Quarterback working to return to field after benching
ASHBURN — He could second-guess his play; he didn’t question his preparation. That’s why John Beck remains confident, even as questions about his game persist.
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In his mind, as long as he keeps working a certain way, he will keep improving. And maybe someday he will get where he wants to be: back in the starting lineup.
The Redskins benched Beck after three games, all losses, before Sunday’s loss at Miami.
“This isn’t the first rodeo of going through adversity or being in a situation where for whatever reason things aren’t working,” Beck said in his first public comments since the benching. “You continue to grind.
“I truly do believe in the phrase that tough times don’t last; tough people do. That’s something Coach preaches to us, and that’s all you can do: keep working, keep believing. So my belief stays the same as it was before.”
| Notes |
| » The Redskins continue to be bothered by injuries. Now it’s left guard Maurice Hurt and right tackle Sean Locklear who have been added to the injury report. Hurt did not practice because of a mild knee sprain, while Locklear was limited with an ankle injury. It’s uncertain what their status is for Sunday, but it could further dent an offensive line in need of continuity. If Hurt can’t play, the Redskins could be forced to return center Will Montgomery to guard and insert Erik Cook at center. Neither played well in those spots in the two games they were alongside one another. If Locklear can’t play, the Redskins would turn to newly signed Tyler Polumbus or undrafted free agent Willie Smith. |
| » Meanwhile, four other Redskins did not practice Wednesday: safety LaRon Landry (Achilles), linebacker London Fletcher (ankle), linebacker Keyaron Fox (knee infection) and receiver Niles Paul (toe). Fletcher needed a walking boot. Right tackle Jammal Brown (groin) was limited. |
| Player of note |
| RB Roy Helu |
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The Redskins haven’t yet said who will start at running back, but it makes sense to give the rookie another shot. Ryan Torain has not run with as much authority since the St. Louis game, and because the line allows so much penetration, it’s good to have a back with quick feet. That’s Helu. He’s effective on draws and provides more versatility. Neither back has provided much of a jolt. – John Keim |
He knew it looked bad for him when coach Mike Shanahan told him a week ago that Rex Grossman would start taking snaps with the first unit in practice. When Beck was inserted as the starter, there was a belief by some around the NFL that Shanahan would give him the rest of the season just to see whether he could help them in the future.
But it was clear he was unable to help them in the present. The players like playing with Grossman.
“[Grossman] seems laid back. He seems ready,” tight end Fred Davis said. “He seems like he’s in control. He looks like he’s going to take chances to throw it up there and let you get a chance to go get it. When you’ve got that opportunity, that’s always a good thing.”
As for Beck, he said he understands the nature of the game. He has a 72.7 passer rating this season with two touchdowns and four interceptions. He averaged 6.5 yards a pass attempt.
“Sometimes you only get one game,” he said. “So I was able to get a couple games. I tried to prepare the best I could and play the best I could. We had times where things clicked and times where things didn’t.”
Any bitterness or disappointment by now has subsided. Beck spoke matter-of-factly about the change, though he initially didn’t want to discuss the situation. In his mind, the story is a week old. He has moved on to his new role — or, rather, returned to his old one.
Beck said he saw progress in his game. He also said they would enter a week knowing he — and the passing game — had improved in one area only to need better play in another.
And when he watched film, he saw good and bad.
“That’s where I’m at in this system, where I’m at in my role, and that’s tough where we’re at right now because we’re in a position where we need things to be happening,” Beck said. “It’s a tough spot when you know you’re in a spot where you still need to learn. But, hey, the time’s now.”
