Opening weekend is always tough for rookies, not least the quarterbacks upon whom their respective franchises have gambled so much.
This is absolutely the case for this years first two draft picks, Indianapolis Colts' Andrew Luck and the Washington Redskins' Robert Griffin III. Two contrasting styles, it was always going to be interesting to see who would settle the quickest.
Conventional wisdom suggested that it would be Luck who was the more poised and accomplished QB coming into the NFL. Playing for a Colts team doing their best to forget the tribulations of last season, a trip to playoff contenders Chicago Bears at Soldier Field would provide the sternest of tests for Luck. And so it proved, as both teams struggled to get their offences clicking in the game. That aside, Luck grew into the game, throwing 23 of 45 for 309 yards, despite being picked off three times. His more experienced Bears counterpart, Jay Cutler, threw for 333 yards on his return to NFL action after crashing out with injury halfway through last season. The final score of 41-21 to the Bears fairly reflected the performances of the individuals, but Luck showed clear talent and isn't the sort to get down after a single loss. I see him leading the Colts to 7 wins this year, a distinct improvement on the 2 last year.
Robert Griffin III celebrates his first NFL touchdown pass
There were contrasting fortunes for Washington's RG3 as the Redskins travelled to the Superdome to take on perennial favourites New Orleans Saints. A far more athletic and faster quarterback in the mould of the Eagles' Michael Vick, Griffin showed that he is more than a fast runner, throwing to Pierre Garçon in the 1st quarter for a massive 88 yard touchdown, the longest for the franchise since 1988. His strong start was emphasised by his completion of his first 8 passes, finally finishing 19 of 26 for a total of 320 yards. He also rushed for 42 yards and finished with a final QB rating of 139.9.
There will be debate over whether the Skins winning in New Orleans was down to RG3's performance as much as the lack of head coach Sean Payton steering the Saints ship. Redskins fans will be happy though. A winning start, on the road against a strong Saints side who haven't lost at home since December 2010 represents a great statement of intent. With the Giants losing at home and the Eagles struggling against the poor Cleveland Browns, the Redskins will be looking at their division and eyeing up a playoff spot. There is still a lot to do, but winning is a habit and Washington have got it early.
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