Atlanta Falcons running back Jacquizz Rodgers pushes Washington Redskins cornerback Richard Crawford away during the first half of an NFL football game in Landover, Md., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012.LANDOVER, Md. – Robert Griffin III isn’t the type of quarterback to run out of bounds, and Sean Weatherspoon knew it. The Atlanta Falcons linebacker kept up the pursuit and went for the tackle. His upper body rammed into the helmet of the rookie who doesn’t shy from contact.
Griffin was down and done. A mild concussion, according to Washington Redskins coach Mike Shanahan. On a day in which the Falcons’ usually powerful offense was a bit out of sync, the defense had made a play that changed the game.
Matt Ryan went on to lead three scoring drives in the fourth quarter Sunday, scraping together enough points for a 24-17 win that gave the Falcons their first 5-0 start in franchise history.
“I felt like he was still turning upfield, so I was just trying to make a play,” Weatherspoon said. “Most quarterbacks would probably slide out of bounds or run out of bounds, but he’s a tough guy.”
And there was no dispute. It was a clean hit.