RGIII: Dissecting a Brilliant, Yet Underrated Fourth Down Throw

Everyone was in a state of awe when Robert Griffin III scampered 76 yards down the field for a touchdown, sealing a Washington Redskins’ victory in their week 6 match-up against the Minnesota Vikings. While that play showed Griffin’s football smarts – realizing the double A-Gap blitz and choosing to run after the Vikings failed to get to Griffin on the blitz.

There was a particular play in the 2nd quarter that was extremely brilliant, but likely won’t garner much attention because it “looked” simple.

Situation: 2nd quarter, Vikings on top 9-0, Redskins’ football – 4th and 3, Ball on 35.

Formation: Shotgun – trips left.

Santana Moss is lined up as a slot receiver. The other two receivers were used as “clear-outs.” This was essentially a one-progression play.

The blocking clear-out was executed nicely – Alfred Morris did a great job helping Trent Williams chip off Vikings’ defensive end Jared Allen.  Santana Moss was wide open, but this was a risky throw. One of the hardest throws a right handed QB can attempt is throwing across his body – on the move, towards the left side of the football field. First of all, it’s a rare play-call because not many right handed Qbs can accurately make this type of throw.

The play actually reminded me of a Santana Moss touchdown earlier in the season against the Cincinnati Bengals. The formation was inverted, but it was basically the same play:

With the Redskins being on the goal line, they went with a two receiver – goal line set. Leonard Hankerson was used as a decoy/clear-out, and Darrel Young helped chip off the Bengals’ defensive end on the right side of Washington’s offensive line.

Now this was easy. Griffin took the naked boot and delivered the football to a wide open Santana Moss.

Robert Griffin III makes it look easy, but each week he’s adding to the list of things that gives opposing defenses and coaches nightmares.