In the Shanahans’ eyes, John Beck is the starting QB

[1niksder]

In the Shanahans’ eyes, John Beck is the Washington Redskins’ starting quarterback

The Washington Redskins’ supposed quarterback competition between Rex Grossman and John Beck isn’t a fair fight. The winner is predetermined. The fix is in.

All along, the job has been Beck’s to lose.

That’s what Redskins people have been saying privately for months, insisting Coach Mike Shanahan and his son, Kyle, the team’s offensive coordinator, have already selected their guy. That for better or worse, the Shanahans are rolling with Beck.

Obviously, plans can change. Beck’s groin injury was an unexpected setback. An abysmal preseason performance from Beck could prompt a reevaluation. Ultimately, Mike and Kyle could still decide Grossman gives them the best chance to win this season.

Barring further unforeseen developments, however, the Beck period in Washington is already underway. All that’s left, apparently, is making the move official.

How long it lasts depends on whether the Shanahans are correct about their inexperienced protégé. But if they’re truly set on Beck as the starter, you’ve got to admire their conviction.

After failing spectacularly with Donovan McNabb, the father-son coaching tandem could have taken a safer route. They could have pursued an accomplished veteran to challenge Beck despite potential difficulties a newcomer may have experienced in their complex offensive system. They could have named Grossman the starter at the outset of training camp and given Beck, who has only one season in their offense, more time.

Instead, they’re all in on Beck. The Redskins have added lower-tier quarterbacks who pose no threat to him. That leaves Grossman as the only obstacle between Beck and Washington’s top spot, and the judges who matter are rooting for Beck.

By now, it’s widely known Mike and Kyle were enamored of Beck during his college days at Brigham Young University. They continued to admire him from afar throughout his first three nondescript NFL seasons, during which he played in only five regular season games — none since 2007.

At Mike’s insistence, Washington traded for Beck before last season and rewarded him with a contract extension. The Shanahans’ plan was in motion before Beck’s nameplate was dry on his Redskins Park dressing stall.

What’s not common knowledge is that Mike and Kyle and their coaching underlings regularly praise Beck in the team’s Ashburn training complex. That Beck quickly grasped the offense and usually shines in film review. And that Beck has done much in a short period of time to impress Mike, who doesn’t impress easily.

Fact is, the Shanahans see something special in Beck. To them, he’s not simply the best option. They believe he’s someone who could lead a perennial winner.

Mike and Kyle don’t care if Beck is viewed less favorably throughout the rest of the NFL. They’re confident they know what they have.

All of this, though, begs the question: If the Shanahans are so sure about Beck, why not have named him the starter once the lockout ended?

Because that’s not the way Mike works, Redskins employees say. In the Alpha male world of the NFL, Shanahan is second to none in his competitiveness. On Shanahan-coached teams, players earn their starting positions. Especially at quarterback, the position upon which Shanahan has built his professional reputation.

Shanahan enjoys observing Beck perform with the added pressure of competition. He’s interested in how Beck leads. For Shanahan, the evaluation process never stops, and he’s hoping Beck continues to make the right moves.

After McNabb was benched late last season, Grossman started and Beck, for the final two games, became the second-string quarterback. Wisely, the Shanahans kept Beck on the bench during the final stages of an awful 6-10 season, protecting him until they had time to improve Washington’s roster.

Presumably, Beck should have a better chance to succeed this season because the Redskins have better parts.

With Beck watching from the sidelines in 2010, Grossman didn’t do enough with his big opportunity. He mostly directed the offense well in his first start against Dallas, but had two interceptions in a loss.

[1niksder]

Rex Grossman takes early lead in Washington Redskins’ QB battle

After Friday night’s game, I will be interested to see what John Beck brings to the table in the next game.

Rex Grossman looked like a man in control of an offense; he managed the drives and the clock during his time in the game. This impressive showing came against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the league’s runners-up a year ago.

Grossman made the proper reads and throws on his way to making an impressive statement for the starting quarterback job.

My observations also included seeing him successfully run the two- minute drill and drive the length of the field for a touchdown.

I know it’s the first game of the year — no game plans, just football — but I like these results better than the alternative.

We could easily be making excuses as to why Grossman and the rest of the team looked bad, so I was pleasantly surprised that after a questionable statement by Grossman earlier in the week he and this Redskins team went out against a really good team and backed it up.

Your move Beck. Grossman’s performance will be hard to follow, so much so that it just may have put Rex out in front for that number one spot.

[SkinsJock]

^^ thanks 1niksder

having Beck & Grossman as our QBs is due to Mike & Bruce not being able to find a QB in the draft that they thought was "all world" AND the McNabb fiasco made trading for another QB a bit of a risk that the VERY competitive Mike Shanahan did not want

we may see that Beck can indeed be a VERY good QB and that would certainly add to Shanahan's lustre (AND the huge EGO) but Mike really cannot lose too much here if neither QB really succeeds as we are still remaking this franchise and he can & almost certainly will get a little more time to find the next VERY good QB for this franchise and have the offense already in place for him - especially the O line
Unless this franchise tanks badly this season, which does not look like hapening, the current regime continues on

NOW .... IF Beck shows ANYTHING this season, Mike is absolutely THE 'QB guru'

[The Hogster]

It's Jason Reid, so I'll take it with a grain of salt.

[Bob 0119]

Better that they wait for the right guy, than try and force it with the wrong one.

In previous years we'd have taken Kyle Orton...

I'd rather stick with Grossman and Beck and draft picks and cap space than make some crazy move that makes the fan base feel better.

[Kilmer72]

If Beck is better than Rex then I am all for it but, I believe that Rex is suited for this system and will be good enough. With Beck there are going to be a lot of growing pains.

[Chris Luva Luva]

Rex's knowledge of the system is going to negate any positives that Beck brings to the table IMO. Beck has really been hindered by the lockout, I feel bad for the guy. Regardless if you think he's a bum or not, he wants to do all the right things and that's commendable.

[langleyparkjoe]

Rex's knowledge of the system is going to negate any positives that Beck brings to the table IMO. Beck has really been hindered by the lockout, I feel bad for the guy. Regardless if you think he's a bum or not, he wants to do all the right things and that's commendable.

True dat... but dag, Rex looked good vs a good a steelers defense.

[skinsfan#33]

It's Jason Reid, so I'll take it with a grain of salt.

+1

I have read a lot of the stuff J Reid writes, but more importantly I have heard him on 106.7 (the station that markets itself to the Redskins fan with a negative outlook) and it is apparent based on what J Reid had said and more importantly the tone of voice he uses, that he has a personal vendetta against the Shanahans.

It is ironic (i say intentional) that JRs column saying "the fix is in" came out after Rex went out and had a good game against the Steelers. It is just JR trying to paint the Shanahans in a bad light again!

Personally, I think MS would love Beck to win the starting job. But make no mistake, if Rex wins the job, he will be the starter!

Rex has the support of too many players that want him to win the job.

[Chris Luva Luva]

Rex has the support of too many players that want him to win the job.

It doesn't matter who supports him. He's healthy, he played well. If that continues, he will win.

Beck is unproven, injured and has had 2 bad practices since coming back. Hopefully he gets it together and competes in Indy.

[SkinsJock]

Rex has the support of too many players that want him to win the job.

It doesn't matter who supports him. He's healthy, he played well. If that continues, he will win.

Beck is unproven, injured and has had 2 bad practices since coming back. Hopefully he gets it together and competes in Indy.

Mike would love to have Beck become a decent QB under his coaching but ...

Mike is going to play the QB that gives the team the best chance to be successful

there is no way that he is fixated or stupid about this - Rex looks like he will be the QB and Mike needs to get Beck ready to play QB and play it well - there is no doubt that Beck will be required to play some this season

[langleyparkjoe]

there is no doubt that Beck will be required to play some this season

I only hope its not while we're doing decent and have a chance to make a wildcard push. If Beck MUST play, than let it be once we reach the bum status and are eliminated.

[SkinsJock]

there is no doubt that Beck will be required to play some this season

I only hope its not while we're doing decent and have a chance to make a wildcard push. If Beck MUST play, than let it be once we reach the bum status and are eliminated.

I'd love to think that we're going to be in "the race" LPJ but the reality is that I think we're kidding ourselves if we think that Rex can make it through the season behind this line

The O line has made some progress and started to "get it" towards the end but this is still a work in progress and these guys need a little more time together

NOW - if these 2 QBs can BOTH play decent, we might just surprise some teams

[riggofan]

It's Jason Reid, so I'll take it with a grain of salt.

+1

I have read a lot of the stuff J Reid writes, but more importantly I have heard him on 106.7 (the station that markets itself to the Redskins fan with a negative outlook) and it is apparent based on what J Reid had said and more importantly the tone of voice he uses, that he has a personal vendetta against the Shanahans.

This stuff is so ridiculous. You guys said the same thing about Jason Lacanfora before him. A vendetta??? Are you freaking serious?? The guy is paid to write about the team and hopefully as a journalist that involves asking tough questions. If you want rah-rah propaganda, there is always redskins.com.

Anyway, Dan Graziano said basically the same thing on espn's NFC east blog today. I don't know if he also out to personally bring down the Shanahans for some reason, but here's his article:


http://espn.go.com/blog/nfceast/post/_/ ... ill-be-key

I still believe, based on the conversations I had when I was at Redskins camp, that John Beck is the favorite to win the starting quarterback job in Washington. And if he does, Mike Shanahan's biggest concern isn't going to be whether Beck can handle the job but whether he has put a sufficiently strong supporting cast around him. That includes the offensive line, which Shanahan hopes makes strides in his second season. It includes the running back corps, which got stronger with the addition of Tim Hightower. And it includes a group of receivers that has a lot of youth but two reliable veterans in Moss and Gaffney.

[SkinsJock]

I don't know riggofan - here's another 'version'

http://eye-on-football.blogs.cbssports. ... 8/31348225

this one's by Will Brinson

we all know that Beck's going to be given every opportunity to play and develop here - we need him to be as good as he can be
Beck was always going to start a game in the preseason - we need to get him some game time

to imply that he's definetly going to be starting week 1 is still a bit of a stretch to me

these guys really do have it in for this franchise and love to hype the information and reports rather than just reporting it

[skinsfan#33]

It's Jason Reid, so I'll take it with a grain of salt.

+1

I have read a lot of the stuff J Reid writes, but more importantly I have heard him on 106.7 (the station that markets itself to the Redskins fan with a negative outlook) and it is apparent based on what J Reid had said and more importantly the tone of voice he uses, that he has a personal vendetta against the Shanahans.

This stuff is so ridiculous. You guys said the same thing about Jason Lacanfora before him. A vendetta??? Are you freaking serious?? The guy is paid to write about the team and hopefully as a journalist that involves asking tough questions. If you want rah-rah propaganda, there is always redskins.com.

Anyway, Dan Graziano said basically the same thing on espn's NFC east blog today. I don't know if he also out to personally bring down the Shanahans for some reason, but here's his article:


http://espn.go.com/blog/nfceast/post/_/ ... ill-be-key

I still believe, based on the conversations I had when I was at Redskins camp, that John Beck is the favorite to win the starting quarterback job in Washington. And if he does, Mike Shanahan's biggest concern isn't going to be whether Beck can handle the job but whether he has put a sufficiently strong supporting cast around him. That includes the offensive line, which Shanahan hopes makes strides in his second season. It includes the running back corps, which got stronger with the addition of Tim Hightower. And it includes a group of receivers that has a lot of youth but two reliable veterans in Moss and Gaffney.

No it isn't ridiculous. And no I never said JLC had a vendetta against MS or the Skins even though he was banned from Redskins Park. The problem I had with JLC was he would just throw a bunch of crap against the wall hoping something would stick.

You must not have read both of those articles, because they do NOT essentially say the same thing. Graziano says he thinks Beck will be the starter. While JR says the "fix is in" and basically says there is no competition; Beck would have to screw it up to not get the job. He even insinuated that this is a manhood/pride question for MS.

My opinion about JR is not based on this article but based objectively on everything I have read from him and heard him say and how he said it. He has been very unprofessional at times on 106.7.

I have no problem when someone states a negative fact, that is what a good reporter should do. I have a problem with people when they spin everything as negative a they possibly can. I love BMitch because he shoots straight. Hate JR because he has obviously let his personal feelings impact his professionalism.

I don't care of you don't agree with me, because I know what I have heard and to JR this is personal.

[Kilmer72]

Rex has the support of too many players that want him to win the job.

It doesn't matter who supports him. He's healthy, he played well. If that continues, he will win.

Beck is unproven, injured and has had 2 bad practices since coming back. Hopefully he gets it together and competes in Indy.

I have to wonder why he has the support....Is it because of what their teammates see in practice or Becks lack of experience?

[Kilmer72]

Rex has the support of too many players that want him to win the job.

It doesn't matter who supports him. He's healthy, he played well. If that continues, he will win.

Beck is unproven, injured and has had 2 bad practices since coming back. Hopefully he gets it together and competes in Indy.

Mike would love to have Beck become a decent QB under his coaching but ...

Mike is going to play the QB that gives the team the best chance to be successful

there is no way that he is fixated or stupid about this - Rex looks like he will be the QB and Mike needs to get Beck ready to play QB and play it well - there is no doubt that Beck will be required to play some this season

The problem is we do not know if Beck will ever get it. He might and might not. That is all we know and we do know that Rex (if not making too many mistakes can get it done) is good enough.

[Irn-Bru]

In the Shanahans’ eyes, John Beck is the Washington Redskins’ starting quarterback

Boy, what a poorly written article. And the message it conveyed wasn't much better. It's just dripping with insinuation that boils down to JR's call, not anything factual or grounded in real reports:

isn’t a fair fight.

The winner is predetermined.

The fix is in.

All along, the job has been Beck’s to lose.

have already selected their guy.

the Beck period in Washington is already underway.

you’ve got to admire their conviction.

they’re all in on Beck.

the judges who matter are rooting for Beck.

it’s widely known Mike and Kyle were enamored of Beck

The Shanahans’ plan was in motion before Beck’s nameplate was dry on his Redskins Park dressing stall.

Fact is, the Shanahans see something special in Beck.

To them, he’s not simply the best option. They believe he’s someone who could lead a perennial winner.

They’re confident they know what they have.

Question: If they've "already selected their guy," are "all in" with him, and "are confident they know what they have," do you think there's any chance they'd start someone else?

JR essentially asks this question:

If the Shanahans are so sure about Beck, why not have named him the starter once the lockout ended?

Uh, good question. Do you think it's possible they aren't that sure about it? Maybe there's actually, you know, a competition going on?

The reality is that JR isn't so sure. So he gives a four-word qualifier that hedges against the apparently zero chance that Beck will sit:

Obviously, plans can change.

Oh, that's "obvious"? Not if every other sentence in your story is an indication of the current situation. Is it "obvious" that Brady might get benched? Well, he might, if he runs over Kraft's dog and purposefully throws interceptions to ruin games. That's obvious.

And that mealy-mouthed qualifier is exactly, and only, what JR needs. A month from now, if Grossman is playing, he can say well we knew this was a possibility.

I often like what JR writes and thought he was a breath of fresh air after JLC's horrid tenure. What gives with this garbage?

[HEROHAMO]

Everyone deserves a chance. I also believe you must earn a starting spot. Sure he is good in the film room. Is he good in practice? Will he perform in game time situations? We will see. First game of the season inches closer and I cant wait.

[REDEEMEDSKIN]

Rex has the support of too many players that want him to win the job.

It doesn't matter who supports him. He's healthy, he played well. If that continues, he will win.

Beck is unproven, injured and has had 2 bad practices since coming back. Hopefully he gets it together and competes in Indy.

By no means do I intend to compare Sexy Rexy to Mike Vick, but, more succesful NFC East coaches (see: Reid, Andy), have scrapped their initial QB plans for a player that's hot and running the offense well.

If Shanny is as competitive as he's billed, I wouldn't put it past him to pull a Reid and hand the keys to Rexy for the season.

[SkinsJock]

Mike IS going to have BOTH Beck and Rex ready to play and start for this team by the first regular season game

Rex is a known quantity and Beck is going to show us why Mike thinks he's got what it takes to be the starting QB

WE are going to need BOTH QBs during this season

I could care less what the media, fans or other coaches think about Beck as a QB

The ONLY thing I care about is that Mike WILL start the QB that he thinks gives this team the best chance for success

NO DOUBT ABOUT IT