Washington Commanders vs New Orleans Saints Box Score on Sep 09, 2012

While Griffin and the offense stole the spotlight by racking up 464 total yards, the Redskins' defense was equally impressive for most of the game. The Saints' record-breaking offense was limited to 358 total yards, their lowest total since Week 8 of last season. Drew Brees piled up most of his 339 passing yards and two of his touchdowns in the fourth quarter, extending his NFL-record streak to eight consecutive games with at least 300 yards.

Brees threw one crucial interception to DeJon Gomes, setting up Morris' 3-yard touchdown run with 3:18 left, and another on a desperate heave into the end zone on the game's final play. Griffin avoided any such mistakes, as the Redskins (1-0) did not commit a turnover for the first game since the second week of the 2010 season.

The Redskins hoped drafting Griffin would inject life into the offense, and it didn't take long for that to happen. He completed his first seven passes and 11 of his first 12 and hooked up with Pierre Garcon for an 88-yard touchdown on just his second series. He added a 5-yard touchdown to Aldrick Robinson in the second quarter.

Garcon had four catches for 109 yards and a score before leaving with a right foot injury.

Kicker Billy Cundiff also was solid in his Redskins debut, booting two field goals from 37 yards, one from 41 and one from 45 to make it 33-17 with 10:59 left.

The Saints (0-1) were hurt by 12 penalties, including a crucial call for 12 men on the field after forcing a punt that would have given them the ball with a 30-17 deficit early in the fourth quarter. Instead, the Redskins sustained a long drive ending with a field goal.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Griffin is the first rookie quarterback to lead his team to 40 points in the season opener since 1950. … Washington's 40 points are its most under coach Mike Shanahan, who improved to 15-4 on opening weekend. His 15 wins are the most among active head coaches. … The Saints were coached by offensive line coach Aaron Kromer, who is the acting head coach until interim coach Joe Vitt returns from a six-week suspension. Head coach Sean Payton is suspended for the entire season, a ban stemming from the Saints' alleged bounty program. … Washington leads the all-time series 16-8 and has won nine of 12 meetings in New Orleans. … Saints WR Devery Henderson left the game with a head injury. … Redskins S Jordan Bernstine was taken off on a cart with a right knee sprain in the fourth quarter. The rookie was a seventh-round pick out of Iowa.