The Redskins considered Peyton Manning and even Kyle Orton, seeking a veteran quarterback. Instead, they’ve settled on a familiar face: Rex Grossman.
Grossman agreed to a one-year deal with Washington. With the Redskins in position to either draft Robert Griffin III or Andrew Luck, they wanted a veteran to playl in case whichever rookie they get is not yet ready. Grossman could not be immediately reached for comment.
They also have John Beck and Jonathan Crompton on the roster, giving them four to take to camp. But coach Mike Shanahan often keeps just two quarterbacks. With a rookie that might change, but he kept just two in 2006 with Denver and rookie QB Jay Cutler.
Numerous GMs, executives and scouts have said the same thing about Grossman: he’s nothing more than a decent backup. Which is what the Redskins would want him to be. However if the rookie quarterback is not ready, then Grossman — or even Beck — will open the season as the starter.
In 2006, Mike Shanahan drafted Cutler 11th overall, but he did not start him until the 12th game. However, he also was playing behind Jake Plummer who guided the Broncos to a 13-3 season in 2005. Grossman and Beck piloted the Redskins to a 5-11 mark last year, so the rookie could play sooner in 2012.
Grossman was not effective as a starter because of all the turnovers he committed (25 in 13 games this season). His lack of mobility prevented him from extending plays, and from making others (bootlegs) more dangerous. If they get Griffin, those are both things that he can do well.
But the coaches consistently said Grossman, or Beck, would be helped by an improved supporting cast. They’ve signed two receivers, Pierre Garcon and Joshua Morgan, in free agency.
One key is that he has a good understanding of the offense. While the coaches ultimately are responsible for teaching the rookie, having a veteran capable of doing the same is invaluable. Neither Mike nor Kyle Shanahan nor Matt LaFleur has played quarterback in the NFL; so Grossman or another veteran can offer game experience tips a coach might not consider. Having a veteran with starting experience to talk to will help any rookie — on the sidelines or at practice. Grossman, when chatting casually in the locker room, is terrific at dissecting plays and knowing exactly what he saw and explaining it to others. He enjoys talking about the game. Beck does as well.
Still, it’s the coach who will tutor the mechanics and direct the meetings in the film room. It’s also true that a QB like Griffin will see the game differently than Grossman because their skill sets are different. Griffin took better care of the ball than Grossman did, even in college. Both threw 77 touchdown passes in college; but Grossman threw 19 more interceptions than Griffin. Their mindsets are different.
Grossman was more popular with his teammates than Beck this past season, and more respected for his play on the field. Yes, he moved the ball but the scheme is considered quarterback friendly and often gets receivers free. And Grossman was not as productive in the red zone or on third down. But only nine quarterbacks had more passes of 20 yards or more (he had 48).
Grossman threw 16 touchdowns and 20 interceptions this past season — numbers befitting a backup. Grossman’s ability to get hot can lead to good games off the bench in a pinch; his penchant for killer mistakes can, and often have, offset his hot stretches. He’s like a streak shooter in basketball: hit or miss — sometimes in the same game. That’s also why the coaches told friends before last season that Beck was the frontrunner for the position. They’re well aware of the turnover issue. But Grossman outplayed Beck in training camp and teammates clearly wanted him on the field during the season. Shanahan knew that, too.
In 2011, Grossman was the NFL’s 28th rated passer and threw for the 18th most yards (3,151). He’s not the ideal starting quarterback. Maybe he’s not the ideal backup, though, yes, you could do worse. But, for a change, that’s the role the Redskins are talking about for Grossman. It represents progress.
