Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III took the field for his preseason debut in Buffalo on Thursday night and looked like a poised and polished passer, to the extent that such things can be determined based on limited action in an exhibition game.
On an eight-play, 80-yard drive in the first quarter, Griffin seemed to be in control of the Redskins’ offense, and that drive concluded the way the Redskins are hoping a lot of drives will conclude this season: With Griffin hitting receiver Pierre Garcon on a touchdown pass. The Bills brought pressure on the play, and Griffin dumped off a screen pass to Garcon, who raced toward the end zone and did a flip across the goal line.
The touchdown came on the Redskins’ third offensive drive, after two previous drives stalled. Griffin handed off on the Redskins’ first two offensive plays, then was faced with a third-and-long on which he took a shotgun snap and threw a pass right into Garcon’s hands. Garcon appeared to catch it for a first down, but the official ruled that Garcon failed to get both feet down inbounds, and the Redskins had to punt. The Redskins’ second offensive drive ended when Griffin and Evan Royster had a fumbled exchange on a handoff.
Griffin threw a couple of solid passes to Garcon over the middle on that touchdown drive, and he also connected with Leonard Hankerson for a 12-yard gain. Those three drives were all we’ll see of Griffin tonight; Rex Grossman replaced him after the touchdown drive. Griffin finished the night 4-of-6 for 70 yards and a touchdown. Early on, Griffin looks good.
