Better or worse: My initial thought is that it was better. Rex Grossman had a better handle on the offense than Donovan McNabb; so went the narrative. But the stats tell a different story. I don’t think stats always tell the entire story and can be twisted, but these are revealing: In 2010, Redskin QBs combined for 21 touchdowns and 19 interceptions; in 2011, it was 19 TDs and 24 INTs. In 2010, they averaged 7.04 yards per attempt; in 2011, it was 6.87. In 2010, the QBs completed 57.7 percent of their throws; in 2011, it was 58.5. Grossman did throw two more TD passes in his 13 starts this year than McNabb did last year (14). But it was offset by throwing five more picks. Yes, other factors enter into play, but it’s not as if McNabb was throwing to Pro Bowlers. I thought McNabb was awful, but when you add it up, you can’t say the position was better. There’s another reason for that: We still have no idea who the starting QB will be next season. Just like at the end of last season. So how could it be better?
2011 overview: Rex Grossman outplayed John Beck in the summer and rightly won the job. He was more comfortable running the offense and the players knew it, which is why they supported him by a wide margin over Beck. The Redskins said another year in the offense could help change Grossman, but that wasn’t the case. He turned it over a lot before this season; he turned it over 25 times in 13 starts this season. Yes, sometimes it was the receiver’s fault. But every QB can blame interceptions on other factors. Grossman, like McNabb, was inconsistent with his mechanics. Grossman was aggressive going downfield, but had a knack for forcing passes to make plays. Beck was not ready to play for long stretches; yes, he was hurt by the lack of a legit offseason but to blame his play only on that isn’t right. When Grossman returned, the difference between the two was evident. The offense moved better with him.
Degree of need: High. Sure, Grossman and Beck would be helped by improved talent around them. So if the Redskins can’t find a QB, they’ll bolster other parts of the offense to add playmakers. If they had a player who could take a shorter pass and run 60 yards for a score, it removes 4-5 plays and lessens the chances for a mistake. I get it. But Grossman does have a penchant for taking chances and making mistakes. That mindset won’t change. Also, his lack of mobility hurts; he can’t extend plays. Look at Mike Shanahan’s QBs in the past – they could extend plays. It’s not about Grossman losing weight; his mobility was not a strength coming out of college and then he hurt his knee and ankle. Now he’s even more limited in this area.
Offseason chore: Finding a new starting QB. If they opt for a young QB, they’d still need to have a veteran capable of starting until the kid is ready. Is that Grossman? Or another vet? Beck? There is a belief that Beck can still develop, but I’m not sure how deep that really is; he did not fare well in his final two starts and that was noted as well. When you get a chance in the NFL, you have to produce.
Best place to find: The draft. But the one option in free agency that will be explored involves Green Bay’s Matt Flynn. A couple scouts/evaluators I respect are high on Flynn and think he’d be a good option for the Redskins. But the draft has a tempting option in Robert Griffin III. The Redskins would not have to mortgage their future entirely to move up to get him. Ryan Tannehill is an option if they traded back, though after the way some QBs moved up last year it’s hard to imagine Tannehill – an athletic QB with some good highlight film — not doing the same. There are intriguing options later in the draft; Russell Wilson is athletic and an excellent QB, one who is adept at running play-action and bootlegs. But he’s listed at 5-foot-11; the worry is that he’ll be even shorter when measured at the combine. It’ll hurt him. Don’t expect a guy like Kyle Orton to come in. The Redskins had their chance when he was cut during the season and didn’t put a claim in on him.
Key free agents: Grossman. Yes, I could see him returning. But there was concern entering training camp about his high rate of turnovers. Then he turned it over a lot. Do they really risk doing the same thing?
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