The beauty contest featured some scintillating moments.
Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III threw a short dart for a touchdown. Indianapolis’ Andrew Luck hurled a perfect 31-yard score. The first meeting of the NFL’s top two draft picks left both teams happy, though the Redskins won 30-17.
FedEx Field was barely half full Saturday for the preseason home opener, a surprisingly small turnout for the much-hyped, nationally televised contest. The crowd didn’t muster much of a cheer when Griffin was introduced. But after a scoreless first quarter, both teams fired up the bipartisan crowd.
Griffin overthrew receivers on three deep throws, including the first snap of the game. However, he was pretty sharp on short- and medium-range throws to finish 11-for-17 for 74 yards, one touchdown and a 93.7 rating. There was only one ugly short throw among several pleasing passes.
Perhaps Griffin’s best toss was his touchdown. After a high shotgun snap, Griffin quickly rolled to his right and threw a dart to Santana Moss. The play showcased Griffin’s great speed, which defenses will find hard to counter, especially near the goal line. Griffin’s not going to rush for 100 yards a game, but his horizontal movement allows him to escape blitzes and create receptions on the edge.
Three plays earlier, Griffin connected on a 3-yarder to Leonard Hankerson under pressure. Earlier, he nailed an 11-yarder to Josh Morgan after escaping the rush. That Griffin was still thinking pass instead of run when he was pressured is a major breakthrough from his college days.
Griffin was never forced to carry the offense but kept it moving. Offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan did a good job of balancing the pass-run ratio with 15 runs and 14 passes in the first half.
Meanwhile, Luck showed why he was the draft’s first overall pick. Called the most NFL-ready rookie quarterback since Colts predecessor Peyton Manning in 1998, Luck looked so fluid as he passed and never flinched amid a persistent pass rush.
Luck’s 31-yarder to receiver T.Y. Hilton was a perfect throw for a score. Redskins safety Madieu Williams had no chance as Luck’s pass was just over Hilton as the receiver straddled the sideline in the end zone.
Luck finished 14-for-23 for 151 yards, one touchdown and a 94.7 rating. It was a steady outing against a Redskins defense that played well.
The first meeting was nearly even. The Colts seem willing to showcase Luck more than the Redskins, who have kept Griffin’s play vanilla. Coach Mike Shanahan’s penchant for mystery means fans haven’t seen what Griffin is really capable of producing.
Maybe next time — when the game counts — will be the real Griffin vs. Luck duel.
Examiner columnist Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more on Twitter @Snide_Remarks or email [email protected].
