The Washington Redskins are dramatically better after the past three days, but it’s still not enough.
The Redskins grabbed handfuls of productive free agents, jettisoned aging veterans and traded two problems. It was a win-win-win throughout the week even if Washington failed to land a top-tier free agent.
But nothing gets around either John Beck, Rex Grossman or even Kellen Clemens as the starting quarterback. It’s the hole of the donut.
Sure, the Redskins have significantly improved their defense as training camp opens Friday. The receiver corps now has more than a baker’s dozen of prospects. The offensive line has been reshuffled once more.
It doesn’t matter.
If the Redskins are to finish anywhere near 8-8, the quarterback must be at least fair. We’re talking Trent Dilfer mediocre. Baltimore won a Super Bowl behind the Dilfer, who threw 129 interceptions over his career with a 70.2 rating, but not many defenses — much less this one — can compensate so greatly for a lackluster passer.
Grossman managed to reach Super Bowl XLI before throwing two interceptions in Chicago’s 29-17 loss to Indianapolis. Grossman was exposed. He started only eight games in 2007 and four in ’08 before spending the next two seasons barely playing in Houston and Washington respectively. Still, his 23 touchdowns and 20 interceptions with a 73.9 passer rating were enough in 2006 to get a super defensive team to the championship.
But few teams have a trio of unproven or mediocre passers like the Redskins. There isn’t even a first-rounder in waiting on the roster.
Beck seems the frontrunner entering camp. His career stats: four starts, three interceptions and one touchdown in 2007. Zeros for the last three seasons. The Redskins traded a backup cornerback to Baltimore for Beck last summer.
Beck seems to have coach Mike Shanahan’s nod as first choice entering camp, especially since Beck was the only passer on the roster for a few hours on Wednesday after Donovan McNabb was traded and before Clemens signed. Grossman is expected to re-sign.
Why Beck? Shanahan definitely ties his future to the passer should Beck open the season. That’s like putting your 401K in tech stocks.
Beck seized attention by running two player minicamps. He’s trying to be the leader. That’s all fine, but Beck has to produce. It’s not like the Redskins have a standout running game or Pro Bowl offensive linemen. Washington does have receivers by the baker’s dozen but can’t possibly find a use for all of them.
If Shanahan can turn Beck into a passable passer then the coach is a genius. Otherwise, he’ll look foolish for trying.
Meanwhile, it looks like another long season at FedEx Field if the offense misfires once more.
Examiner columnist Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more on Twitter @Snide_Remarks or email [email protected].
