Count the FOX NFL Sunday crew as among those impressed by Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III.
After seeing RG3 and the Skins light up the Dallas Cowboys with 28 points in the second quarter to go up 28-3 on Thanksgiving Thursday, analysts Michael Strahan and Jimmy Johnson were heaping praise on the rookie QB. Perhaps nobody was more impressed with Griffin than Jimmy, who began calling him the NFL MVP.
“As a coach, you look at the offense, you look at the defense, you look at special teams. The one thing you don’t account for is the most valuable player in the entire National Football League,” Johnson said.
“Robert Griffin III, he’s got the poise, he’s got the accuracy, [he can fit throws] into a window. I think he’s the most valuable player in the National Football League. He is that good. As a rookie, it’s amazing. … I haven’t seen anything like this.”
Strahan was equally impressed by Griffin, and even said something that could upset his former Giants teammates.
“The rookie wall … all rookies hit it. [Robert Griffin III] is playing like he’s been in the league a long time. The problem is he can hurt you in the pocket, he can hurt you with the run. I must say, watching this first half, he is my new favorite player to watch in the NFL.”
Griffin was 11/14 for 208 yards and three touchdown passes at halftime. He had just got done leading Washington on four straight touchdown drives, including a final score with 10 seconds left in the half. It was impossible not to be impressed with the way he was playing.
But is he the most valuable player in the NFL the way Johnson stated? I wouldn’t go that far. He is playing like one of the top quarterbacks in the league, but guys like Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, and Peyton Manning are still having excellent seasons as well. Rodgers is my MVP, but RG3 is playing well enough to be in the conversation.
And spare me about the “Redskins are 4-6″ talk; does Griffin play for their 25th-ranked defense that is allowing 25.4 points per game? Didn’t think so.
|