Griffin puts health concerns to rest with electrifying victory

LANDOVER, Maryland — Robert Griffin's concussion was on everyone's mind as he dropped back on a third-and-6, with the Washington Redskins trying to put the game away.

"I took off running and got to the sideline, thought about running out of bounds — because everyone's been telling me that lately," he said with a big smile. "And I felt like I had the guy outflanked, and then I just took off running. And the rest is history."

Not only did his 76-yard touchdown run put the game away, it also dismissed any thoughts that his first serious shot to the head as a pro was going to stop RG3 from being RG3.

The longest scoring run by an NFL quarterback in 16 years was part of his 138-yard rushing performance in the Redskins' 38-26 win over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.

"When Robert gets in top gear, it's like watching a track meet," receiver Santana Moss said. "And he ain't coming in second."

The former college hurdler ran for two scores and threw for another as Washington (3-3) snapped its eight-game home losing streak.

The perennial doormats of the NFC East are becoming relevant again because they finally have a quarterback — a No. 2 overall draft pick able to use his arm and legs to pick apart the Vikings (4-2), who had won three straight and hadn't allowed more than 23 points this season.

Keep in mind that Griffin left the previous week's loss to the Atlanta Falcons when he was hit in the head while trying to get some extra yards on a scramble.

He passed the NFL's post-concussion tests and was cleared to play Sunday, but coaches and teammates hoped that he had learned a lesson about when to keep running and when to slide — or get out of bounds.

Accordingly, Griffin's second-by-second description of his teammates' reaction to his touchdown run is priceless.

"I could see guys telling me I got the first, so they were saying, 'Stay inbounds,' " Griffin said. "And then I was running like, 'I think I can get a little more.' And it all went from 'Stop, stay inbounds,' to 'Go! Go for the touchdown!' "

Lions 26, Eagles 23: In Philadelphia, Jason Hanson kicked a 45-yard field goal in overtime and the Lions rallied from a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit.

Seahawks 24, Patriots 23: In Seattle, Russell Wilson found Sidney Rice behind the secondary for a 46-yard touchdown with 1:18 remaining.

Falcons 23, Raiders 20: In Atlanta, Matt Bryant kicked his second game-winning field goal in three weeks.

Bills 19, Cardinals 16 (OT): In Glendale, Arizona, Jairus Byrd's second interception of the game set up Rian Lindell's 25-yard field goal 3:50 into overtime.

Giants 26, 49ers 3: In San Francisco, Antrel Rolle intercepted two passes by Alex Smith, and Prince Amukamara picked off another in a rematch of last season's NFC championship game.

Ravens 31, Cowboys 29: In Baltimore, Jacoby Jones tied an NFL record with a 108-yard kickoff return and the Ravens won their 14th straight regular-season home game.

Buccaneers 38, Chiefs 10: In Tampa, Josh Freeman threw for 328 yards and three touchdowns and Ronde Barber scored on a 78-yard interception return.

Browns 34, Bengals 24: In Cleveland, rookie Brandon Weeden threw two touchdown passes and the Browns snapped an 11-game losing streak.

Jets 35, Colts 9: In East Rutherford, New Jersey, Shonn Greene ran for a career-high 161 yards and three touchdowns, Mark Sanchez was efficient and Tim Tebow made a few big plays.

Dolphins 17, Rams 14: In Miami, Ryan Tannehill threw two touchdown passes and the Dolphins withstood a late rally.

Packers 42, Texans 24: In Houston, Aaron Rodgers set a career high and tied a franchise record with six touchdown passes, three to Jordy Nelson, and Green Bay routed the previously unbeaten Texans.

View the original article here