Redskins vs. Dolphins: 5 Reasons Why Rex Grossman Must Start vs. Miami on Sunday

Washington Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan should insert Rex Grossman back into the starting lineup this Sunday against the Miami Dolphins.

The Redskins are mired in a four-game losing streak that began with Grossman's four-interception performance against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Prior to that game, Grossman had been playing well.  Shanahan may have acted too hastily when relegating him to the bench.

Grossman's nine interceptions were a legitimate cause for concern.  But the offense has been inept since Beck took over.

Here are five reasons why Grossman should be given a chance to reclaim his job this Sunday.

5. Florida Homecoming

Grossman played collegiate football at Florida, as a member of the Gators.  A return to his alma mater could provide the streaky veteran with the perfect incentive to deliver one of his better performances.

Grossman's confidence will have suffered from the effects of his benching.  There could well be a burning desire to prove that he still has what it takes, at least to be a success under center in the NFL, when he takes the field near to his old stomping ground.

4. Greater Experience

The Redskins need to rely on some genuine experience to help pull them out of this slump.  A former Chicago Bears starter, who lead that team at the Super Bowl, provides that experience.

Despite there being only one year of difference between Grossman and John Beck in age, Grossman has played four more seasons and has 39 career starts, compared to Beck's seven.

While the Redskins may welcome the idea of including some younger players in the team, this season was not meant to be another part of the transition process under Shanahan.

Relying on a player as inexperienced as Beck to lead the offense almost excuses another season of mediocrity.

3. Better Familiarity with Kyle Shanahan's Offense

Grossman has a better understanding of the system that has been favoured and implemented by offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan.

The two worked together while with the Houston Texans.  When he stepped in for Donovan McNabb last season, Grossman demonstrated a firm grasp and keen awareness of the nuances of the playbook.

Waiting for Beck to fully comprehend the scheme will take time and could cost the Redskins games.  There is very little margin for error left this season.

Grossman faltered against the Eagles and was shaky against both the Dallas Cowboys and St. Louis Rams.  But his comfort with the system gave the Redskins greater scoring potential.

2. More Big Play Capability

The Redskins' offense possessed a greater downfield threat when Grossman was operating under center.  The offense has to start making more big plays.

Inserting Beck as the starter seems to have forced the team to scale back their passing game.  Pass patterns are now less expansive than they were during the first four weeks of the season.

Grossman's completion average was 6.9 yards per attempt, compared with Beck's 6.5.  Not a huge difference statistically.  Yet, Washington's offense appeared better able to stretch the field with Grossman at the helm.

1. He Makes Better Use of Fred Davis

Grossman made better use of explosive tight end Fred Davis.  The veteran passer had a superior rapport with Davis; the big tight end's numbers have suffered since Beck began to lead the offense.

Beck may have targeted Davis 18 times, compared to Grossman's 16 connections.  But Davis' average yards per reception has fallen from 15.5 to 12 after three games of working with Beck.

The short dumpoffs and possession style of routes Beck favours are not making good enough use of the Redskins' best offensive player.

Davis provides the Washington offense with its main big play threat.  He and Grossman produced a more potent connection.

Expecting a player as inexperienced as Beck to take the reigns and maintain the positive start to the season was an unfair demand for the Redskins coaches to make.

The loss of veteran skill players like Santana Moss and Chris Cooley has not helped Beck, but Grossman managed to do a better job of spreading the ball around and exploiting the downfield potential in the offensive scheme.

Instead of reaching for fresh solutions to a badly-handled quarterback dilemma, Mike Shanahan should concentrate more on providing his signal caller with a more reliable structure for success.

Neither one of these quarterbacks represents the long-term answer for the Redskins.  But neither man can perform capably without the presence of a more dependable running game and a secure offensive line.

With the talent added in free agency and the draft, the Redskins still have the ability to win now—Grossman gives them a better chance to do it.