Redskins QB Battle Heating Up

Added on Aug 26, 2011 by Scott in

NFL

Redskins quarterbacks Rex Grossman and John Beck are making head coach Mike Shanahan’s decision on naming a starter for the season opener a difficult one. Both signal callers have looked surprisingly sharp this preseason and each displayed impressive throws in last night’s 34-31 loss to the Ravens.

Through three exhibition games, Grossman has completed 34-53 passes for 407 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Meanwhile, Beck has completed 20-27 for 248 yards with one touchdown and one pick after missing the preseason opener with an injury.

Grossman is more familiar with offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan’s system having played in it for the last two seasons. However, the ‘Skins traded for Beck earlier this month and immediately signed him to a two-year deal. The elder Shanahan has praised Beck throughout training camp and remains confident the former second-round pick from BYU can be a starter.

With a young, improving defense and the addition of running back Tim Hightower to the backfield, Washington could be a tough out in 2011. After back-to-back 6-10 seasons, most pundits had them ranked near the bottom of the power rankings as training camp opened.

Solid, if not spectacular, free agent acquisitions and trades have helped shape Washington into a respectable looking team. Consistency from the quarterback position will be critical to their success. Switching back and forth between both guys is not what Shanahan wants to do, but Grossman’s penchant for costly turnovers and Beck’s inexperience may force the issue.

At this point, the QB duel couldn’t be closer. The safer call is to stick with Grossman, although the upside is higher with Beck providing he continues to grasp the offense. With Rob Ryan leading the Cowboys defense and the bevy of Pro Bowlers added by the Eagles, whichever Redskins quarterback seizes the job must be prepared to face an aggressive NFC East.

Shanahan is running out of time to reach a decision. Washington opens the season at home on September 11th versus the Giants.