ASHBURN, Va. — While playing against Dallas on Thanksgiving, Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III and running back Alfred Morris executed a play-action fake in the second quarter that momentarily froze Cowboys safety Danny McCray. As McCray paused, wide receiver Aldrick Robinson slipped behind him and Griffin, the Redskins’ Heisman-winning first-round draft choice, stepped back into the pocket and flipped the ball 60 yards. The wide-open Robinson caught the pass in stride for the first score in a critical 38-31 victory against the Cowboys.

“Robert’s a threat,” Morris said. “They have to account for him on every play. Even the safeties are staring him down and are hesitant.”

What Morris omitted from his description was that McCray was just as likely accounting for Morris, the other rookie in the Redskins’ backfield. While Griffin went on to throw three more touchdown passes in the game, Morris added 113 yards and a touchdown on the ground.

The combined effort of Griffin and Morris was typical of what has been happening all season in Washington, and that is a primary reason the Redskins are still in the playoff hunt at 5-6. As Griffin’s efforts draw widespread attention each week, Morris quietly gathers yards and touchdowns.