Because a day can’t go by in May where a Redskins quarterback doesn’t proclaim either his love for the city and desire to stay (Donovan McNabb) or his belief that he’s the No. 1 guy (John Beck, as he did on 106.7 The Fan Tuesday; and on Sirius the day before and in print about a month ago), we bring you …. Rex Grossman, of course.
Here are the highlights from his appearance on ESPN980 Wednesday:
On if he plans to re-sign: “The whole thing is a little bit complicated. I’m assuming that’s what’s going to happen. … I want to be a Redskin. That’s my best opportunity. That’s why I’m coming up next week to throw with the team. “
On pre-lockout conversations with offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan and assistant QB coach Matt LaFleur: “They definitely wanted me to stay throwing with the team and being involved and staying in shape and getting in with the playbook. My agent talked to Bruce Allen and things never evolved into a contract, but it was positive. I’m not quite sure what that means but I’m assuming that it’s good.”
On if Donovan McNabb refused to wear a wristband: “I don’t recall that. I personally don’t like wearing a wristband. Some teams do it, some quarterbacks like it. Obviously Donovan didn’t like it. He didn’t want to do it. I’m not sure that was a major issue. I’m not sure that was a big problem between him and the coaching staff.”
On if that means McNabb refused to wear one: “I just had a conversation with him about wearing a wristband. I know he told me he doesn’t like to do that. I don’t know their discussions or what they asked him to do. If they asked him and he outright refused it, that’s an issue. But I don’t know any of that first-hand.”
On how tough it was for Donovan to grasp the offense: “It was tough for being in one system for 11 years and having all that muscle memory of how you play and you went to Pro Bowls and NFC Championship games and made it to a Super Bowl in one offense and it gears you to play a certain way. Maybe the transition was harder than he thought it would be.”
On if it got contentious between Kyle, Mike Shanahan and Donovan: “Near the end definitely. Anytime you’re involved in an NFL season there will be hurdles and some tough times you have to get past. But near the end of the year it got a little bit strained especially when they put me in. Some of the comments his agent made didn’t sit well. But for the most part he was such a good person and so easy to talk to that in the meeting rooms everything was fine. It was more one-on-one meetings they had and they disagreed upon some things. They kept everything behind closed doors.”
On if he feels he should start: “I definitely feel I’m the starter, but I’m not even signed yet. The coaches have to set the playing field and let us know what the situation is. I feel I’m coming into the prime of my experience and I know what I can do well and what my weaknesses and strengths are and how it relates to this offense. I’ve been in crucial situations. I’ve been in the Super Bowl. I feel I’m so much better than I was then that I’d love to have the opportunity to have a full season with this offense and have a whole season to feel like this is my team. That’s what I want to happen.”
On John Beck: “He’s a great guy. He works hard. He’s eager for his opportunity. I feel like every player in the NFL, if you don’t feel you’re a starter you shouldn’t be in the business. He’s no different than anyone else trying to do whatever you can to put yourself in the starting lineup.”
On Beck talking as if it’s his job: “I think he’s leaving no stone unturned. He’s doing everything he can to put himself out there. You won’t be perceived as the starter unless you say it I guess. If he doesn’t say it, no one else is going to say it. I know the coaches appreciate his hard work and think he’s talented and not quite sure what he can do. This is the time of year when you prove or don’t prove you can do those things. So he’s not benefitting from the lockout at all.”
On if he was surprised the Redskins didn’t draft a QB: “A little bit, yeah. I’m not quite sure. They have a game plan for what they want to do … If they want me I’ll be ready to go. I’m more excited for this season than I’ve ever been in my life.”
On if his position gets stronger with a long lockout: “I definitely agree with that, but beyond that I feel I’m the best guy for the job. But there’s a lot of things you cannot learn just looking at a playbook. You have to have reps and watch tape with Kyle and have him explain to you the rhythm of how you do things. It’s a rhythm timing offense and you have to incorporate all these little things to go through your progression. It takes a while to master it. It’s already mid-May, we don’t have a lot of time left.”
On if he’d be surprised if Donovan is on the roster: “Umm, I don’t know. I texted Donovan today. We had a back and forth. I think I’d be a little surprised….I think he’s ready to move on and they are too.”
