Grossman will start opener vs. the Giants ASHBURN — Less than a week ago, Rex Grossman talked about the difference he saw in himself. His decisions were quicker. His tempo was faster. And he sounded more confident about what he could do in this offense.
Now he’ll get his chance to prove it.
Coach Mike Shanahan named Grossman the starter for the season opener — and beyond — after practice Monday. The Redskins open the season against the New York Giants on Sunday.
| Redskins note |
| » Strong safety LaRon Landry (hamstring) and tight end Chris Cooley (knee) were limited in practice, and there’s still no word on their status for Sunday’s opener vs. the New York Giants. It was Landry’s first practice since training camp started. Free safety O.J. Atogwe practiced and will play after missing three preseason games with a bad hamstring. |
“Rex won by an edge,” Shanahan said.
He said the decision was based on who is best for the season, not just the opening game.
“When you pick a guy, you don’t say you think that guy’s going to fail,” Shanahan said. “Obviously, you’re hoping he’ll be very successful.”
Shanahan told the coaches after practice Saturday, and the rest of the team learned about it Monday. Grossman’s experience in this offensive system — he’s entering his third season with offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan — made a difference. It didn’t help Beck that he missed a week of training camp with a groin injury.
Shanahan had said he might wait until Sunday to announce his decision, but he wanted to get it over with.
“Wednesday we can focus on the Giants and not all the speculation that goes on in between,” Shanahan said. “And I wanted to take as long as I could to make sure I did make the right decision. But it was very competitive. I like where we’re at. … I have a lot of confidence in both guys.”
Grossman started the final three games of 2010, but entering camp several league sources predicted it would be Beck. Their rationale? Shanahan was telling people he thought Beck had more potential. Several players, though, were confident Shanahan would base his decision on their preseason performance. They were right.
“They picked the right guy,” Redskins receiver Santana Moss said.
Grossman looked more fluid than Beck this summer. In three preseason games, Grossman completed 34 of 53 passes for 407 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. He posted a passer rating of 92.3.
Beck, meanwhile, started strong with 14 completions in 17 attempts vs. Indianapolis. He finished the preseason with 30 completions in 48 attempts for 356 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Beck had a passer rating of 74.7.
Running back Tim Hightower said it was more than about numbers for Grossman.
“It’s his demeanor on and off the field,” Hightower said. “Guys love him in the huddle, in the locker room. Guys gravitate to him, and guys want to be around him.”
Neither quarterback was made available Monday; after saying they would be available, the team changed its mind and said they would speak Wednesday.
Last week Grossman said, “I’m playing with a pretty good comfort level. At times last year, I played some really good football, and I’ve tried to continue that.”
In 41 career starts, Grossman has thrown 40 touchdowns and 40 interceptions. He developed a reputation for making big mistakes in games. Shanahan isn’t bothered by that reputation; last season, Grossman threw seven touchdowns and four interceptions in his three starts.
“I evaluate what he’s done since he’s been with me,” he said. “He’s done a good job since he’s been here.”
