The Redskins will use their 21st different starting quarterback in the past 19 seasons when John Beck takes control of Washington's offense Sunday against Carolina.
ESPN's Adam Schefter was the first one to tweet the news Tuesday morning that Beck will replace Rex Grossman on Sunday.
From ESPN:
"Washington Redskins coach Mike Shanahan has informed his team that John Beck will start at quarterback Sunday versus Carolina, a team source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter."
Redskins coach Mike Shanahan addressed the media Wednesday after practice.
"I've got a lot of confidence in John Beck because he does have that mobility, he's got a strong arm," Shanahan said. "I'm not gonna put him in the Hall of Fame yet, but I really do believe he's got a lot of talent and just as he showed in that fourth quarter, now hopefully he can keep on doing that and we can see some of his mobility help us out as well."
Both Beck and Grossman discussed the move before practice began. They said they were informed about the switch on Tuesday.
"I am definitely excited," Beck said. "There has been a lot of hard work that's gone into this. i just want to go out there and do my best."
Grossman said he thought he played well in the first four games, but that wasn't the case last week against the Eagles.
"The frustrating part about it is I do think they were good performances," Grossman said. "The frustrating part is they should have been great. ... I had an opportunity to make it clear as day, but it wasn’t."
Beck was inserted in the fourth quarter of the Redskins lost to the Philadelphia Eagles, after Grossman threw four interceptions.
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"You can't constantly turn the football over, and if you do you're gonna lose your opportunity to lead the football team," Shanahan said. "But I think we run an offense and a system that Rex will keep on getting better at, and I think he feels more comfortable everyday -- that's why he's on the football team. Like I said, he's one play away from being the starter again."
Grant Paulsen, the Redskins beat reporter at 106.7 The Fan, tweeted out: " Mike Shanahan made the more popular decision today but he also made the gutsier decision. Shanahan no longer has a safety net in waiting."
Redskins tight end Chris Cooley commented after Sunday's loss: "I'm friends with everyone in this locker room and you hate to see guys you're around go through a situation like that."
In our informal Facebook poll posted on Monday, 317 people said Beck should be the starter while just 24 backed Grossman. You can still vote in the poll by clicking here.
