It didn’t take long for the Andrew Luck-Robert Griffin III debate to begin.
Luck and the Indianapolis Colts will visit Griffin and the Washington Redskins on Saturday at FedEx Field. The rare preseason matinee is nationally televised, and the Redskins are selling $35 shirts commemorating the showdown.
Griffin knows he always will be compared to Luck, but hopefully he’s not Ryan Leaf to Luck’s Peyton Manning. Of course, it will be hard to determine much based on what happens Saturday.
“I’ll never get to truly face Andrew because he doesn’t play defense,” Griffin said.
Griffin said he knew of Luck when they both were in high school, but the quarterbacks never met until the Heisman Trophy ceremonies in December. They now exchange occasional text messages, more about friendly respect than X’s and O’s.
“We’re not holding conversations about this defense or that defense,” Griffin said. “We told each other good luck in our careers and move on from there. He’s trying to lead his team. I’m trying to help lead my team.”
Griffin isn’t just battling fellow Redskins rookie Kirk Cousins for the public’s affection; he’s running second to Luck after two preseason games.
Luck is a combined 26-for-41 for 363 yards, two touchdowns, two interceptions and one sack against St. Louis and Pittsburgh. Griffin is 9-for-14 for 119 yards, one touchdown, three sacks and two fumbles vs. Buffalo and Chicago.
Advantage Luck.
Luck was always considered the more ready-made pro quarterback, the biggest reason the Colts selected him first overall in April. But it has become even more apparent after a pair of games in which Indianapolis seemed eager to unleash Peyton Manning’s successor. Griffin, meanwhile, is still making stutter steps. However, Griffin was expected to win more games this season since Indianapolis was 2-14 last year, three games worse than Washington’s miserable season.
Griffin looked much more hesitant against Chicago on Saturday than he did in his debut. His protection broke down too often against the Bears. He spent Monday’s practice working on little things but didn’t seem bothered by the breakdowns. Griffin knows he’s a rookie and there will be learning experiences.
“I didn’t think [the pros] would be easy. I didn’t think it would be hard, either,” Griffin said. “It’s just as expected. It’s right here in between.”
Considering Griffin and Luck play in opposite conferences and won’t meet too often, debates about the pair will be largely statistically based. But Griffin knows they will be linked during their careers.
“I definitely look forward to playing the guy throughout my career,” Griffin said. “I think it will be exciting matchups every time we face each other. You hope that for every quarterback. I never wish any quarterback any harm. We’re all trying to make it in this life. I wish the best for him.”
Examiner columnist Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more on Twitter @Snide_Remarks or email [email protected].
