughout the league.
Third down plays have enormous leverage in the outcomes of drives. First and second downs are important, of course, but third down is the make-or-break play that decides whether a drive will continue or stall. Third down play outcomes are magnified in their impact on the game. Teams rise and fall on how well they do.

From Washington Post

After Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III suffered a “mild” concussion in Sunday’s loss to the Atlanta Falcons — a debatable description, according to a physician who independently evaluates Houston Texans players — the questions circulating throughout the league are whether the injury will change Griffin, and how much it will compel the Redskins to change around him.

From Washington Post

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