There is no right choice at quarterback for the Washington Redskins. The Washington Redskins needed the longest field goal in team history and a late mercy touchdown to avoid getting shut out for a second straight game for the first time since 1961. The 19-11 loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday showed the offense simply can’t score under John Beck.
Still, coach Mike Shanahan won’t make a change for Sunday’s game at Miami. He didn’t exactly defend Beck for the recent awful offensive showing, but the coach didn’t especially blame him, either. He used the old “11 men” excuse. While merited, it is not a solution.
Beck wasn’t the one who dropped several passes, fumbled twice or was penalized 15 yards for a retaliatory hit. But he also didn’t hit downfield receivers. Beck averaged a meager 5.4 yards a pass and made so many dump-off throws that running back Roy Helu set a team record with 14 catches.
Shanahan’s playing poker, and he’s holding Wild Bill Hickok’s aces and eights. He knows the Redskins have a dead man’s hand; they have no offensive playmakers remaining, especially if tight end Fred Davis shines only when the game already has been decided.
Switching back to Rex Grossman would mean Shanahan’s preseason wager — his reputation — that both passers were legitimate starters is lost. He’s willing to continue with Beck because things really can’t get much worse.
Still, it’s time to change again. Four straight losses have left Washington 3-5 at midseason. There’s no point in worrying about damaging someone’s ego because neither Beck nor Grossman likely will be around next season.
The Redskins have to give fans some reason to watch the final eight games. On Sunday, all Beck gave the 78,032 in attendance was a chance to set a record for the largest outdoor nap. Fans could barely muster boos. They’re tired of an awful offense. Most were long gone before the end, when the only drama was whether coach Mike Shanahan could endure San Francisco counterpart Jim Harbaugh’s handshake.
Beck had three games to prove his worth. Now it’s clear he won’t be the quarterback next year. At least Grossman generates points, even if it’s sometimes for the other team.
Beck hasn’t turned over the ball as much as Grossman did earlier this season, but he doesn’t score either. Without the team’s best runner, receiver and tight end, Beck can’t crack the end zone. He managed only 31 points in three starts, and 21 of them came during garbage time.
There’s no saving the season, but at least the Redskins can salvage some dignity. Miami won its first game 31-3 over Kansas City on Sunday. Washington is an underdog and could lose to a one-win team for the third time this season. At least a loss to the Dolphins could give Washington a chance for the second overall draft pick if their slide continues.
And with the No. 2 pick, the Redskins might be able to swing a deal for the top pick — and Andrew Luck. That would solve the quarterback problem next year. For now, it’s just a couple guys throwing the ball.
Examiner columnist Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more on Twitter @Snide_Remarks or email [email protected].
