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This Week 22

Week 1 Performance Opponent Outcome Comp Att PCT Yards TD INT @ Houston L 6-17 29 37 78.4 267 0 0 Although he completed 78.4 percent of his passes for 267 yards, Robert Griffin III did not put any pressure on the Houston Texans defense in Week 1. J.J. Watt never allowed him to get comfortable. He didn’t make the big plays that we’re used to seeing. He’s a creator, and if he’s not creating, he’s not the best he can be.

Season Average 24

Griffin’s numbers were significantly better than the reality of the situation. The offense only managed six points on the day, but he did manage to avoid tossing any interceptions. (He was charged with one fumble on a botched handoff with running back Alfred Morris.)

His jump from the 26th rank to the 22nd was partially due to Cam Newton being taken out of the equation. Additionally, a number of QBs had much worse games than he did, and his completion percentage and lack of interceptions saved him.

Week-by-Week Breakdown Week Opponent Outcome Comp Att PCT Yards TD INT Rank 1 @ Houston L 6-17 29 37 78.4 267 0 0 26

Next Week Outlook

Week 2 features a matchup of winless teams as the Jaguars and Redskins go head-to-head. But if Washington is going to be a playoff team, it has to be able to let Griffin utilize his best assets.

NBC Sports analyst Rodney Harrison stated on Football Night in America that he believes the Redskins need to let Robert Griffin III run around more and not try to make him a pocket passer.

“If you’re going to keep him in the pocket, you might as well play Kirk Cousins, because you’re making him a robot,” said Harrison, via quotes distributed by NBC Sports Network.

“I know there’s a balancing act, you want to keep him in the pocket and keep him healthy, but I think you’re taking away his biggest asset, and that’s his ability to get outside the pocket and make those plays. If you’re going to keep him in the pocket, you might as well play Kirk Cousins."