Washington Redskins: Quarterback/Position Carousel Not the Answer by Diane Chesebrough

At the time, it was understandable. Washington Redskins’ quarterback Rex Grossman had thrown four interceptions against the Philadelphia Eagles so it made sense. The offense needed a spark or change so head Coach Mike Shanahan pulled him. But Grossman should not have been benched permanently in favor of John Beck and should have started the next game. The former Houston Texan knows the offense, he manages the huddle and he has experience. He gives the young skill players the best chance to succeed. He makes some bad decisions but the good outweighs them.

By benching Grossman in favor of Beck and then reversing the move, Shanahan might have started a carousel that could spin out of control. If he continues to change his quarterbacks like someone changes socks – as he says he might – it will not be good for his team.

The coach said that he doesn’t want to “throw John to the wolves” by putting him in a game while missing so many offensive starters. But Beck has already been thrown to the wolves and the guy was mauled. I have nothing against the man and, quite honestly, given time, who really knows what his potential is? But if the Redskins want to win now, his play indicates that he is not the answer.

Those same wolves, i.e. opposing defenses, might not be Beck’s biggest problem. The bigger issue may actually be demons: demons that manifest in a lack of confidence. After the mauling, Beck was benched and so was unable to work through his inexperience before losing his job – again.

I don’t have a problem with the fact that Grossman started against Miami. In fact, I agree with the decision. But he should stay the starter unless he gets hurt. As well as Grossman, a decision should be made on who all of the starters will be and, unless – or until – they get injured, they should remain so.

Shanahan obviously doesn’t see it that way.

“We’re still going to do the same thing,” he said during his post-game conference about which quarterback would start next week. “We’re going to look at the scenario and what gives us the best chance to win and we’ll make a decision based on that.”

A few weeks ago a certain Redskins’ running back said that it was important – even in the running game – to have one guy consistently handing off the ball. He referenced rhythm and a familiarity with a person’s timing. The familiarity doesn’t only apply to receivers.

Regardless of how the change in quarterbacks might affect them, the players accept the coaching staff’s decisions. Tight end Fred Davis is pragmatic about the situation.

“It’s a hard decision to make,” Davis said Sunday about Shanahan’s coming decision on which signal-caller would start next week against Dallas. “It’s a hard thing to do but sometimes you have to deal with things like that. The quarterback is the main piece on the team but we don’t know who that’s going to be. In the situation that we’re in right now, five straight losses, everybody has a chance to lose their job. If you don’t do your job, and they feel that somebody else can win better, he’s going to make that decision.”

“I’m sure he’ll evaluate the next couple of weeks, make a decision and roll with it for the rest of the season.”

Davis appears more sure of this than I.

Unfortunately, the same fate awaits guys at the other positions on the team.

“We’re going to make decisions based on what goes on during the week…” Shanahan went on to say. “…who we’re going against, practice, injuries… all those types of things.  And, regardless if it’s at the line backer position, the wide receiver position, we’re going to make decisions based on what gives us the best chance to win.”

Competition is a good thing, no doubt. But on a team with the type of character the Redskins have, it’s not required to the extreme that Shanahan uses it. These guys don’t need to be worried about their jobs to play hard.  Let them know they are starting and then coach them to be the best they can be. Usually, a relaxed athlete is a good athlete. And by relaxed, I don’t mean “lackadaisical.”  I don’t mean “cavalier.” I mean ready to do their jobs to the best of their ability.

Talented players like receivers Anthony Armstrong and Terrence Austin; or running back Ryan Torain, sometimes don’t have good games and it’s for reasons other than their lack of hard work. It’s the same with practices.

But a great practice doesn’t always translate into a great game and a great game can come after a bad practice.

Name the starters and start them. Spell them when they need a break. Let the players concentrate on winning. Set up a game plan that plays to the strengths of your quarterback and other players. Run the ball. It’s a simple formula for success that’s easier said than done. But it’s a start.

Hail.