The Redskins' 24-17 defeat at the hands of the still undefeated Atlanta Falcons is at least a distant second on the list of things concerning Washington fans. Actually, with the Nationals in action, that result may be no higher than third for many.
At the top of the list is the condition of Robert Griffin III, who took a hard shot to the head as he attempted to coax a few yards out of a busted play in the third quarter.
On a third-and-goal play , RG3 rolled to his right with the Atlanta defense in pursuit. As he neared the sideline, he turned up toward the end zone rather than going out of bounds. This may prove a decision that Redskins fans will long be lamenting as it allowed Falcons linebacker Sean Weatherspoon to deliver a hit to Griffin's helmet.
Griffin was escorted off the field by team trainers and eventually taken to the locker room. After the game, Washington coach Mike Shanahan would reveal that RG3 suffered a "mild concussion."
Washington's other rookie quarterback, fourth-round pick out of Michigan State Kirk Cousins, replaced Griffin on the Redskins' next possession. After a 3-and-out turn in Cousins' first career possession, he threw a 77-yard touchdown pass to Santana Moss to give Washington a 17-14 lead.
To the likely chagrin of Skip Bayless, the pair of interceptions that Cousins gifted to the Falcons as they came back to win the game may have short-circuited any potential quarterback controversy. Of course, Cousins could be pressed into duty again next week if RG3 is unable to go.
More from the Associated Press
LANDOVER, Md. -- Redskins coach Mike Shanahan says quarterback Robert Griffin III got a "mild concussion" when he was hit in the helmet on a sack during Washington's 24-17 loss to the Atlanta Falcons.
Griffin left Sunday's game in the third quarter and did not return.
Team spokesman Tony Wyllie says Griffin was examined by an independent neurologist before being sent home from the team's stadium and will be evaluated again Monday. Wyllie adds Griffin got a cut on his chin.
The Heisman Trophy winner and No. 2 overall pick in this year's draft was slammed into by Falcons linebacker Sean Weatherspoon's side on a third-and-goal play with about six minutes left in the third quarter.