RG3 turns back time in 2nd preseason game
It may have just been for a half, and it may have just been preseason, but Robert Griffin III morphed back into RG3, Rookie of the Year and franchise passer, during the Cleveland Browns-Atlanta Falcons game Thursday.
Griffin played with the confidence and poise that was lacking in the Browns' preseason opener, finishing the game 6-of-8 for 96 yards and two touchdown passes, with 36 yards on the ground.
Griffin's main strength, outside of his outstanding athleticism, has always been his deep-ball ability, something he showed on a 50-yard touchdown bomb to wideout Terrelle Pryor.
The fifth-year pro hit Pryor, who he's developed a strong rapport with, perfectly in stride for the second week in a row, showing the Browns' coaching staff that a vertical offense may be the best way to get production out of Griffin.
The former No. 2 overall pick's other standout play was even better. Griffin moved subtly to his right in the pocket, giving himself enough time and the best angle to find tight end Gary Barnidge for his second touchdown pass of the game.
The movement was good, the touch on the throw was outstanding.
Griffin was expected to fight it out with veteran Josh McCown for the starting job throughout the preseason, but he won the role easily during training camp.
From his performance Thursday, it's easy to see why the Browns felt comfortable with him leading the offense.