There's been a lot of debate about what is a "win" in regards to Robert Griffin III's debut tonight and future pre-season games. Even if he stinks up the joint, I don't see a reason for concern. For example, I asked Joe Theismann how his first pre-season game went. He responded:
Dislocated left elbow vs Cincinnati in Hall of Game game in 1974.
Well then. I can't imagine Redskins Nation's reaction if RGIII got even he slightest dinged up. (My guess: FIRE SNYDER!!! WORLD IS ENDING!!). One would think Shanahan would employ plays that are architected for quick routes and players where he's out of the pocket. Since some people enjoy comparing RGIII to Cam Newton, here's Cam's entire 2011 pre-season stat line:
24-57 (42.1%), 2 TDs, 0 INTs, 4 sacks, 64.9 QB Rating
Yuck. That stat line surely doesn't hint at Newton winning 2012 Offensive Rookie of the Year. OK, how about Aaron Rodgers' first pre-season game:
2-6 (33%), 7 yards, 0 TDs, 2 sacks.
And lastly, there's the flip side to this. Cult of Colt. Here's Colt Brennan's 2008 pre-season stat line:
36-53 (67.9%), 411 yards, 3 TD, 0 INT
I think you get the picture. Let's also make this moment of the ceremony where if anyone objects to the trade the Redskins made for RGIII, speak now or forever hold your piece. If due to a freak injury or who knows what, Kirk Cousins ends up being this franchise's Quarterback, I can already see several Skins fans saying, "I knew it wouldn't work out. You don't trade away three high draft picks for a single guy and expect to win." I question whether Shanahan still would have made this trade if he knew Cousins would have fallen to the fourth round, but that's a whole other debate for another time. Hopefully I'll have the chance to ask Shanahan that one day.