2011 Washington Redskins: Why Rex Grossman Should Start in 2011
Jake Locker? Cam Newton? Alex Smith? Donovan McNabb?
Who will start for the Redskins the next time they take the field?
It seems like people have already forgotten the player that finished the 2010 campaign as the starter in Washington. Yes, I know, gasps always follow when the name Rex Grossman is associated with "starting quarterback," but Rex outperformed Donovan McNabb in those three games he did play.
Grossman's main flaw was his inability to hold onto the ball when he was hit from pressure, but is that completely his fault?
The Redskins main problem on offense is not who lines up under center, who takes the carries or the talent that catches the ball. It is the offensive line.
Nearly every turnover the offense committed in the final three games came from the QB being rushed in the pocket, with the QB either forced to fumble or throw a bad pass. When Grossman did have time to throw the ball effectively, he managed the offense well and moved the chains with better efficiency than "Super 5" ever did.
Here are some reasons why Rex Grossman should be named the starter for Washington in 2011.
1. He Knows the Offense
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2011 would be Rex Grossman's third year under Kyle Shanahan's offensive system and his second year operating it in Washington.
Last year, in the final three games under Grossman, the Redskins offense caught a spark in the second half in Dallas, scoring four passing touchdowns. Next, they pulled off a win against a playoff contender in Jacksonville and gave a desperate Giants team a run for their money in the season finale.
In the Giants game, the Redskins consistently drove into Giants territory, only to cough up the ball with a fumble. If they would have been able to pull off a field goal before fumbling on one of those drives, the game goes to overtime and the Redskins are looking at a possible 7-9 record.
The Redskins may not be good with Rex Grossman under center, but they can contend.
He was able to move the ball pretty well for a backup and with solid protection, they get those field goals and maybe more.
2. He Outplayed Donovan McNabb
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It may be hard to believe, but it's true.
Rex Grossman put up better numbers than Donovan McNabb did when taken in perspective. In only three games starting, compared to Donovan's thirteen, Grossman threw half the amount of touchdown passes that McNabb did and only a fourth of the interceptions.
The offense seemed to move smoother under Grossman, as he delivered passes that were catchable to the receiver in both placement and velocity.
Take the interception by McNabb in the Vikings game, for example.
With his back to his own end zone, McNabb tried to muscle the ball to Santana Moss, who couldn't bring in the overpowered pass, resulting in the ball popping into the air and an interception.
This led to a field goal for Minnesota and, ultimately, a three-point victory.
McNabb also made a habit of throwing the ball at the receiver's feet making it a harder pass to catch. Chris Cooley fell victim to many under-thrown passes.
Grossman's passes weren't perfect, but they were thrown at catchable speeds and more accurate placement.
3. He Is the Cheaper Option
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The Redskins really shot themselves in the foot when they signed Donovan McNabb to a large contract.
If they plan to trade him, they will have to find a team that is in desperate need of a QB for such a high price.
They will most likely have to release McNabb if they seek to part ways with him.
Grossman is a QB that will be on the free agent market, but honestly, no one will offer Grossman a starting job except Washington. That's why the Redskins would be able to have a temporary starting quarterback for the price of a backup.
The team's money would be better spent settling for Grossman than wasting it on a first-round QB, as well.
Saving that money now could pay dividends in the future for the rebuilding team.
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4. Trading Back in the Draft
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If the Redskins wanted to pursue a QB with the 10th overall pick, they would be settling for a QB whose caliber is not worthy of the 10th pick.
If they're going to settle for a new QB, why not settle for an older, cheaper one. This is why they should gut it out with Rex Grossman and this is why they should trade down out of the 10th pick.
By trading down, the door opens to a fourth round or even a third round pick and the opportunity to pick up a QB past the first round increases.
The Redskins need help with their 3-4 scheme by providing a pass rusher across OLB Brian Orakpo and even at ten, there's no chance to pick up Von Miller, this year's best OLB prospect.
The other OLB prospects such as Robert Quinn, Aldon Smith and Akeem Ayers will all be available after the 10th pick, so trading back wouldn't hinder the Redskins from picking one of them up.
5. Find a Second Round Future
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There is a lot of talent at QB in the second Round and if the Redskins are looking to find a QB for the future, they are sure to have their share of choices with the 41st overall pick.
Florida State's Christian Ponder has been impressive in nearly every opportunity for him to succeed. He turned in a stellar Senior Bowl, Combine, and Pro-Day.
TCU's Andy Dalton also looks like a player that was groomed for the next level at TCU.
Even Nevada's Colin Kaepernick has the athleticism to fit Shanahan's system.
All these players will be available in the second Round, but are not quite ready for the spotlight in their rookie year.
Starting Rex Grossman in 2011 will allow the Redskins to indoctrinate their new QB in their system for a year before becoming the starter.
Hopefully, they would step behind a more-fortified offensive line when their moment finally arrives.
6. Build an Offensive Line
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With Rex Grossman starting, and the Redskins focusing their attention on the defense in the first round, teams like St. Louis (14th), Miami (15th), or New England (17th) might be interested in moving further up the draft order and handing the Redskins a third rounder that they desperately need.
With this third-round pick, the Redskins could pick up a solid interior offensive linemen. Shanahan likes players that fit well in his zone-blocking scheme.
Players like Florida's Mike Pouncey and Florida State's Rodney Hudson will be long gone by the third round, but Georgia's Clint Boling and Wisconsin's John Moffet are both solid OG/C's that could make an impact on a weak Redskins interior offensive line.
7. Julio Jones
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There has been a lot of talk about the Redskins picking up Alabama's Julio Jones, but I personally believe that wide receiver is one of the team's last needs in the first round.
However, if the team is stuck with the 10th overall due to a lack of interest from teams lower in the draft and they want to focus on the offensive side of the ball, providing Grossman with a quality wide receiver might help out the team's offense.
Any quarterback the Redskins started would look better throwing to Julio Jones.
With the right protection and solid receivers such as Jones, Santana Moss and Chris Cooley, Grossman could thrive in the offense he is familiar with.
8. Shot at Redemption
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For years, Rex Grossman has become the epitome of inconsistency.
Ever since leading the Chicago Bears to the Super Bowl in his first full year as the Bears starter, he has been known as either "Sexy Rexy" or "Train Rex."
Some days he looks like the first round talent he was drafted as, while other days, he looks terrible.
At the end of 2010, the Redskins gave him one chance to prove himself and he didn't disappoint.
He wasn't great, but he got the job done. He seemed to gain more confidence and calmness the more time he spent on the field.
If given another chance to be a starter, Grossman might take it and run.
You never know what might happen.
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