1. Yes, it was somewhat surprising that Mike Shanahan announced his quarterback decision Monday. But it also was smart. First, he gave both quarterbacks a couple days to digest the news before it broke, allowing them to face the media with a lot of time to think about the situation. Then again, the team didn’t make them available Monday (have to say, both quarterbacks appeared more than ready to talk) so what difference did that make?
2. It’s also clear that Shanahan was fair in this competition. I’d heard all along from several league sources that he liked John Beck better entering camp. Naturally, you think he’ll then go that way. But Rex Grossman played better. Beck made some poor decisions and looked uncomfortable vs. Tampa Bay. And Grossman deserved to win. Shanahan picked the right guy. That will play well in the locker room; not that players were hoping he’d pick Grossman, but knowing that it was indeed open goes a long way.
3. In the future, Beck might be better. It would be surprising if he doesn’t play this season; maybe sooner rather than later. My guess is Beck was hurt by not having OTAs or a minicamp and then by missing a week of training camp. He needed every rep he could get (Grossman has started 41 games and three in this offense last year, so missing that time wasn’t as crucial for him).
4. Strong safety LaRon Landry (hamstring) and tight end Chris Cooley (knee) both practiced Monday, though each was limited. Shanahan was uncertain of their status for Sunday. Landry had not practiced since training camp opened. Both players declined comment, but Cooley has said he’ll play Sunday. Free safety Oshiomogho Atogwe practiced and will play, Shanahan said.
5. OK, so why eight receivers? Well, Shanahan said he doesn’t see it that way. In his mind, Brandon Banks is not a receiver; he’s a return specialist. With his aching knee, there’s little chance Banks ever will play receiver. Smart decision. Banks is a major weapon as a returner; as a receiver, if durable, he’d help. But he’s not polished in that area so why risk it?
6. More Shanahan on Banks: “He did such a great job on punt returns and kickoff returns it would be silly not to dress him on game day. He’s a difference maker out there.” That last quote? It’s why Banks was never really in jeopardy on this roster.
7. Shanahan did not say who would be the emergency third quarterback should that situation arise. They did sign former University of Tennesee QB Jonathan Crompton to the practice squad. The other seven practice squaders: defensive lineman Chris Baker, guard Maurice Hurt, guard Eric Olsen, running back Evan Royster, defensive end Doug Worthington, wide receiver Aldrick Robinson and cornerback Nate Ness.
8. For now, the Redskins don’t have a backup guard. So if something happens to either Kory Lichtensteiger or Chris Chester, Will Montgomery would move from center to guard. And Erik Cook would play center. This is a dangerously thin line. Olsen clearly will be quickly groomed.
9. Nose tackle Chris Neild said his adjustment to the speed of the NFL helped him earn a roster spot. “When you talk about the speed of the game, it’s not about how fast everyone is, it’s the speed and tempo of the line, how they play and making the right reads, that’s something that’s underlooked at the collegiate level because sometimes you can just dominate your opponent. But here everyone’s good so you have to adjust to it.”
10. Linebacker London Fletcher and corner DeAngelo Hall were named the defensive captains while receiver Santana Moss is the offensive captain. Lorenzo Alexander is the special teams captain for Sunday.
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