Robert Griffin III Cleared By Dr. James Andrews: Will There Be Rust Week 1?

The worst kept secret in America finally became official Thursday night. Senior Orthopaedic Consultant Dr. James Andrews applied his final check to the “All in for Week One” and “Operation Patience” campaigns. Washington Redskins’ QB Robert Griffin III announced via Twitter that he has been cleared to start week one against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Operation Patience….Complete. Cleared. To God Be The Glory http://t.co/GxYMw8Cs57

— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) August 30, 2013

Coach Mike Shanahan says there are a “couple concerns” that Dr. Andrews has, but says he will discuss that over the weekend with Robert before disclosing that information to the media. In my opinion, that comes across as Shanahan trying to throw water on the entire situation. He’s a guy that’s very much into competitive advantage. Either way, Griffin will more than likely be Washington’s starter week one.

On January 9, Dr. James Andrews successfully repaired Griffin’s ACL and LCL after undergoing total reconstruction surgery of the knee for complete tears of both ligaments. Now, exactly eight months removed from surgery, Robert Griffin III will literally overcome the adversity of what could have been a career threatening injury by starting on September 9 for a Monday night showdown.

The only question now is, will there be rust? This is one of those rare occasions that you see a quarterback start week one of the season without taking any preseason snaps. Practice is great, but there’s nothing that gets you more ready than live game action.

I’d expect Robert Griffin III to be totally “turned-up” prior to taking his first snap. In fact, the staff may need to calm him down. But justifiably so, he’s going to be super excited to take his first live game snap since January 6. One thing I’d expect from coach Mike Shanahan is to put his offense out there first, if Philly losses the opening coin toss. It will be useless to wait a series for Griffin and the offense to take the field, unless they don’t have a choice. Everyone has been waiting to see Robert Griffin III at helm. He will be amped-up. And the unanimous thought is — it will be a high scoring game. The Washington Redskins should draw first blood.

Offensive Coordinator Kyle Shanahan will have a script for the first several plays, as always. I personally wouldn’t be surprised if the offense lines up in the pistol formation and takes a shot downfield on the very first play. The team could also draw a similar script to that of Griffin’s first professional football game against the New Orleans Saints in 2012. Kyle Shanahan scripted six screens on Griffin’s first drive. After having one of the lowest passing attempts of the rookie Qbs in preseason that year, those screens helped Griffin become comfortable.

Robert Griffin III may have accumulated a little rust from not receiving any game action in preseason. But I don’t believe it will show.

You’re going to see a different Griffin. A smarter, wiser player. He’s said all offseason, “I’m leading the league in metal reps.” He will read defenses better, go through progressions smoother and make smarter decisions when running the football. That’s the biggest task — Griffin taking care of his own body. And I believe he will.