Jimmy Johnson: Robert Griffin III is NFL MVP

Robert Griffin III was so impressive during the first half of Thursday’s Thanksgiving game against the Dallas Cowboys that FOX NFL analyst Jimmy Johnson called him the most valuable player in the NFL.

RG3 and the Washington Redskins lit up the Cowboys with 28 points in the second quarter to go up 28-3. The offense scored on four straight drives, including a touchdown pass from Griffin with 10 seconds left in the half.

“As a coach, you look at the offense, you look at the defense, you look at special teams. The one thing you don’t account for is the most valuable player in the entire National Football League,” Johnson said.

“Robert Griffin III, he’s got the poise, he’s got the accuracy, [he can fit throws] into a window. I think he’s the most valuable player in the National Football League. He is that good. As a rookie, it’s amazing. … I haven’t seen anything like this.”

Michael Strahan was equally impressed by Griffin, and even said something that could upset some of his former Giants teammates.

“The rookie wall … all rookies hit it. This guy is playing like he’s been in the league a long time. The problem is he can hurt you in the pocket, he can hurt you with the run. I must say, watching this first half, he is my new favorite player to watch in the NFL.”

Griffin was 11/14 for 208 yards and three touchdown passes at halftime. It was impossible not to be impressed with the way he was playing. But is he the most valuable player in the NFL the way Johnson stated? I wouldn’t go that far.

RG3 is playing like one of the top quarterbacks in the league, but guys like Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, and Peyton Manning are still having excellent seasons as well. Rodgers is my MVP, but RG3 is playing well enough to be in the conversation.

And spare me about the “Redskins are 4-6” talk; does Griffin play for their 25th-ranked defense that is allowing 25.4 points per game? Didn’t think so.

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