SB Nation DC - Redskins Vs. Bills: Robert Griffin III Impressive In Debut; Washington Wins, 7-6

Redskins Vs. Bills: RGIII's Preseason Debut Highest-Rated Program In CSN Washington History

2012-08-10T18:49:40Z

This isn't news, per se, but it's still pretty mind-blowing.

Thursday night's preseason game between the Redskins and the Buffalo Bills -- the first preseason game of 2012, and one that was a deadly dull affair after Washington's touchdown -- earned the highest ratings in the history of CSN Washington, which dates to April 4, 2001, when the network changed its name from Home Team Sports (HTS).

From CSN's press release:

Comcast SportsNet's coverage, which featured the debut of Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III, posted a peak household rating of 10.75 in the Washington market during the game's first quarter, which equates to approximately 254,000 households and 402,000 viewers. Combined with the Baltimore television market, approximately 470,000 Washington/Baltimore-area viewers watched Comcast SportsNet during the first quarter.

Yeah, that beats everything. As the statement goes on to point out, the average household rating of 9.15 beats out Game 7 of the Capitals/Montreal series in 2010, which held the previous high in average viewership with 8.10.

This just in, people really, really love football. More as events develop.

Redskins Vs. Bills: Three Takeaways From The Redskins' Preseason Opener

2012-08-10T16:22:41Z

Thursday night's preseason opener for the Washington Redskins probably won't be remembered for anything other than the debut of Robert Griffin III.

And why not? After all the hype, all the excitement, it was time to see the kid in action.

Griffin did not disappoint, looking poised as he finished the game completing four of six passes for 70 yards and a touchdown on three drives. During those three drives, he demonstrated his ability to survey the field and get the ball out of his hands quickly, something that was a mild concern through the early parts of training camp.

And while Griffin was the headliner for the Redskins' preseason opener, here are some of the other things that stood out in Thursday night's game:

Pierre Garcon showed what he can do: One of the primary reasons the Redskins wanted to acquire Pierre Garcon in the offseason was because of his ability to excel after the catch.

Against the Bills, it only took one play for Garcon to showcase the skill the team so badly coveted. He caught a bubble screen from Griffin, weaved his way through traffic, and somersaulted into the endzone for a 20-yard score that capped an eight play, 80-yard drive.

"It was good," he told the Redskins Radio Network. "It was a great feeling having a long drive that we really needed. Playing against a different opponent, we really need to put it on tape and see where we can get better. But it was good to have some drives and good to obviously score a touchdown, too."

Garcon also showed some toughness. He caught passes over the middle and wasn't afraid to lower his shoulder to defenders, finishing off one of his receptions with a punishing hit. He may look small (he's listed at 6-0, 212), but he plays much bigger.

Stiff competition among the Redskins backup defensive linemen: There's little doubt that the Redskins defensive line is one of the more solid units on the team. And it's no secret that , barring injury, the starting front three will be Barry Cofield, Adam Carriker and Stephen Bowen.

But on Thursday, it was their backups that stood out most against the Bills. Led by defensive end Jarvis Jenkins and nose tackle Chris Baker, the defensive line had an impressive goal line stand in the second quarter. Though their performance was mostly against reserves, seeing players like Baker and Jenkins consistently get penetration and clogging running lanes had to be an encouraging sight for the team.

Jenkins is coming off of an ACL injury, and while not all the way back, coaches say he's closer to returning to his 2011 form. Baker, a journeyman early in career, has been coming on as of late in practices and now has a solid preseason performance to add to his strong camp.

Jim Haslett has said recently that the key to having a better defensive line is to keep his starters fresh. The best way to do that is to keep a solid rotation that doesn't see a huge drop off once starters come out of the game. To that end, Thursday night was a good showing for those potential rotational players, and speaks to the potential depth the Redskins could have in an area that's key to running a 3-4 defense.

A few rookies not named RGIII fared well - Griffin certainly was the highlight of the game, but there were fellow members of his draft class who acquitted themselves nicely in their NFL debut's as well.

First was fifth round guard Adam Gettis, who drew the start at right guard with Chris Chester sitting out with an ankle injury. He flashed the most -- much like the entire offense -- on the Redskins' third series. He used his quickness to get to the second level and seal off linebackers on a few running plays, helping to pave the way on a few solid carries by Evan Royster. Though it's only a small sample size, plays like those are examples of why the Redskins feel like he's a good fit for the zone blocking scheme: He relies more on his athleticism than strength to get the job done, and it's why he could be a key backup heading in to this season.

Cornerback Richard Crawford had a solid performance as well, notching an interception to go along with a few nifty punt returns. Crawford's game was much like his performances in training camp, showing good instincts, ball skills, and the ability to make men miss with the ball in his hands. What'll be interesting to see is where Crawford can fit on this roster. DeAngelo Hall and Josh Wilson are locks to be the top two cornerbacks, and Kevin Barnes and newcomer Cedric Griffin are likely backups. But if he continues to make noise, Crawford might have a good chance to make the team as its fifth corner ahead of someone like Brandyn Thompson.

Redskins Vs. Bills: The Excruciating Minutiae Of Robert Griffin III

2012-08-10T03:45:40Z

Hello. As you may know by now, Redskins rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III played in his first NFL preseason game Thursday night. He played pretty well, and hope is still alive in the D.C. area that Griffin is, indeed, the savior of the Redskins.

However ...

We must say that some of the ... analysis, let's call it, was a bit too ... what's the word? Oh, yes. Comprehensive. Dan Steinberg already created a partial chronicle of this ... ahem, coverage, so to avoid stepping on his toes I've put my own examples of this excruciating minutiae (a phrase inspired by Elaine Benes) after the jump.

At 3:22 PM @rgiii and the 1st #redskins bus arrives, as a surprise to none, Mr. Griffin is first player off the bus and into the lockerroom
— Mitchell Tischler (@Mitch_Tischler) August 9, 2012

#Redskins QB @rgiiion field in #Buffalo, in jeans down on sideline, shaking hands with officials. Never seen that b4 twitter.com/Russellmania98…
— Chris Russell (@Russellmania980) August 9, 2012

You see where we're going with this, right? Right.

But it's not all sunshine, lollipops, and rainbows (RIP Marvin Hamlisch)
Oh, you've done it now, ESPN. You've really done it now.

Redskins Vs. Bills: Washington Wins First Preseason Game, 7-6

2012-08-10T02:25:21Z

A first-quarter touchdown pass by Robert Griffin III to Pierre Garcon was all the Washington Redskins needed to defeat the Buffalo Bills, 7-6 in preseason NFL action at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y. Thursday evening.

The game was a typical affair for the first game of preseason, as the offenses struggled and both teams committed a combined 23 penalties for 190 yards.

Griffin III, the rookie QB from Baylor, played three series, the last of which ended in the 20-yard scoring screen play by Garcon. His understudies fared somewhat less well, as Rex Grossman completed just 2 of 10 passes for 22 yards. Rookie third-stringer Kurt Cousins saw the most time, but completed just 9 of his 22 passes, the first of which was intercepted.

Alfred Morris was Washington's leading rusher, with 54 yards on 15 carries. Evan Royster and Roy Helu combined for just 38 yards in 11 carries.

On the receiving end, Garcon led all Redskins with 58 yards on three catches in addition to the touchdown. He was followed by Josh Morgan (4 catches, 49 yards), and Aldrick Robinson (2 catches, 28 yards).

For more on the Redskins, visit Hogs Haven. For the Buffalo point of view, visit Buffalo Rumblings. And for more news and notes from around the NFL, visit SB Nation's pro football hub.

Redskins Vs. Bills Score Update: Washington Leads 7-3 After Impressive Robert Griffin III Debut

2012-08-10T00:47:07Z

The first half of the first preseason game is in the books for the Washington Redskins, and as expected, all the talk will be about Robert Griffin III's debut. RGIII hit his targets during limited work in the first quarter, completing four of six passes for 70 yards. Most notably, it appeared the rookie is on his way to establishing a rapport with free agent acquisition Pierre Garcon. Griffin hit Garcon for a 19-yard completion down the middle and then on a quick hitch for the only touchdown of the first half. Animated gifs of the two big plays below:

Garcon finished with three catches for 58 yards.

After Griffin III departed, the quarterback play was rusty, to say the least. Rex Grossman came on and went two for ten, failing to establish any kind of rhythm. The Skin's other rookie QB, Kirk Cousins went five for nine and threw and interception over the middle, placing the ball behind his receiver where trailing Buffalo cornerback Ron Brooks stepped in to pick it off. On the subsequent series, however, Washington's Richard Crawford would go up and take a Tyler Thigpen pass out of the air to give that ball back to the 'Skins.

For more on the Redskins, visit Hogs Haven. For the Buffalo point of view, visit Buffalo Rumblings. And for more news and notes from around the NFL, visit SB Nation's pro football hub.

Redskins Vs. Bills Score Update: Washington Leads 7-3; Robert Griffin Impressive

2012-08-09T23:56:41Z

Robert Griffin III's debut was very solid, and the Washington Redskins defense looks good as well. Unfortunately, the Redskins did have one bad turnover -- a fumble by Evan Royster -- allowing the Buffalo Bills to pick up an easy field goal. They've looked good so far, even with that turnover, and the Redskins lead 7-3 at the end of the first quarter.

Griffin played three series and was 4-6 passing for 70 yards and a touchdown. One of his incompletions came on a pass right into the hands of Pierre Garcon on a third down, but Garcon was unable to keep his feet inbounds. The touchdown was on his last throw of his night, a short pass that Garcon took 20 yards into the end zone.

Rex Grossman is now in at quarterback for the Redskins and should play through the second quarter.

For more on the Redskins, visit Hogs Haven. For the Buffalo point of view, visit Buffalo Rumblings. And for more news and notes from around the NFL, visit SB Nation's pro football hub.

Redskins Vs. Bills: Texas Radio Station To Broadcast RGIII's First Preseason Game

2012-08-09T16:16:50Z

Tonight's exhibition game between the Washington Redskins and the Buffalo Bills can be heard in the D.C. area on ESPN 980 and all Redskins Radio Network affiliates, as well as on ESPN 1660 in Waco, Texas.

Wait a minute, what was that last bit?

For audio, Waco's @espn1660 KRZI Central Texas will air Redskins-Bills game tonight as well. #baylor #RG3
— Baylor Football (@BUFootball) August 9, 2012

Yes, in case you were wondering, the cult of Robert Griffin III is alive and well in Waco. Don't forget, the last consensus All-American Baylor produced to have any real success in the NFL was Mike Singletary, or maybe Santana Dotson if you're feeling generous.

So, it seems that the anticipation around this debut isn't limited to the D.C. area, after all.

For more on the Redskins, visit Hogs Haven. For the Buffalo point of view, visit Buffalo Rumblings. And for more news and notes from around the NFL, visit SB Nation's pro football hub.

Redskins vs. Bills: Game Time, TV Schedule, Injury Updates And More

2012-08-09T12:02:26Z

The Washington Redskins will be debuting their first-round pick Robert Griffin III on Thursday evening on the road against the Buffalo Bills. Griffin is expected to play a couple of series in the preseason game, which will also feature some new receiving weapons for Griffin including Pierre Garcon.

The team will be without wide receiver Anthony Armstrong and running back Tim Hightower however, as both players will miss the game dealing with injuries. The Redskins will also get a look at Chris Cooley at the fullback position.

Game Date/Time: Thursday, August 9; 7:30 p.m. ET

Location: Ralph Wilson Stadium; Orchard Park, N.Y.

TV Schedule: Comcast Sportsnet Mid-Atlantic, WKBW 7 (ABC; Buffalo)

Announcers: Kenny Albert, Joe Theismann

Radio Schedule: Sirius XM 92

For more on the Redskins, visit Hogs Haven. For the Buffalo point of view, visit Buffalo Rumblings. And for more news and notes from around the NFL, visit SB Nation's pro football hub.