Head coach Jay Gruden confirmed after the game that Griffin sustained a concussion, and offered no timeline on his return. Griffin, speaking with WJLA-TV, maintained that he’s not only the best quarterback on the team – he’s also the best in the NFL, though even he concedes it’s more of a nod to his competitive nature than reality. He went four-of-eight for 36 yards last week, and he should see more time on the field on Thursday. “Unfortunately it didn’t work out”. Griffin had a pass on the money to Pierre Garcon that would have gone for a touchdown, but it was dropped.
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If Griffin is seriously injured, this complicates an already complicated depth chart.
Last season, he played in only nine games, completing 147 of 214 passes (68.7 percent) for 1,694 yards and only four touchdowns. It was a stark turnaround for the Redskins, considering only two teams allowed more points than Washington in the 2014 season. Griffin’s equated to 47.9.
But statistics can’t assess blame, and there was plenty to be shared regarding the starting offense’s struggles.
Gruden did confirm after the game that Griffin will still be the starter when he comes back from the injury.
The 123 yards given up by the Lions defense in that game was the lowest total allowed in a preseason game since at least 2000. “It didn’t help that left tackle Trent Williams was sidelined; his replacement, Willie Smith, was beaten often”.
As for his career so far with the Redskins, the former Rookie of the Year cast his challenges as opportunities to improve.
“It’s unacceptable”, Scherff said of the line’s play.
Robert Griffin III gets sandwiched by the Lions’ Tyrunn Walker, left, and Ezekiel Ansah on Thursday.
[Special teams stalwart Hayward feared to have torn right ACL]. Backup Dan Orlovsky took over and kept the momentum going, connecting on seven of his eight passes, including a short touchdown toss to Jeremy Ross.
An announced crowd of 51,327 was on hand at FedEx Field, where the offseason removal of seats had brought capacity down to 82,000.
“He did a good job of standing in there”, Cousins said about Griffin. Worst of all, he turned the ball over 17 times, which was the beginning of the end for Griffin.
Stafford is firmly entrenched as the team’s top quarterback, but it’s still unknown who will be his backup.
But the best part of Washington’s victory was their defensive effort. McCoy scrambled for a five-yard gain to get the Redskins inside the 10. McCoy, though, fumbled away the ball from Detroit’s 1 right before halftime.
With rain falling, fans started heading for the exits.
Others who won’t play have been out with injuries during camp: Joique Bell, LaAdrian Waddle, Jason Jones, Haloti Ngata and Alex Carter. If Griffin can’t utilize these playmakers this year, though, then don’t expect to see much of him in Washington moving forward.
Kirk Cousins was Washington’s standout performer on offense, completing 12 of his 14 attempts for 154 yards.
Pick: Detroit Lions +2.5.
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Redskins: LB Adam Hayward will be evaluated for a possible torn knee ligament.
