Robert Griffin III versus the New Orleans Saints

Sep 9, 2013; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) rolls out during the first half against the Philadelphia Eagles at FedEX Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Robert Griffin III versus New Orleans Saints 2012-First Quarter

Offensive coordinator, Kyle Shanahan, started Griffin off with a simple game plan. He threw the ball on four of the first five plays, all screen passes, behind the line of scrimmage, to wide receivers. Griffin’s excellent ball handling allowed blocks to be set up well as the Redskins were able to move down the field.

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Griffin kept the ball on his first read-option run on his second play from scrimmage. The defensive end crashed down hard to tackle running back, Alfred Morris, and Griffin squirted around him for a seven yard gain. The Redskins drive stalled when they couldn’t convert a third and 13 and they ended with a field goal.

The Redskins second drive of the game was a short one. Griffin hit wide receiver, Pierre Garcon, quickly across the middle under pressure. Garcon raced down the left sideline for a touchdown.

The third drive of the quarter consisted of five running plays and no passes. Griffin kept the ball on a designed run from an empty backfield. The other four runs were by Morris and fullback, Darrel Young, as the Redskins kicked another field goal.

Griffin…completed all seven of his pass attempts

Griffin called eight passing plays in the first quarter and completed all seven of his pass attempts. On the other pass play, Griffin fumbled and was forced to run for a small gain. Five of the eight plays were off of play action fakes to the running back, usually a read option fake.

Five of Griffin’s passes in the quarter were wide receiver screens. The longest pass traveled 16 yards from the line of scrimmage. Of the nine running plays called, four were read option looks with Griffin keeping the ball on only the first run.

Some of the read option runs could have been designed to only be given to the running back but Griffin handles the ball so well that it is impossible to tell. For the quarter, Griffin scored 12 points on 8 passes for an excellent 1.50 rating in the passing game. He scored 3 points on his 3 runs for a 1.00 rating running.

Next: The Second Quarter