ASHBURN – Rex Grossman will start at quarterback Sunday, according to multiple reports and sources, which will fuel another round of speculation on Donovan McNabb’s future with the organization.
CSNWashington’s Kelli Johnson first reported the change.
Offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan had said Thursday that, to the best of his knowledge McNabb would be starting. Coach Mike Shanahan was coy about any decision throughout the week. However, a source said, the decision was made Friday morning.
McNabb has not performed well this season, with 14 touchdowns and a career-high 16 interceptions. He’s completed 58.3 percent of his throws and has a 77.1 passer rating, the lowest since his rookie season. He has thrown for 3,377 yards. Meanwhile, the offense is 17th in yards per game but 29th in points.
This also will lead to heavy speculation about his future. Washington traded a second-round pick in the 2010 draft and conditional third- or fourth-rounder in 2011 to Philadelphia for McNabb. However, a move to Grossman suggests the search for Washington’s quarterback next season and beyond is far from over.
Rumors about a possible benching have been reported for more than a week. The Redskins benched him for the final two minutes in a Oct. 31 loss at Detroit, citing a discomfort with the two-minute offense and injuries that hindered his performance. Coach Mike Shanahan offered multiple explanations, leading to confusion over why he really was benched.
McNabb’s teammates have expressed strong confidence in him, citing his leadership and ability to make plays.
McNabb signed a contract extension two weeks later. However, the Redskins can cut him before next season and only owe him $3.5 million.
McNabb has battled hamstring issues much of the season and is still listed on the injury report. However, he said Wednesday that he’s healthy and that they are not affecting his performance.
“I feel great,” McNabb said.
Sources, though, say the coaches feel McNabb has looked slower in the pocket at times. And it’s clear that Kyle Shanahan has been displeased with McNabb’s performance, saying that it’s been inconsistent. And his mechanics have been an issue, leading to numerous bounced passes and incompletions. For example, in the 17-16 loss to Tampa Bay, McNabb bounced a third-down pass to tight end Chris Cooley in the flat. On the play, McNabb’s left foot slid to the side and he leaned that way as he threw; he was not hit after the pass. McNabb nearly had three passes picked off Sunday — and not stemming from a heavy pass rush. The Redskins also weren’t able to attack the Bucs in the second half despite having rushed well in the first; and despite the Bucs using more eight-man fronts.
“We’ve made strides,” coach Mike Shanahan said of McNabb and the offense on Wednesday. “We’re not where we want to be.”
McNabb is a six-time Pro Bowler who has played in five NFC championship games. He also led near-tying touchdown drive in the final minutes vs. the Bucs.
Teammate DeAngelo Hall said the heat on McNabb wasn’t justified.
“Not at all,” he said. “We’re definitely not where we need to be as a team, not enough firepower. But it’s a process. He knew what was going on when he came here. And he vowed to work with it and try to get it better. That’s what he’s been doing.”
In the past, coaches have talked about Grossman’s familiarity with the offense, having been a part of it last season with Houston. Grossman helped lead Chicago to a Super Bowl appearance as a starter in 2006, though a strong defense keyed that charge. That season, he threw 23 touchdown passes and 20 interceptions.
But he’s only started eight games since that season and has a career passer rating of 69.5. He entered this season having completed 54 percent of his career throws, with 33 touchdowns and 36 interceptions. Against Detroit this season, he completed four of seven throws for 44 yards.
On Wednesday, McNabb said he would have liked to be told of a possible benching early in the week.
“I would have hoped so,” McNabb said. “That’s professionalism and communication.”
McNabb also said his communication with the coaches had improved since the Detroit benching. Nor did it affect his relationship, he said.
“I’ve been in this game long enough, I’ve seen things happen,” he said. “I’ve been in situations where it’s a question here or there. So none of this is new to me. I just focus on what I need to do in order to get where we want to go.”
