By late Friday night, it should be clear whether the Washington Redskins have a quarterback controversy brewing.
John Beck, the long-expected starter, will make his preseason debut at the Indianapolis Colts. Offseason hype has changed the perception of the journeyman quarterback. That, of course, means there’s a lot of anxiety about what he can do.
Rex Grossman’s solid start against Pittsburgh on Aug. 12 puts pressure on Beck to produce immediately. Otherwise, Redskins fans will settle on the veteran. Not that coach Mike Shanahan won’t give Beck more chances in the final two preseason games, but some momentum would mean everything for the passer’s credibility.
Shanahan’s credibility is also tied to the two quarterbacks. Even he admitted it. If Beck flames out against the Colts, there will be more second-guessing than a Sunday morning political roundtable.
But if the Beckoning is truly the season’s biggest story, it must begin against the Colts because next week the Baltimore Ravens’ defense will be much harder to beat.
Beck has two games to show why the Redskins should gamble on a player who hasn’t made an appearance in three years and barely has played at all in the NFL. Otherwise, the Redskins should go with the more experienced Grossman, who sure made the system look easy in the preseason opener.
It’s nice Beck looked good in practice and was an offseason team leader. But style points don’t count in the NFL. It’s what you do in games, and Beck must produce against a first-string defense.
Normally, starting an unproven passer is a sign of hope. This time it’s the lesser evil for the Redskins. Whichever quarterback loses the battle better keep his helmet nearby on the sideline all season.
That Beck turns 30 years old Sunday — ancient by NFL standards — means nothing. The Redskins aren’t looking for their passer for the next 10 years, just for 16 games. Washington will try to find the next Sonny Jurgensen in April.
Beck’s worth a preseason look, but he must prove Shanahan isn’t forcing the issue like the coach did a year ago with Donovan McNabb and Albert Haynesworth. Shanahan has tried to put too many square pegs into round holes since he arrived last year. If this is another, fans will bail on the coach.
Still, Beck might surprise his detractors. The team simply wants its quarterbacks to throw medium-range passes and an occasional deep ball and not to create turnovers. They need Matt Hasselbeck more than Matt Schaub. Beck can do that. So can Grossman.
If both players fare well against Indianapolis, maybe Washington fans can start thinking about an 8-8 season. If both stink, they can starting thinking about Andrew Luck.
Beck’s career is likely at stake over the next two games. Maybe Friday alone. Gee, no pressure there.
Examiner columnist Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more on Twitter @Snide_Remarks or email mailto:[email protected] “>[email protected].
