The Redskins against the Giants on Monday Night Football was billed as a matchup of rookie enthusiasm against veteran accuracy, and it lived up to the hype. In the end, the young quarterback prevailed, as Robert Griffin III and the 'Skins edged past New York, 17 to 16.
Both quarterbacks had one touchdown pass and neither threw an interception. But the real battle was between Griffin's constantly shifting offense and Manning's uncanny accuracy.
The Redskins are now 6-6 for the season, while the Giants drop to 7-5. The Redskins have now won three straight in their division, and are hoping to claw into contention for a playoff berth.
PHOTOS: The 'Skins beat the Giants, 17-16
It was a close game with the teams trading off points. The Giants scored first, with Lawrence Tynes kicking a 39-yard field goal. The Redskins answered in the same quarter when Griffin, rushing, fumbled the ball and wide receiver Joshua Morgan recovered, then scored.
Manning then connected with tight end Martellus Bennett on a short second-quarter pass for a TD. Washington's Kai Forbath then made a 33-yard field goal attempt, which was matched by a Tynes 40-yard field goal as the second quarter ended.
Tynes had the next three points for New York in the third quarter, but Griffin was back in the fourth, hitting wide receiver Pierre Garcon with a quick eight-yard pass that turned into a touchdown.
PHOTOS: RGIII's season in the spotlight
The Giants had 73 penalty yards, while the Redskins had 56.
The home crowd at FedExField was a factor that even television commentators couldn't ignore. "This place is rocking like the old RFK, Mike," said ESPN's John Gruden to Mike Tirico in the fourth quarter.
Fans stayed well after the game, and chants of "R-G-III! R-G-III!" rang through the stadium as it emptied and the players were interviewed.
