New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora is starting to come around on Robert Griffin III. After initially refusing to call the Redskins quarterback by his nickname “RG3,” the Giants defensive end has become the rookie’s biggest fan.
“That guy is flat-out unbelievable. I’m not even going to lie. That’s the best quarterback we’ve played this year,” Umenyiora said after Sunday’s game, according to Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News.
The Giants managed a 27-23 home win over the Redskins, but it did not come easily.
After being down 20-13 in the fourth quarter, Griffin made several incredible plays. RG3 led the Redskins on an 11-play drive where he converted two fourth down plays before losing a fumble at New York’s 27. After they got the ball back on a turnover, they kicked a field goal to make it 20-16.
He led a 7-play, 77-yard touchdown drive on their next possession, including a conversion on a fourth-and-10. Even after the Washington defense allowed a 77-yard touchdown to Victor Cruz, Griffin had the offense moving until Santana Moss lost a fumble to lose the game.
Griffin’s final stats for the game: 20/28 for 258 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. He also rushed nine times for 89 yards.
If you believe Umenyiora who says Griffin is the best quarterback the Giants have played all season, that means the rookie is better than Tony Romo, Josh Freeman, Cam Newton, Mike Vick, Brandon Weeden, and Alex Smith. There’s quite a bit of talent in that group, so that makes Umenyiora’s compliment even more meaningful.
Osi Umenyiora vs. Robert Griffin III history
July – Osi Umenyiora only calling Robert Griffin III ‘Bob’
September – Osi Umenyiora now willing to call Griffin ‘RG3’
October – Osi Umenyiora now calling RG3 ‘Sir Robert Griffin’
Photo credits: Geoff Burke-US PRESSWIRE, Matthew Emmons-USPRESSWIRE
