Robert Griffin III: What to Expect from Redskins' Rookie QB vs. Saints

The Washington Redskins have been desperately searching for a franchise quarterback since Joe Theismann retired in 1985. They have had a few names here and there that were vital parts of Super Bowl teams, but no true transcendent superstar at the most important position on the field. 

After trading up and drafting Robert Griffin III with the No. 2 pick in the 2012 NFL draft, the hope is that the Redskins have finally found someone they can plug in under center for the next decade who will lead the franchise renaissance. 

The NFL will get its first taste of RG3 on Sunday afternoon against Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints. 

With so much pressure on him, Griffin will be scrutinized, fairly or unfairly, a lot harder than most rookie quarterbacks making their first start. 

Here is a look at what you should expect from Griffin in his first start as an NFL quarterback. 

RG3 Under Center

The Saints got a big mental boost before this game, when an appeals panel ruled that linebacker Jonathan Vilma and defensive end Will Smith should have their suspensions lifted. 

This is going to make Griffin's job that much tougher, as Vilma is unquestionably the best defensive playmaker the Saints have up the middle, though a knee injury could keep him out of the lineup.

If Vilma plays, Griffin will have to keep a much closer eye on what the Saints are going to do when he walks up to the line. 

Don't be shocked to see him try to come out early and establish his feet. What I mean by that is everyone knows Griffin has so much speed and can keep plays alive much longer than most quarterbacks, so he will try to exploit the defense by forcing them to cover longer than they are capable of. 

He is going to take some chances down the field because that is what rookies do. It might lead to a mistake, but it can send a message that he isn't afraid to do what is necessary to keep his team, which is at a clear disadvantage man-for-man, in the game. 

RG3 Out of the Pocket

As mentioned before, Griffin is going to move around in the pocket to keep plays alive and give his receivers a chance to make something happen, but that should not stop him from trying to tuck and run. 

If you watched Griffin at Baylor, you could tell that he was not a scrambling quarterback. It was always in his arsenal, but his main goal was to make plays with his arm. The speed of the NFL could change his plans in a hurry. 

Plus, while they did make upgrades to their depleted receiving corps by bringing in Pierre Garcon and Josh Morgan, they are not exactly loaded with playmakers outside. He is going to have to make his own plays a lot more this season. 

The Saints could be the perfect opponent for Griffin, as they are built on turnovers and opportunity instead of intensity and attacking. 

Final Verdict

When all the dust is settled and the outcome has been decided, Griffin's final line will look, as uneventful as this sounds, fine. He is not going to be Cam Newton because the Panthers had more weapons on offense than the Redskins, and Griffin isn't as physically gifted as Newton. 

For a rookie to start his career off in a game with Drew Brees taking snaps for the other team, fine is a big deal. 

Stat Line: 21-for-35, 246 yards, one touchdown, one interception

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