Quarterback still showing a good deal of swagger
ASHBURN — His words landed him on national television shows and caused debate on talk radio. Rex Grossman expressed confidence in his team, saying it could win the NFC East. As others questioned his thinking, Grossman merely shrugged his shoulders, wondering what the fuss was about.
Grossman won’t cause a stir with his latest comments, but he again revealed his confidence. When he looked back at the first four games offensively, he came away with a thought.
“We’re on the cusp of doing great things,” he said.
– John Keim
| Notes |
| » Running back Tim Hightower was limited in practice because of his sore left shoulder. It’s still uncertain who will start at running back vs. the Eagles. Coach Mike Shanahan could opt for the hot hand in Ryan Torain, who rushed for 135 yards vs. St. Louis, which also would give the banged-up Hightower a break. Hightower could then be used on third downs. Shanahan said it’s “nice to have [Torain] back at full speed. Everyone saw what he did against the Rams. Hopefully he can stay at that level.” |
| » Receiver Anthony Armstrong (hamstring) and cornerback Phillip Buchanon (neck) also were limited. Both have expressed optimism over their chances for playing Sunday. Fullback Darrel Young (hamstring) participated the entire practice and is expected to play. Young missed the past two games. “It was miserable,” Young said. “After getting cut in ’09, getting hurt and missing two more games, it’s like why now, why me?” Young said he started doing more stretching before practices to help his hamstring. |
| » Tight end Chris Cooley was limited in practice Wednesday because of a sore left knee. It caused him to miss most of training camp and limited his effectiveness earlier this season. |
Whether that’s the case remains to be seen. Through four games, the Redskins’ offense has been adequate. But if the Redskins want to contend for the NFC East, they likely will have to be more than just average.
Considering how explosive 1-4 Philadelphia’s offense can be, the Redskins’ offense needs to be productive Sunday. And it often starts with Grossman. He said after watching the first four games again that there were areas he would like to improve. For instance, when he drops back to his left, he wants to open his shoulders more as he throws.
He’s also not focused on the seemingly daily grading of his performances.
“You realize the fans and media, they judge week to week,” he said. “Generally speaking, as long as you’re doing your job and trying to accomplish your task and keep getting better, that’s all you should focus on. I’m happy with where we’re at 3-1. I know we can be better, which is exciting. … I know I can play better.”
And for the Redskins to win Sunday — or to continue leading the NFC East — Grossman will have to do just that. Though he has had his moments — a strong game vs. the New York Giants and a good second half vs. Arizona — he also has had down times, as reflected in a 78.7 passer rating.
“Quarterback is the most important position in sports, so Rex playing well will definitely benefit us winning a lot of games,” tight end Chris Cooley said. “But it’s not just Rex. It’s everyone around Rex, but he definitely has to play well.”
Not that Grossman said he worries about how anyone perceives him.
“It doesn’t really affect me one way or another,” Grossman said. “You want to be praised, and you want to be thought of as a great quarterback and a great team and great offense. I know we can take that next step. That’s all I focus on.”
On Sunday, the Redskins likely will need the tackles and tight ends also to play well. The Eagles run a defense dubbed the wide-9, with the ends aligned further outside than usual. The ends’ job is to get upfield as quickly as possible, hoping for pressure or to disrupt a running play.
“It’s tough to block,” Redskins left tackle Trent Williams said. “It can make the run difficult. It can make the pass difficult. There will be lanes with our zone offense, [but] it’s: Can we hit those lanes? That’s the question.”
And then it comes back to Grossman.
“He’s a confident quarterback,” Eagles cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha said. “He understands the offense. He knows what matchups he wants to attack, and on any particular play, he does a good job of reading the defense to figure that out. He’s been smart with the football so far.”
