Robert Griffin III versus the New Orleans Saints
By Chris West
Sep 29, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) stands on the field during a break in the action against the Oakland Raiders in the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Redskins defeated the Raiders 24-14. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Robert Griffin III versus New Orleans Saints 2012-Fourth Quarter
Griffin stayed under center for 11 of 18 plays in the fourth quarter. The Redskins added another field goal at the beginning of the quarter after an incompletion. The Saints attempted to come back but Morris’ second touchdown run kept the score out of reach.
Griffin ran play action on four of the seven designed pass plays. The Redskins did not run the read option at all in the fourth quarter.
Griffin scored 8 points on 7 pass plays in the fourth quarter for a 1.14 rating. Griffin’s only run of the second half was on a scramble in which he evaded a sack and that score was included with the pass plays.
Griffin had 36 points on 30 pass plays for an excellent 1.20 rating in his first game. His 3 points on 7 run plays scored only a 0.43 rating.
Griffin used play action fakes well
Griffin used play action fakes well and Kyle Shanahan kept calling them. 16 of the 30 pass plays began with play action run fakes. 11 of the 37 called run plays were read option runs with Griffin keeping the ball on 5 of the 11 plays.
Griffin had a great game in the 40-32 win in the Superdome in New Orleans. The play calls were obviously simplified for Griffin but with him being a rookie in his first game ever and on the road, but that is to be expected. Starting off Griffin with multiple screen passes allowed him to get comfortable and it showed.
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Griffin showed poise when he threw the touchdown to Garcon with pressure in his face. He did not have to read the defense too much and the play action passes helped with that. Kyle Shanahan rolled Griffin out of the pocket on 5 of the pass plays and called another 6 screens.
Griffin was only sacked when he tripped and fumbled off of play action. He got a win in his first game and on the road in one of the toughest venues to win at. Next, we review week two of 2012 at home versus the St. Louis Rams.