| This time Robert Griffin III got to celebrate after a game-ending drive. RGIII drove the Redskins downfield for a game-winning field goal against the Buccaneers on Sunday. (US Presswire) |
This time, Robert Griffin III finished the job.
After he led impressive late drives only to fall short in each of the past two weeks, Griffin displayed all sorts of veteran savvy on Sunday, directing the Redskins (2-2) on a 56-yard drive in the final 1:43. Billy Cundiff capped the drive with a 41-yard field goal in a 24-22 victory over the Buccaneers.
But it was Griffin who starred on the series. He completed all four passes for 45 yards and ran one time for 16. He completed passes on underneath routes as the Bucs (1-3) played him to throw long.
Adding to the legend of the drive: The headsets went out on the final drive so Griffin ended up calling half the plays. They had worked on such a situation in practice this past week.
“It was very neat how that practice scenario actually played out in the game,” he told reporters afterward. “It was cool.”
It’s hard to imagine, but the love affair between Griffin and Redskins fans will only intensify after he led the game-winning drive.
“That’s what you have to have out of your quarterback, especially on that last drive,” Redskins coach Mike Shanahan said. “He made some big-time plays."
When the game turned: Well, it was a two-point win and it was decided on a field goal with three seconds remaining. So it’s safe to say the game turned on Cundiff’s 41-yard field goal. Cundiff had missed his first three attempts, from 41, 57 and 31 yards, so this wasn’t a guaranteed make. But the Redskins’ fortunes really turned on their final drive when they were able to gain 35 yards on their first two plays, moving from their own 20-yard line to the Bucs’ 45-yard line.
Highlight moments: The Bucs got back into the game with big plays to receivers Mike Williams for 65 yards and Vincent Jackson for 54 yards. QB Josh Freeman made excellent throws each time. The Redskins gained 30 yards on a crazy play: Griffin pitched the ball to Brandon Banks, who took a couple steps then threw across the field to the QB. Griffin then threw downfield for tight end Niles Paul, who was wide open.
Top-shelf performances:
- In addition to Griffin, the Redskins received another strong outing from rookie running back Alfred Morris, who gained 113 yards on 21 carries.
- Morris’ 39-yard touchdown run was the longest run from scrimmage this season.
- Bucs receivers Jackson (six catches, 100 yards) and Mike Williams (four catches, 115 yards) dominated.
What they said about the game-winning field goal:
- Redskins PK Billy Cundiff: “In order to really find out about yourself you have to be tested. We could get real kicker specific or I could just tell you that I didn’t choke."
- Redskins QB Robert Griffin III: “He redeemed himself with that kick."
- Redskins coach Mike Shanahan: “I was just hoping he could keep his focus after missing the last one. I told him not to worry, it would come down to a game-winner and it did."
Redskins nose tackle Barry Cofield on being 2-2 instead of 1-3: “I don’t know why but it’s a monstrous difference."
Numbers you should know: The Redskins remain bad on third down. They somehow gained 474 yards despite converting only two of 11 third downs. But they averaged a whopping 7.1 yards per play. However, the Bucs were bad on third down (three of 12) and also excelled on the yards per play (6.4).
Injury report: WR Aldrick Robinson suffered a concussion in pre-game warmups after SS Brandon Meriweather collided with him more than 90 minutes before the game (Both were inactive.) Meriweather re-injured his left knee and will undergo an MRI. Tampa Bay CB Eric Wright (head) left the game early and did not return.
Going forward: The Redskins desperately needed a win with Atlanta and suddenly hot Minnesota the next two weeks at home, followed by road games at the Giants and Steelers. They had a nice win in Tampa Bay but must play better in coming weeks. Tampa Bay has a bye week.
John Keim covers the Redskins for the Washington Examiner. Follow him on Twitter @CBSRedskins or @John_Keim.
For more from Tampa Bay Bucs blogger Patrick Southern, follow @CBSBucs on Twitter.