On Friday night, the Redskins started the Mike Shanahan and Donovan McNabb Era. Make that the Pre-Season Era. And they won, 42-17. Unfortunately it was against the Buffalo Bills, hardly a strong opponent. Still the win was a good start.
While the hype was about seeing McNabb on the field for the first time in Burgundy and Gold, another one of the several first-time in Redskins uniform players got his "tryout". That would be Rex Grossman. Explanation in a minute, but first his stats. 11/18, 140 yards and 2 touchdowns. Pretty decent stats, though again we need to be mindful, only against the Bills. He looked comfortable, if not sharp on the field.
Now here's where I explain why I think it was Grossman's tryout. When he was first signed months ago, he was insurance to Jason Campbell. Then when McNabb arrived and Campbell shipped off to Oakland, Grossman was the clear backup. But the arrival of John Beck via trade with the Baltimore Ravens, one had to question if Grossman is really in the plans for the Redskins. Shanahan has carried 2 QB's at times. While Beck came at a little cost, trading for him showed that there was some value the Redskins placed on Beck. That did send Colt Brennan packing, but it did not solidify Grossman's role. His play on Friday may have sealed the deal though. In his good showing, Grossman proved that he's got something, though it might only be valuable against lesser defenses. Let's face it, Grossman is the type of QB anyone can pick up anytime during the season. But being in camp and pre-season gives him advantages over Average Joe QB. Beck may compete for the #2 and maybe even win it. But Grossman's performance from Friday coupled with similar or at least non-deteriorating play in the remainder of pre-season may earn him a permanent spot on the roster this season.
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