His biggest contribution was validating the Shanahans’ belief that McNabb was the team’s main problem on offense. He showed that their scheme could still function just fine. Washington simply needed someone other than McNabb at the controls.
Grossman has pleased the Shanahans with his work ethic and willingness to accept their guidance. Beginning his ninth NFL season and third in Mike’s offense (Grossman was a backup in 2009 for Houston, which uses the same scheme), Grossman has much more game experience than Beck.
Video
The Post's Rick Maese joins the Post Sports Live crew to discuss Mike Shanahan's decision to start Rex Grossman over John Beck for the Redskins' season-opener against the Giants on Sunday.
It’s understandable why all of that would be comforting to the Shanahans. Without a doubt, Grossman, regardless of being viewed as a failed starter by other teams, is a safer pick than Beck, especially after how Beck flopped against Tampa Bay.
The Redskins responded well on offense when Beck started for the first time against Indianapolis. He had some good moments against Baltimore. With a chance to grab what he wanted against the Buccaneers, Beck seemed to change. He became hesitant. He made poor throws. Beck had the look of what he is: Someone without much experience.
Beck needed to deliver a strong closing kick. Instead, he missed in the most important outing of his career.
Grossman could make it easy now on Shanahan by playing well and maintaining a grip on his job. That would be best for the Redskins, who seem to have made significant roster upgrades at many other positions.
Since Grossman has done everything the Shanahans have asked of him, they should give him every opportunity to work through rough stretches if they occur. They’re aware of Grossman’s limitations, and still picked him. So give him a chance to get it done.
The worst thing Mike could do now is go back and forth between Grossman and Beck. Doing so would stir more questions about his decision-making at a time the Redskins, for the most part, seem to be making more good ones than bad.
For Beck, it’s another disappointing development in a career still waiting to get started. Publicly and privately, Shanahan listed Beck among the reasons the Redskins did not draft a quarterback. He confounded some in praising Beck, who ultimately wasn’t good enough to beat out Grossman.
Daniel M. Snyder pays Shanahan a king’s ransom to make the right call on major decisions. Hopefully, for the Redskins and their fans, this one will turn out well.
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