Rex Grossman won’t be broken. He isn’t second-guessing himself. He’s not concerned about others second-guessing him. And he doesn’t worry whether another turnover will return him to the bench.
Grossman didn’t lose his confidence when he was demoted a year after reaching a Super Bowl with Chicago, so he’s not going to be shaken in his second stint as the Washington Redskins’ starting quarterback, either.
“It doesn’t matter,” he said about the possibility of starting the final seven games. “I don’t need to think about that. I’m not looking over my shoulder. … I don’t need to be told it’s my season. I’m just going out there and having fun.”
Grossman returned from a three-game exile Sunday in a 20-9 loss to Miami in part because John Beck led the Redskins to only 11 points in his last two games. Grossman’ four interceptions against Philadelphia on Oct. 16 forced coach Mike Shanahan to make the initial shift, but Beck’s ineffectiveness resulted in Grossman’s return.
“It’s extremely disappointing when you get taken out,” Grossman said. “You reset yourself, what your goals are, what you need to accomplish. … I still want to play. Take a breather and get back in there and re-establish how I want to do things.”
Grossman is considered the lesser evil at this point. With a 3-6 record that includes five straight losses, Washington must win its final seven games to have a shot at the playoffs. The odds of that happening are akin to winning the lottery. In truth, it doesn’t matter who the quarterback is; next year’s starter probably is still in college.
With a one-year contract, Grossman probably needs a decent finish to extend his nine-year career. No other team made a big push for him after the lockout ended. Still, Grossman, 31, could become a backup somewhere. These probably will be his final games as an NFL starter, though.
“My motivation comes from just having fun out there, make plays and win the game,” he said. “I have no animosity, motivation. I’m very excited … to finish this season, the next seven games to see what happens.”
Grossman faces Dallas on Sunday for the third time in 11 games with Washington. He was 22-for-37 for 250 yards, one touchdown and one interception in an 18-16 loss on Sept. 26. Since then, the Redskins have lost two receivers, a running back and a tight end to injuries.
“I’m an optimist. We have to beat Dallas. Everybody starts to have fun and feels better and comes in here next week 4-6,” Grossman said. “Nobody’s given up. Everybody believes we should be a lot better than we are. All 11 guys on offense, myself included, just need to do their job. There are plays out there to be made.”
Nobody’s making them, though.
Examiner columnist Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more on Twitter @Snide_Remarks or email [email protected].
