Also, relying on backups may be easier for Beck than other quarterbacks because he’s used to working with them. The five-year veteran spent most of his time running scout teams for Washington, Miami and Baltimore. That’s what Beck had to do to remain in the league.
But the Redskins need Beck to shine under pressure while working with understudies. It’s about combining for big plays with receivers who, like him, have played little in the regular season. He’ll have to make it happen behind a reshuffled offensive line.
Second-year wideout Terrence Austin and rookie Niles Paul may be faster than Moss at this late stage of his career. Perhaps they’re more athletic. Moss, though, is dependable. For many years, Redskins quarterbacks have relied on Moss being where he’s supposed to be on routes.
Beck would benefit greatly from having Moss in the lineup as he tries to establish himself, and he knows it, but “we believe in the guys that we have,” he said. “We feel we can play very good football. That’s our plan.”
That’s Beck doing the leadership thing. He’s trying to instill confidence in the Redskins’ young receivers. It’s smart.
Beck shouldered responsibility for an interception he threw late in the fourth quarter at Carolina, but it was obvious that rookie wideout Leonard Hankerson — playing his first play all season — made a mistake on the route. After Hankerson was blasted on Twitter and sports-talk radio, Beck requested to speak with reporters, emphasizing the turnover was on him.
From a team-building standpoint, Beck made a good move, albeit a see-through one. It played well in the locker room.
“Nobody thinks he’s a world-beater,” special teams captain Lorenzo Alexander said. “But as long as he can go out there, manage the game, not create any turnovers, which has kind of been our downfall, he’ll be just fine. . . . He’s capable.”
The Redskins are hoping to determine just how much Beck can do. The next two months will tell them a lot. Beck has much to overcome — and potentially much to gain if he can.
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