The Washington Redskins hit the trifecta Monday night against the New York Giants. The team has kept their playoff hopes firmly alive, have won three games for the first time under Mike Shanahan and made history thanks to a pair of rookies.
Robert Griffin III and the Redskins upset the visiting New York Giants 17-16 in front of a capacity crowd at FedEx Field and a national television audience.
Griffin III’s Monday Night Football debut has proven to be record-setter on many levels. He surpassed Cam Newton’s NFL record for most rushing yards by a rookie quarterback.
Alfred Morris, the Robin to Griffin’s Batman, broke Reggie Brooks’ franchise record 1,064 rookie rushing yards set in 1993. Morris’ 124-yard effort gives him 1,106 on the season.
And for the first time in the Mike Shanahan era, the Redskins have won three games in a row.
More importantly for Washington, they pull within one game of New York for the NFC East lead and the Seattle Seahawks for a wild card spot in the playoffs.
Washington first found the end zone with what will become a crown jewel of the highlight reel.
Griffin’s first quarter fumble went directly into the arms of Joshua Morgan who returned it 13 yards for a Redskins touchdown, giving the team their first points of the half. The score was upheld on review.
Sometimes it better to be lucky than good.
Statistically, Griffin did not have his best outing. He finished the night 13-of-21 passing for 163 yards and a touchdown. The Baylor-product also rushed for 72 yards on five carries.
Pierre Garcon, who continues to recover from an ailing toe, was on the receiving end of the score and 106 of Griffin’s passing yards.
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