Redskins Place Their Faith in Rex Grossman: QB Gets the Call To Start

The Washington Redskins announced that their starting quarterback duties for the 2011 season will be placed in the hands of veteran Rex Grossman.

The Redskins' announcement comes after a lengthy observation of both quarterbacks, John Beck and Grossman, by head coach Mike Shanahan.

Although both quarterbacks had successful and impressive training camps, the Redskins felt that Grossman would be the player to best suit the direction of the team.

Both quarterbacks battled each other in camp and posted similar numbers. Beck showed the coaching staff that he was capable of leading this team, and Grossman showed that he was capable of regaining his form.

It's hard to base a decision solely on numbers, and there wasn't much difference between Beck's and Grossman's this preseason.

Despite his solid play and ability to move the team, Beck's inexperience and youth seem to have worked against him.

Coach Shanahan has been known to be a veteran-friendly coach; however, I don't particularly feel that his decision on Grossman was entirely based on that.

Grossman brings to the Redskins an interesting resume as he experienced the highs and lows of being an NFL quarterback, which can work to his advantage as he has endured more than Beck has in his short career.

What Grossman had proved this camp is that with the right talent around him, he is most likely capable of fitting the philosophy of the offense.

It looks like competition helped Grossman elevate his game as he saw Beck match him stride for stride. It's not irrational to assume that Grossman knows that if he struggles there is a capable player in Beck waiting to replace him.

For Grossman, the psychological aspect of losing the start could be evident here which helped him gain the edge over Beck, but more likely the supporting cast that enabled Grossman to perform the way he did is responsible.

Despite the pros and cons that each quarterback possess, the decision to put faith in Grossman seems to be the rational choice.

Regardless of the negativity that accompanies Grossman, and the labels he carries, what he has shown is that he's capable of battling through adversity.

At this point, the decision to go with Grossman seems like the proper one and with Beck waiting in the wings, it's his job to lose.

Grossman will be on a short leash this season so expect him to make better choices in the pocket this year.

Redskins fans are putting their faith in Shanahan to bring this team back from obscurity, and right now, they must do so with Rex Grossman as well.