Robert Griffin III was expected to be the top rookie quarterback in 2012, even ahead of No. 1 draft pick and perceived QB prodigy Andrew Luck, who is surrounded by, well, not much on the Indianapolis Colts. RG3, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner from Baylor, found himself in a slightly better situation as he was drafted by the Washington Redskins, who traded up in the draft to take Griffin at No. 2.
On Sunday, the RG3 era began, and it's looking pretty promising for Redskins fans as Griffin became the first quarterback to start a game in the NFL who was born in the 1990s. Feel old yet?
RG3 was near-perfect in New Orleans, out-dueling Drew Brees for close to 300 yards and two touchdowns, including an 88-yard scoring strike for his first-ever NFL touchdown pass.
As for more proven folks, Adrian Peterson had a pleasantly surprising 2012 debut with the Minnesota Vikings, just months after tearing his ACL at the end of last season. Peterson, who was questionable to even play in the Vikings' opener did more than just play. He rushed for 84 yards and two touchdowns while proving tons of doubters wrong and making many regret not taking him in this year's drafts.
As for goats of the week, there were plenty, but one that stood out personally was Detroit Lions QB and Highland Park native Matthew Stafford. Stafford entered the season as top-5 fantasy QB, and still is, but much more was expected of him on Sunday against the St. Louis Rams. He moved the ball with ease between the 20s, but he threw three interceptions, including a couple in the red zone. He atoned to some extent by passing for well over 300 yards and one touchdown in the final minute to give his team the victory, but fantasy owners don't care about wins, other than their own.
