Homer: John Beck is the people's champ ... for now

[themurf]

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6215/6251817299_c2c60f8d69.jpg

(photo by Brian Murphy)

As the Washington Redskins took to the field in the fourth quarter with a lineup that included John Beck at quarterback, Sean Locklear at tackle and someone named Erik Cook at center, I leaned over to the person next to me on the sideline and asked “Which preseason game is this again?”

It was that kind of day for Redskins fans as starting quarterback Rex Grossman found himself in the role of Donovan McNabb after being benched for ineffectiveness, with the added bonus of the offensive line being in shambles after guard Kory Lichtensteiger and tackle Trent Williams were knocked out of the game due to injuries.

With two weeks to prepare for the 1-4 Philadelphia Eagles, Grossman completed five passes to tight end Fred Davis, four passes to the rest of Washington’s pass catchers and four passes to Philadelphia defenders in three quarters of action. It’s safe to say that those aren’t the type of numbers that help win over a notoriously fickle fanbase.

Finally, his coaching staff had seen enough and mercifully sat The Rex Cannon down before he could do any more damage.

And that’s the backdrop for what could be the beginning of the John Beck Era in our nation’s capital. Make no mistake about it — Beck didn’t do anything to win the job (other than stand next to Mike and Kyle Shanahan on the sidelines while the only other quarterback on the roster went down in flames). He simply represented “not Rex” on a day when Grossman wore out his welcome.

That being said, I genuinely hope that Beck maximizes his 15 minutes of fame. Because as far as I’m concerned, he’ll never be more popular than he is right now.

For starters, he’s the backup quarterback in a town that has gushed over the position since Sonny Jurgensen and Billy Kilmer competed for the starting role nearly 40 years (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1086430/index.htm) ago. He’s not a grizzled veteran. He’s not an upstart rookie. He’s just your typical run-of-the-mill inexperienced 30-year-old who might just luck his way into a starting gig by default.

And as insane as it sounds, that’s not cause for concern for Redskins fans — judging by the sound of the ovation Beck received when he took to the field Sunday.

You see, even though he couldn’t cut it with two other NFL franchises, Beck still represents the great unknown to many ‘Skins fans.

Sure, rational fans see Beck, who hasn’t started a game since 2007, as the guy who came to town in a trade for Washington’s seventh-best cornerback* and realize that utter failure is far more likely than the “made for TV movie” delusional fans are trying to talk themselves into.

But then again, D.C. has never really been known for common sense and rational thinking. So why spoil this moment for those who choose to be cautiously optimistic?

*Shout-out to Doug Dutch.


I have said repeatedly that I’ve never seen anything from Beck since he joined the team that led me to believe he’s the long-term solution for the franchise’s quarterback woes.

Watching Beck short-armed passes to his receivers’ feet against Philadelphia like he was the second coming of … well … let’s not go there.

Instead, let’s just be happy that no one has ever openly questioned Beck’s conditioning and/or football IQ, he’s willing to wear an armband and move on.

My point is, I’m not a Beck guy. Never have been; probably never will be. But even I think it’s time to see what he’s got.

The five-year pro wasn’t spectacular against Philadelphia by any means, but he was better than Rex against the Eagles – completing eight of 15 passes for 117 yards in one quarter of action. Best of all, he showed the offense that it’s okay for someone other than the kicker to put points on the board.

That alone should earn him a second chance to make a first impression in Washington.

Click here (http://www.homermcfanboy.com/2011/10/17/john-beck-is-the-peoples-champ-for-now/) for the full article.

[NoLeafClover]

I thought Beck looked completely awful at his first few snaps as starting quarterback yesterday before settling in to looking okay. He had a couple of nice passes out there once he settled down and he definitely looked better than Grossman yesterday.

That being said, I'm with you. Eventually, he's going to implode and look terrible out there. Once teams have a chance to figure him out and once he really gets pressured, I don't think he's going to fare very well. He's a 30 year old who has never been a starter. Optimistic Redskins fans can convince themselves that he's some diamond in the rough that's just been waiting to be discovered by the right coach, but I think over the next few weeks we are going to see why this guy has been on the bench this whole time.

[chipwhich]

but I think over the next few weeks we are going to see why this guy has been on the bench this whole time.

Well you have to make a decision.

Will the Redskins do anything with Rex under center? If so, you play him.

Do the Redskins think there is any future to Beck being under center in out years? If so, you play him.

We need to know if either one of these guys will be our starter next year. If the answer is NO, then does it really matter who you play?

[gamecokskins703]

Beck is going to have to play without the left side of our line, which means weaker run game, which means more reliance on Beck's arm.. I hope hes ready..

[khaozerker]

We know what that Rex guy can do, lets see what this Beck guy can do.

[flexxskins]

I'm thinking that most fans like myself are just hoping that Beck (if he starts) is good enough to over come our banged up OL with his athleticism, keep our defense off of the field for more than 3 seconds and to actually lead our WR's with his passes instead of having them have to wait on them.

[JimmiJo]

Murf has done everything he can to qualify his endorsement. But based on what we know about Beck as well as what we've seen, what else can you do? One thing is certain - 4 picks sucks balls and when you consider that Rex has been getting progressively worse, you kind of have to make the change.

Then there is the banged up line and the fact that Beck's feet can get him out of trouble.

I agree with Murf. Give the kid a chance. Besides, if he sucks there is still Rexy...

[sydshobob]

I agree with Homer. Can't get too excited about Beck, but it's gotta be better than what Grossman's been showing.

I'll have to watch the game again, but it seemed that although Beck couldn't reach his receivers (hopefully just a little nerves and rust), it also seemed like he was throwing to the right guy most of the time - at least "right" as far as not having white jerseys all around them when the ball arrived. In other words, his decision making seemed more sound. I'm sure we'll find out how true that is next week. I can't see the Shanahans putting Grossman out there again.

[NoLeafClover]

Well you have to make a decision.

Will the Redskins do anything with Rex under center? If so, you play him.

Do the Redskins think there is any future to Beck being under center in out years? If so, you play him.

We need to know if either one of these guys will be our starter next year. If the answer is NO, then does it really matter who you play?

My hunch is that Shanahan might do with the quarterbacks what he's been doing with running backs - start whoever's hot. I think Beck will be the starter next week, but I don't think that means he gets the job the rest of the year. We could see a situation where the two QBs are rotated based on the previous game and how they looked in practice.

But I don't think either guy will be the starter next year. At least - I really hope not. The Redskins need to get a real QB in the offseason, regardless of what happens from here on out this season.

[chipwhich]

My hunch is that Shanahan might do with the quarterbacks what he's been doing with running backs - start whoever's hot. I think Beck will be the starter next week, but I don't think that means he gets the job the rest of the year. We could see a situation where the two QBs are rotated based on the previous game and how they looked in practice.

But I don't think either guy will be the starter next year. At least - I really hope not. The Redskins need to get a real QB in the offseason, regardless of what happens from here on out this season.

I agree with you. I think Shanny starts whoever is hot, and next year we have a new starting QB.

I think there is too much attention to QB, and not overall team play. If you look at the Super Bowls for the last decade, there is less than can be counted on one hand on MIGHT make the HOF.

At the end of the day, if you don't have Manning, Brady, or Roethlisberger, well you are on the outside looking in. Heck, the Vikings with the best running back in the game and great receivers needed a QB that was in the league for 2 decades to get them close.

Focus needs to be on total team, not just a QB. I can list all of the 1st round QB fails in the last decade who never sniffed a super bowl, as can you.

The obvious thing for super bowl teams is defense, receivers, and running game.

Manning has won 1 super bowl. Brady 3. Everyone else is a nice story.

[Redskins4ever]

I trust John Beck far more than Grossman. He deserves his chance to play and be a starting QB for the Washington Redskins. Grossman won the starting job after preseason, but he's regressed in his level of play from three games back. Had Shanahan pulled Grossman at halftime, the Redskins would have probably mounted a comeback with Beck at the helm.

[SkinsFTW]

Optimistic Redskins fans can convince themselves that he's some diamond in the rough that's just been waiting to be discovered by the right coach, but I think over the next few weeks we are going to see why this guy has been on the bench this whole time.

How many coaches did Alex Smith look like complete garbage for?

I'm watching the 49ers game right now. He doesn't look bad anymore.

We already knew that Grossman wasn't an above average QB.

[GO HAMSKINS]

What the OP fails to realize is this.If Beck Fails thats all good.Why is that a good thing you say? Maybe now we will atleast go into next season knowing who,and what J.Beck is.IMO That's a lot Better than Watching a 9 year vet implode. People are such Hypocrites! When RG plays horrible you will hear fans say "we all know WHO Rex is " to me this is the most ridiculous statement.So basically you are saying we know that RG is going to implode,but yet we are such naive fans that still we just want to waste a whole year on Rex. Beck represents the unknown.JB is more mobile,has the stronger arm, and based off what we know of him at the moment, he seems to make the better decisions at QB.We all know that Beck was a Good college QB. This gives fans even more optimism. If J.Beck works out how great of a steal would that be for the Skins? If he doesn't workout what did we really lose out on? Rex not playing longer in this season lol?

I'll use this analogy.

It's just like the lotto. I have two different lotto tickets for sale.One ticket is from last weeks lotto(RG) a ticket that you already know that there is no chance at winning at all because of the out of date ticket.The second ticket (JB) is just a regular ticket there is a very high chance that you might lose with this ticket,but there is still a slight possibility that you can still Win Very Big playing this ticket as well. Which ticket are you going to wanna purchase?

[TotalRecall]

We know what that Rex guy can do, lets see what this Beck guy can do.

That's what I want. If neither is worthy of a starting position, then why keep them next season as a backup? We're obviously going to make a play for a starting QB in the off-season, either in the draft or FA. We might as well see what we have in Beck. We already know Grossman is garbage. Beck did look kinda out-of-shape and his confidence was lacking when he came in...so, I'm not expecting much out of him for at least a couple of weeks. I'm sure Beck will mostly take the game manager role when he does start..

[SusqySkin]

I'll use this analogy.
It's just like the lotto. I have two different lotto tickets for sale.One ticket is from last weeks lotto(RG) a ticket that you already know that there is no chance at winning at all because of the out of date ticket.The second ticket (JB) is just a regular ticket there is a very high chance that you might lose with this ticket,but there is still a slight possibility that you can still Win Very Big playing this ticket as well. Which ticket are you going to wanna purchase?

Nice analogy for the situation.

[Buck812]

Who knows, maybe Beck does come in and stink up the place really bad. After all thats what everyone expects isnt it? Wasnt that what everyone expected when Trent Green first took the field several years ago? Lets just give the guy a chance before we burry him...

[ddub52]

i
I think there is too much attention to QB, and not overall team play. If you look at the Super Bowls for the last decade, there is less than can be counted on one hand on MIGHT make the HOF.

Manning has won 1 super bowl. Brady 3. Everyone else is a nice story.

In the last 10 Super Bowls only 7 different QBs have won it. So of course only 5 MIGHT be considered HOFers. But it is obvious that more teams with great QB play have won than teams who just have "overall great play". Brady has 3, Manning has 1 and Roethlesburger has 2. Thats 6 there. Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, Eli and Brad Johnson account for the others. So pretty much every team to win a SB in the last decade has had a great QB. Even Johnson played a big role in Tampa's SB win. Great QB play makes the rest of the players on offense look better than they actually are (see Indy).

The 10 Super Bowls before the last 10 were won by Mark Rypien, Troy Aikman, Steve Young, John Elway, Brett Favre, Kurt Warner and Trent Dilfer. Dilfer won a Super Bowl because of one of the best statistical defenses ever. Aside from that the rest of teams had GREAT QB play (yes, including Rypien in 91). We need our franchise QB.

[SWO-tarious]

+1
Concur w/ the apt analogy. Rex is Rex, we all know that, as do Bears fans. Do we really know John Beck? Not really.

We made huge strides on the defensive side of the ball during the off-season and this year's free-agent market wasn't great for QB's. Nor was the draft outside of Newton. Play Beck, see what he has. Best case: He shows that he can move the offense and score some points. Worst case: He sux and we go back to RG. At least we will know what we have. Plus, if he is lousy, this off-season we can go after a real Quarterback (hopefully) vice some re-tread guy like McNabb.
What the OP fails to realize is this.If Beck Fails thats all good.Why is that a good thing you say? Maybe now we will atleast go into next season knowing who,and what J.Beck is.IMO That's a lot Better than Watching a 9 year vet implode. People are such Hypocrites! When RG plays horrible you will hear fans say "we all know WHO Rex is " to me this is the most ridiculous statement.So basically you are saying we know that RG is going to implode,but yet we are such naive fans that still we just want to waste a whole year on Rex. Beck represents the unknown.JB is more mobile,has the stronger arm, and based off what we know of him at the moment, he seems to make the better decisions at QB.We all know that Beck was a Good college QB. This gives fans even more optimism. If J.Beck works out how great of a steal would that be for the Skins? If he doesn't workout what did we really lose out on? Rex not playing longer in this season lol?

I'll use this analogy.

It's just like the lotto. I have two different lotto tickets for sale.One ticket is from last weeks lotto(RG) a ticket that you already know that there is no chance at winning at all because of the out of date ticket.The second ticket (JB) is just a regular ticket there is a very high chance that you might lose with this ticket,but there is still a slight possibility that you can still Win Very Big playing this ticket as well. Which ticket are you going to wanna purchase?

[theTruthTeller]

It's just like the lotto. I have two different lotto tickets for sale.One ticket is from last weeks lotto(RG) a ticket that you already know that there is no chance at winning at all because of the out of date ticket.The second ticket (JB) is just a regular ticket there is a very high chance that you might lose with this ticket,but there is still a slight possibility that you can still Win Very Big playing this ticket as well. Which ticket are you going to wanna purchase?Here's my analogy. You are on a date and you have to choose between Footloose at 8:45 and whatever the new George Clooney movie is at 9:10. You've seen the original Footloose, and the music was okay and occasionally you'd get some shots of a hot babe jiggling it. But for the most part, the original was a pretty boring movie. The George Clooney movie got great reviews, but you already know the George Clooney movie is going to suck, because it's a George Clooney movie. And you see about 3 people in line for the George Clooney movie, all with thick glasses and big butts. Your hot date is torn - on the one hand, she incorrectly remembers Footloose as almost winning an Academy Award, but, on the other hand, George Clooney is just so dreamy. After careful consideration you go with the sure thing - Footloose. And how painful could it be to look at Julianne Hough for a couple hours?

But after about 20 minutes of Footloose, you realize the remake isn't better than the original, its the same damn thing. And your date is starting to mouth the lines before they happen on screen. You can still switch to the crappy George Clooney movie. You know what's going to happen in Footloose, because no matter what the advertisements promised, absolutely nothing has changed. Do you stick with Footloose or take a chance the GC movie may surprise you?

I think you switch.

[Redskins Diehard]

I really don't see it as a case of "starting who's hot" but more of a case of "sitting who's not".

[Burgold]

In the last 10 Super Bowls only 7 different QBs

That's a wide spread of qbs... kind of speaks against the dominant super qb theory. Hard to buy that there are 7 GREAT QBs in a decade. Basically, you are saying that a ton of different teams get in with different qbs... not all qbs can be great. I'd argue that Beg Ben, Eli, Brad Johnson aren't "great" That's 40% of the last ten year's worth of Superbowls. Is Drew Brees "great"... probably... Is he HOF great... not sure.


I do think you need very good qb play and a good qb... but what makes a great qb? Is it the qb himself, is it the scheme, his supporting cast, his coaches... I'd argue all of the above. Some people say Dan Marino was one of the greatest qbs to ever play... He made a Superbowl in his rookie year and wasn't even really a playoff contender most of the time. Brett Farve won one despite his "greatness"

[themurf]

Beck represents the unknown.

Only if you haven't been paying attention. The dude came into the league in 2007. A Miami team that has been starved for stability at quarterback since Dan Marino walked away gave up on him after just five games worth of action. A Baltimore team that does a far better job of discovering talent than the Redskins traded him away for the seventh-best cornerback on a team that had three of them that were any good. We're not talking about a 23-year-old waiting for his shot. We're talking about a 30-year-old that no one other than two gentlemen named Shanahan have ever gone out of their way to support. Even yesterday guys like Santana Moss, Darrel Young and Jabar Gaffney went out of their way to say they believe Grossman should still be the starter next week. Not exactly the ringing endorsement for the great unknown, huh?

[LD0506]

What concerns me is, when Beck struggles (which he will) what do you do? Tough it out w/ him or stick Wrecks back in to re-struggle and THEN what? There simple is no Plan C here.

[Skinsinparadise]

I thought Beck looked completely awful at his first few snaps as starting quarterback yesterday before settling in to looking okay. He had a couple of nice passes out there once he settled down and he definitely looked better than Grossman yesterday.

That being said, I'm with you. Eventually, he's going to implode and look terrible out there. Once teams have a chance to figure him out and once he really gets pressured, I don't think he's going to fare very well. He's a 30 year old who has never been a starter. Optimistic Redskins fans can convince themselves that he's some diamond in the rough that's just been waiting to be discovered by the right coach, but I think over the next few weeks we are going to see why this guy has been on the bench this whole time.

Beck may implode but as to the idea of once he gets pressured -- well seemed like all the Eagles tried to do is blitz the dude, we saw him under pressure IMO.

---------- Post added October-18th-2011 at 07:40 AM ----------


Only if you haven't been paying attention. The dude came into the league in 2007. A Miami team that has been starved for stability at quarterback since Dan Marino walked away gave up on him after just five games worth of action. A Baltimore team that does a far better job of discovering talent than the Redskins traded him away for the seventh-best cornerback on a team that had three of them that were any good. We're not talking about a 23-year-old waiting for his shot. We're talking about a 30-year-old that no one other than two gentlemen named Shanahan have ever gone out of their way to support. Even yesterday guys like Santana Moss, Darrel Young and Jabar Gaffney went out of their way to say they believe Grossman should still be the starter next week. Not exactly the ringing endorsement for the great unknown, huh?

I recall Gaffney being very complementary of Beck during the preseason, talking up among other things how he's fired up in the huddle. I recall many Comcast excerpts of Santana GUSHING about JC. I think its his nature. As for Beck, you got me if he's good or not but i am not ruling him out based on Miami and Baltimore. It's not like he was some undrafted long shot who has never made it. He was a high pick. Started his rookie season on one of the worst teams in the NFL of all time for 5 games. Then Parcells took over. And I gather wanted his own guys. With Baltimore he was brought over I would gather by Cameron, I doubt he did so because he didn't like Beck in Miami, but they had a starter in Flacco. And as we all know once a young player doesn't establish themselves early in their career, you get nothing back for them in a trade usually.

[chipwhich]

In the last 10 Super Bowls only 7 different QBs have won it. So of course only 5 MIGHT be considered HOFers. But it is obvious that more teams with great QB play have won than teams who just have "overall great play". Brady has 3, Manning has 1 and Roethlesburger has 2. Thats 6 there. Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, Eli and Brad Johnson account for the others. So pretty much every team to win a SB in the last decade has had a great QB. Even Johnson played a big role in Tampa's SB win. Great QB play makes the rest of the players on offense look better than they actually are (see Indy).

The 10 Super Bowls before the last 10 were won by Mark Rypien, Troy Aikman, Steve Young, John Elway, Brett Favre, Kurt Warner and Trent Dilfer. Dilfer won a Super Bowl because of one of the best statistical defenses ever. Aside from that the rest of teams had GREAT QB play (yes, including Rypien in 91). We need our franchise QB.

You totally miss the ENTIRE point. You also throw around GREAT QB too easily. I guess your assumption is getting to the Super Bowl makes them a great QB.

And I didn't say 5 HOF'ers. What I actually indicated was there is 2, MAYBE 3.

Of the QB's that have won in the last decade, 2 are probably guaranteed HOF'ers. Aaron Rodgers looks great, but he has an incredible surrounding cast. Drew Brees, Eli Manning, Brad Johnson GREAT???

I guess the gist of my post is you have a better chance building a solid franchise with a good QB, than lucking into a Manning or a Brady. Do you know how many FAILED quarterbacks have come in gone in the league in the last decade? People act like drafting a "franchise" qb is just a matter of drafting a qb and sticking with them. It aint that easy.

[ktfirehouse]

Here's my analogy. You are on a date and you have to choose between Footloose at 8:45 and whatever the new George Clooney movie is at 9:10. You've seen the original Footloose, and the music was okay and occasionally you'd get some shots of a hot babe jiggling it. But for the most part, the original was a pretty boring movie. The George Clooney movie got great reviews, but you already know the George Clooney movie is going to suck, because it's a George Clooney movie. And you see about 3 people in line for the George Clooney movie, all with thick glasses and big butts. Your hot date is torn - on the one hand, she incorrectly remembers Footloose as almost winning an Academy Award, but, on the other hand, George Clooney is just so dreamy. After careful consideration you go with the sure thing - Footloose. And how painful could it be to look at Julianne Hough for a couple hours?

But after about 20 minutes of Footloose, you realize the remake isn't better than the original, its the same damn thing. And your date is starting to mouth the lines before they happen on screen. You can still switch to the crappy George Clooney movie. You know what's going to happen in Footloose, because no matter what the advertisements promised, absolutely nothing has changed. Do you stick with Footloose or take a chance the GC movie may surprise you?

I think you switch.

DEAR GOD!!!! HAHA
:cheers:

[themurf]

I recall Gaffney being very complementary of Beck during the preseason, talking up among other things how he's fired up in the huddle. I recall many Comcast excerpts of Santana GUSHING about JC. I think its his nature. As for Beck, you got me if he's good or not but i am not ruling him out based on Miami and Baltimore. It's not like he was some undrafted long shot who has never made it. He was a high pick. Started his rookie season on one of the worst teams in the NFL of all time for 5 games. Then Parcells took over. And I gather wanted his own guys. With Baltimore he was brought over I would gather by Cameron, I doubt he did so because he didn't like Beck in Miami, but they had a starter in Flacco. And as we all know once a young player doesn't establish themselves early in their career, you get nothing back for them in a trade usually.

No one in the locker room is bad mouthing Beck. They're just being honest in stating they'd rather have Grossman as the starter. Like I said, it's plain as day for you if you actually want to see it. But I completely understand why Redskins fans would love to give Beck a chance - even if nothing he's done since he came into the league in '07 suggests he's actually capable of becoming "the man."

[Skinsinparadise]

No one in the locker room is bad mouthing Beck. They're just being honest in stating they'd rather have Grossman as the starter. Like I said, it's plain as day for you if you actually want to see it. But I completely understand why Redskins fans would love to give Beck a chance - even if nothing he's done since he came into the league in '07 suggests he's actually capable of becoming "the man."

I don't doubt that but my main point on it is does it mean anything? I recall similar support for McNabb and JC. With Santana, I could have played violins with all of his gushing of JC, and I wasn't one of the big JC haters on the board so it didn't bother me. Outside of some straggler malcontent types like T-O, Chad, etc with their QBs it seems standard to back up any starting player especially one who is under siege by the media. I am not even saying its phony heck I am sure they can relate to the idea of being put on the spotlight by the media after a bad game, they'd want their teammates to defend them. And i am sure they know they can't do it in a lukewarm fashion otherwise the media would be all over it, if Santana said "look we had no confidence in Rex, lets see what Beck can do" it would likely be on the front page of the Washington Post and headline ESPN. And again, I am sure Santana is genuine about Rex. I've noticed he's pro incumbent when it comes to QBs for as long as I've noticed. And as much as i don't care for Rex, actually I like it that Santana will back the starter, its classy. He's the anti-Clinton Portis

[themurf]

And again, I am sure Santana is genuine about Rex. I've noticed he's pro incumbent when it comes to QBs for as long as I've noticed. And as much as i don't care for Rex, actually I like it that Santana will back the starter, its classy. He's the anti-Clinton Portis

You're partially right. I've gotten a chance to know Moss a little bit over the years and the one thing he really wants is some stability and continuity in the offense. If that means continuing to believe Grossman can be the guy rather than starting over with Beck or whoever else, then he's more than likely going to stick with who he's got throwing him passes now.

[GO HAMSKINS]

Only if you haven't been paying attention. The dude came into the league in 2007. A Miami team that has been starved for stability at quarterback since Dan Marino walked away gave up on him after just five games worth of action. A Baltimore team that does a far better job of discovering talent than the Redskins traded him away for the seventh-best cornerback on a team that had three of them that were any good. We're not talking about a 23-year-old waiting for his shot. We're talking about a 30-year-old that no one other than two gentlemen named Shanahan have ever gone out of their way to support. Even yesterday guys like Santana Moss, Darrel Young and Jabar Gaffney went out of their way to say they believe Grossman should still be the starter next week. Not exactly the ringing endorsement for the great unknown, huh?

So you're going on the limb to say Beck will not be good or at least better than Rex? You Know a ton about JB, tell me what are his weakness? What are his strength? So what happens if Beck plays well? What will you say if we win with Beck? Since based off what you "KNOW" of him he is incapable of doing such. Becks going to start and we will see ,but me personally Im not going to go out on a limb and say what Beck will/will not do.Like I said I don't know much about him, but you do so we will see. LOL

[SWFLSkins]

I thought Beck looked completely awful at his first few snaps as starting quarterback yesterday before settling in to looking okay. He had a couple of nice passes out there once he settled down and he definitely looked better than Grossman yesterday.

That being said, I'm with you. Eventually, he's going to implode and look terrible out there. Once teams have a chance to figure him out and once he really gets pressured, I don't think he's going to fare very well. He's a 30 year old who has never been a starter. Optimistic Redskins fans can convince themselves that he's some diamond in the rough that's just been waiting to be discovered by the right coach, but I think over the next few weeks we are going to see why this guy has been on the bench this whole time.


Quite possibly true, just as true as it was to take a gamble on McNabb and then Grossman. This town needs a qwater-baack no duh. But Sexys turn was played, now switching all bets to Beck, and if that don't pan out Shanny will be hitting the ATM for some more gamble chips. A new QB will be coming to DC soon enough. Rebuilding ain't pretty, ain't fun and usually cost more than you think. But when it is done, if you know what your doing the outcome is beautiful.

[nyfan]

It seems to me that Beck looks and throws down field more than Rex. Rex looks and throws short into coverage. Funny thing is when we beat Carolina's butt his Sunday and the Aints loss to Miami we will be in first place in the NFC East!

[Taylor4Life]

I don't know, I think most fans are jaded enough to know that Shanny is choosing between two turd sandwiches. I don't get the feeling that most fans are all that excited about Beck, just relieved that we don't have to watch Pickasaurus Rex throw four picks and get sacked all day.

[diehardskinpsoup]

It's just like the lotto. I have two different lotto tickets for sale.One ticket is from last weeks lotto(RG) a ticket that you already know that there is no chance at winning at all because of the out of date ticket.The second ticket (JB) is just a regular ticket there is a very high chance that you might lose with this ticket,but there is still a slight possibility that you can still Win Very Big playing this ticket as well. Which ticket are you going to wanna purchase?



Yeah. That was a hot anaology. You made me feel like 100% better. No B.S. Thanks dawg!


HTTR!!!

[NoLeafClover]

Quite possibly true, just as true as it was to take a gamble on McNabb and then Grossman. This town needs a qwater-baack no duh. But Sexys turn was played, now switching all bets to Beck, and if that don't pan out Shanny will be hitting the ATM for some more gamble chips. A new QB will be coming to DC soon enough. Rebuilding ain't pretty, ain't fun and usually cost more than you think. But when it is done, if you know what your doing the outcome is beautiful.

I'd just hate to see them completely squander this season. I agree that they should and probably will get a better QB in the offseason, but they have an outside shot at making the playoffs this year, at least with a Wildcard spot.

[skinsmania123]

I think Beck is going to excel in this Offense because it is meant to be executed by the run, intermixed with short, quick passes. Whoever in this thread said Beck has a strong arm is mistaken. In fact his biggest weakness is his lack of arm strength. But he does not need to have a strong arm in this offensive scheme.

He has a few intangibles I like: excellent IQ and an ability not to make the errant pass. We desperately need a QB who is willing to go through his progressions and if it is not there, throw it away or take the sack. How many QB's in the NFC East do that consistently? NONE.

I think the OL can be reshuffled and trust me Shanny will get that right. Hightower, Helu and Torain have to make some decent runs in this game and all the others to make this offense work. If they do their job Beck will be fine. Kyle has to stick, commit to the run and commit to screens and slants in the passing game. We have receivers that can pick up extra yardage just like a RB once they get the ball.

I like the move.

[pjfootballer]

I'd just hate to see them completely squander this season. I agree that they should and probably will get a better QB in the offseason, but they have an outside shot at making the playoffs this year, at least with a Wildcard spot.

Most of us didn't think we'd make the playoffs so I don't think its really squandering the season. I had us at 6-10. If we make the playoffs, fine, but I just want to continue to build the team for the long haul and not some wild-card game (see 2005, 2007). I want to be a contender year in and year out.

[Rumbler]

I think Beck is going to excel in this Offense because it is meant to be executed by the run, intermixed with short, quick passes. Whoever in this thread said Beck has a strong arm is mistaken. In fact his biggest weakness is his lack of arm strength. But he does not need to have a strong arm in this offensive scheme.

First I’d like to start by saying I am NOT a skins fan. (not against the skins either born and raised in Utah which has no NFL team.)
I am a BYU fan and from time to time I like to look around and see how players are doing that have left BYU to the NFL. Currently watching Austin Collie, John Beck and Dennis Pitta.
The things I want to bring up about John is some comments that are being made, at first everyone was saying he has a weak arm, another is his good mobility. (eh?) another is captain check down and also his inaccuracy.
First off he does not have a weak arm. He also is not known for his mobility, this is something new that I have never seen and honestly I am liking it, he never needed it before because he had a solid line (and what QB wouldn’t look good with plenty of time?) the captain check down comment is pretty dumb, doing this opens up the ability to make longer passes and run plays. Do something consistently and it forces the defense to adjust for that which opens up areas of opportunity. About his inaccuracy, if he is a BYU QB he is accurate. They are a passing team and depend on accuracy and speed of passes. (and arm strength.
Here is something I pulled up from a post from the local newspaper.
John has one of the strongest arms in college football. In an October 8th article in the Deseret News, Dick Harmon wrote:
“Earlier this week, perhaps the most relaxed in his BYU football career, [John] Beck knelt down at the 47-yard line of the indoor practice facility, and with a flick of his wrist, threw the football through the uprights and into the wall. Standing up, he can throw a football consistently more than 75 yards.”
I would imagine there are very few QB’s in college with enough pure arm strength to a trick like that (57 yards through the uprights from his knees?!).
I agree that he probably doesn’t have what it takes to be a solid starter in the NFL, but it’s probably due more to his size, speed, and mobility (or lack thereof) rather than his arm strength.
“mobility, or the lack of it.” This is something new and adds to his arsenal.
I have wanted beck from the start but with all this being said I still don’t think I would have benched Grossman (I would have at halftime though, after someone plays badly let them sit down and breath relax and then come back in.) I was playing pool after 2 rounds was about to throw a ball through the wall. Sat down for 30 mins and felt better tried again and did well. But once you go with a player you stick with him they will SHOULD eventually get in a groove. According to this fan base as soon as beck has one slightly bad game its throw him to the wolves. I’d rather he didn’t get a chance then have that happen again.
Again as said before not a skins fan have no ill will against skins. Maybe having a BYU QB in the NFL might convert me, (I wasn’t a big fan back in the Steve Young days and Detmer never had a chance.)
PS, 1 family member is a cowboys fan but don’t worry I haven’t fallen for it.

[BADKCLARK]

First I’d like to start by saying I am NOT a skins fan. (not against the skins either born and raised in Utah which has no NFL team.)
I am a BYU fan and from time to time I like to look around and see how players are doing that have left BYU to the NFL. Currently watching Austin Collie, John Beck and Todd Heaps.
The things I want to bring up about John is some comments that are being made, at first everyone was saying he has a weak arm, another is his good mobility. (eh?) another is captain check down and also his inaccuracy.
First off he does not have a weak arm. He also is not known for his ability, this is something new that I have never seen and honestly I am liking it, he never needed it before because he had a solid line (and what QB wouldn’t look good with plenty of time?) the captain check down comment is pretty dumb, doing this opens up the ability to make longer passes and run plays. Do something consistently and it forces the defense to adjust for that which opens up areas of opportunity. About his inaccuracy, if he is a BYU QB he is accurate. They are a passing team and depend on accuracy and speed of passes. (and arm strength.
Here is something I pulled up from a post from the local newspaper.
John has one of the strongest arms in college football. In an October 8th article in the Deseret News, Dick Harmon wrote:
“Earlier this week, perhaps the most relaxed in his BYU football career, [John] Beck knelt down at the 47-yard line of the indoor practice facility, and with a flick of his wrist, threw the football through the uprights and into the wall. Standing up, he can throw a football consistently more than 75 yards.”
I would imagine there are very few QB’s in college with enough pure arm strength to a trick like that (57 yards through the uprights from his knees?!).
I agree that he probably doesn’t have what it takes to be a solid starter in the NFL, but it’s probably due more to his size, speed, and mobility (or lack thereof) rather than his arm strength.
“mobility, or the lack of it.” This is something new and adds to his arsenal.
I have wanted beck from the start but with all this being said I still don’t think I would have benched Grossman (I would have at halftime though, after someone plays badly let them sit down and breath relax and then come back in.) I was playing pool after 2 rounds was about to throw a ball through the wall. Sat down for 30 mins and felt better tried again and did well. But once you go with a player you stick with him they will SHOULD eventually get in a groove. According to this fan base as soon as beck has one slightly bad game its throw him to the wolves. I’d rather he didn’t get a chance then have that happen again.
Again as said before not a skins fan have no ill will against skins. Maybe having a BYU QB in the NFL might convert me, (I wasn’t a big fan back in the Steve Young days and Detmer never had a chance.)
PS, 1 family member is a cowboys fan but don’t worry I haven’t fallen for it.

A minor correction. Todd Heap didn't play at BYU, but he is LDS. He played at Arizona State. Maybe you were thinking of Dennis Pitta (TE - Baltimore).

Also, having watched Beck thru all his college days, he was more athletic than given credit for. You are just now seeing it in the pros. I remember seeing a multitude of broken plays where Beck literally willed something to happen. His ability to "sense" the pocket is very good. He demonstrated that on Sunday. Stepping up when he needed to, always keeping his focus downfield.

Skins fans will come around. And those in support of Beck will be grinning ear to ear.

Can't wait til Sunday!

[Rumbler]

you are correct i dont know what I was thinking yes Dennis Pitta I read about Heap a bit ago and brain farted that in there thanks for the correction

[Diesel Hog]

So what if Beck ends up with 3+ picks too? Bench him and put Rex back in? I'm fine with either as a backup, but I hope the primary focus in the off-season is a QB.

[skinsmania123]

First I’d like to start by saying I am NOT a skins fan. (not against the skins either born and raised in Utah which has no NFL team.)
I am a BYU fan and from time to time I like to look around and see how players are doing that have left BYU to the NFL. Currently watching Austin Collie, John Beck and Dennis Pitta.
The things I want to bring up about John is some comments that are being made, at first everyone was saying he has a weak arm, another is his good mobility. (eh?) another is captain check down and also his inaccuracy.
First off he does not have a weak arm. He also is not known for his ability, this is something new that I have never seen and honestly I am liking it, he never needed it before because he had a solid line (and what QB wouldn’t look good with plenty of time?) the captain check down comment is pretty dumb, doing this opens up the ability to make longer passes and run plays. Do something consistently and it forces the defense to adjust for that which opens up areas of opportunity. About his inaccuracy, if he is a BYU QB he is accurate. They are a passing team and depend on accuracy and speed of passes. (and arm strength.
Here is something I pulled up from a post from the local newspaper.
John has one of the strongest arms in college football. In an October 8th article in the Deseret News, Dick Harmon wrote:
“Earlier this week, perhaps the most relaxed in his BYU football career, [John] Beck knelt down at the 47-yard line of the indoor practice facility, and with a flick of his wrist, threw the football through the uprights and into the wall. Standing up, he can throw a football consistently more than 75 yards.”
I would imagine there are very few QB’s in college with enough pure arm strength to a trick like that (57 yards through the uprights from his knees?!).
I agree that he probably doesn’t have what it takes to be a solid starter in the NFL, but it’s probably due more to his size, speed, and mobility (or lack thereof) rather than his arm strength.
“mobility, or the lack of it.” This is something new and adds to his arsenal.
I have wanted beck from the start but with all this being said I still don’t think I would have benched Grossman (I would have at halftime though, after someone plays badly let them sit down and breath relax and then come back in.) I was playing pool after 2 rounds was about to throw a ball through the wall. Sat down for 30 mins and felt better tried again and did well. But once you go with a player you stick with him they will SHOULD eventually get in a groove. According to this fan base as soon as beck has one slightly bad game its throw him to the wolves. I’d rather he didn’t get a chance then have that happen again.
Again as said before not a skins fan have no ill will against skins. Maybe having a BYU QB in the NFL might convert me, (I wasn’t a big fan back in the Steve Young days and Detmer never had a chance.)
PS, 1 family member is a cowboys fan but don’t worry I haven’t fallen for it.

I think this is very interesting. Good perspective from his days at BYU. From the preseason games I watched and the Eagles game I did not witness a strong arm. Not everything in college ball translates over the the NFL as we well know. He is damn mobile though and with our O line he better be. That was my main reason for wanting Shanny to yank Grossman. Hope you get a chance to catch the game this weekend. Look forward to your opinion afterwards. I hope you are right and I am wrong and he has a great arm, just have not seen it.

[Rumbler]

I am not worried about the arm strength I have seen some of his bombs, what I am worried about his something he has never done well with. And that is blitz and a weak front line. maybe this new mobility thing will change that. I will be watching the game (thanks to the skins fans for teaching me about a little link)

[skinsmania123]

I am worried about his something he has never done well with. And that is blitz and a weak front line. maybe this new mobility thing will change that. I will be watching the game (thanks to the skins fans for teaching me about a little link)

Funny you bring up the blitz. One of the announcer's aptly pointed out right after Beck was blitzed on this one play that he did not "sense" this guy coming after him even though he been flushed out of the pocket. In fact he had turned his back away from his blind side and the guy naturally brought him down. Yeah the O line is weak man. Hoping that Shanny shuffles it well. Yup you will see that mobility and in fact I think it is exactly why he is bringing him in.

[BADKCLARK]

I was very impressed with the way Beck was able to move up and with the pocket when it started breaking down. There was no panic in him at all. He kept his poise and was looking downfield. Made some great throws (Moss, Austin) as a result. Given that he was completely cold coming in, with zero reps w/ the starters, just wait to see how he looks with a week or 2 practicing with them. I really think this is a good week to have him starting, as Carolina's D is weak, and there should be some balance in the O.

Beck provides another (in a very minor way) threat, in that he is mobile enough to turn some bootlegs into yards w/ his feet (he did this Sunday). Accounting for another potential runner gives defenses headaches. He's no Vick, but he's mobile, and can run it. It's just another added dimension to the game the Skins don't have w/ Grossman.

Oh, and he has a very strong arm. Deciptively so.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHBy7uIV_iE

And the music may be corny to some, but here's his career at BYU. Some good footage.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCgH6sTEeP8

[martin49]

I'm thinking that most fans like myself are just hoping that Beck (if he starts) is good enough to over come our banged up OL with his athleticism, keep our defense off of the field for more than 3 seconds and to actually lead our WR's with his passes instead of having them have to wait on them.

He will have his work cut out for him for sure. I think Beck will light up the Panthers in his first game. However, it will get much tougher in the coming weeks... HTTR

[SWFLSkins]

I'd just hate to see them completely squander this season. I agree that they should and probably will get a better QB in the offseason, but they have an outside shot at making the playoffs this year, at least with a Wildcard spot.

The wildcard is the unknown Beck, the duece just left the building.

[ouvan59]

I am not worried about the arm strength I have seen some of his bombs, what I am worried about his something he has never done well with. And that is blitz and a weak front line. maybe this new mobility thing will change that. I will be watching the game (thanks to the skins fans for teaching me about a little link)

I've heard a lot of people talk about the weak arm as well and I'd like to know what they are watching. He's got an unusual delivery with almost no wind up but he delivers the ball quickly. The captain checkdown thing came from the preseason where he threw mostly short passes. Of course, they were complete and many of them went for big gains.

All in all, we don't know what to expect. We just haven't seen enough of him to have any confidence that he is the man. The fact that he has bounced around worries most of us. But he looked good in preseason IMO. But then again, so did Rex. I wanted Beck to win the job in preseason and am cautiously optimistic that he will do well. But needless to say most of us aren't counting on it.

[wildbill1952]

This thread is schizophrenic. But what the heck, I''ll play.

To the thread part that's talking great QB's winning Super Bowls: If one assumes that there are, at a minimum 3 great QB's in the league, that means that on 7 out of the 10 years mentioned that 2 great QB's didn't make it to the Super Bowl. In the 3 years where a team with a great QB did not win the Super Bowl, then there are 3. Which means that in the last 10 years 23 teams with great QB's did not win the Super Bowl. Obviously, the numbers go higher if you let your assumptions on "great QB's" go above 3. Stats are fascinating although somehwat apolitical - both sides use them to make whatever point they want. A great QB is never a guarantee of a Super Bowl. Ask Dan Marino. Every Super Bowl winner was a great team. Some had great QB's and some had average QB's. Some were probably called "great QB's" because they had great teams around them.

To the thread on starting Beck: there are only three possible outcomes to starting Beck. Either he's better than Rex, he's worse than Rex, or he's the same as Rex. The Redskins will come out better, no matter what the result. Even the Rex fans have to admit, he has been a below avergae QB with occasional flashes of skill. If Beck is better than Rex, then depending on how much better, either we have our QB for 5 years or we have more wins or both. If Beck is worse than Rex, then we know that neither QB is the future QB of the Redskins, and we have a higher draft pick to get a better one. And if Beck's the same as Rex, then what difference does starting him make? At least then there'll never be speculation that we had the next QB already on the roster and we didn't give him the chance.

I was coming up with my own analogy when I read the lotto ticket analogy. And then I read the George Clloney vs. Footloose one. Both superior to what I was coming up with. Well played to both of you!

[bowhunter]

Optimistic Redskins fans can convince themselves that he's some diamond in the rough that's just been waiting to be discovered by the right coach,

OK, I admit it. Thats pretty much me right there

[TD_washingtonredskins]

So what if Beck ends up with 3+ picks too? Bench him and put Rex back in? I'm fine with either as a backup, but I hope the primary focus in the off-season is a QB.

No...unless you think Rex only got benched for the Philly game in a vacuum. I think he got benched because he averaged over 2 turnovers per game in all 8 of his starts as a Redskin. If Beck shows a similar issue over 8+ games, then I'd be fine with them declaring them both unusable for 2012 and beyond.

[Newera]

I thought Beck looked completely awful at his first few snaps as starting quarterback yesterday before settling in to looking okay. He had a couple of nice passes out there once he settled down and he definitely looked better than Grossman yesterday.

That being said, I'm with you. Eventually, he's going to implode and look terrible out there. Once teams have a chance to figure him out and once he really gets pressured, I don't think he's going to fare very well. He's a 30 year old who has never been a starter. Optimistic Redskins fans can convince themselves that he's some diamond in the rough that's just been waiting to be discovered by the right coach, but I think over the next few weeks we are going to see why this guy has been on the bench this whole time.

Yeah, kind of like Trent Green, right.

[smackdown 46]

He's at home taking snaps under Cook, they practiced well together as back ups so they are comfortable with each other.
I think we need to focus more along the O-line for solidity and not worry so much about knocking it out of the park Andrew Luck style. We all know that's not going to happen.
How many years did we have Theismann back there stinking up the joint before he turned into the foremost authority on football that he is now.
What I wouldn't give to see a young Joe Bugel drilling a fresh unit on the side line during a game. But this is reality, we gotta dance with who we brung and make the best of it. I haven't seen either QB's running for their lives like Ramsey,Campbell or Mcnabb did so who knows? Give it some time.
Carolina was a 2-14 team last year so I doubt they have all the puzzle pieces either. Hail!

---------- Post added October-19th-2011 at 05:00 PM ----------

He is who we thought he was, and we let him get off the hook!:panthersu

[Diesel Hog]

No...unless you think Rex only got benched for the Philly game in a vacuum. I think he got benched because he averaged over 2 turnovers per game in all 8 of his starts as a Redskin. If Beck shows a similar issue over 8+ games, then I'd be fine with them declaring them both unusable for 2012 and beyond.

That makes sense, but would you still want to give him an 8+ game leash, or do you think it should be shorter? Like 4 games? I mean, if the team drops the next 4, DC is in for a meltdown. Nonetheless, the move seems to be the right one, primarily for what you stated...Rex = 2 Turnovers per game.

[TD_washingtonredskins]

That makes sense, but would you still want to give him an 8+ game leash, or do you think it should be shorter? Like 4 games? I mean, if the team drops the next 4, DC is in for a meltdown. Nonetheless, the move seems to be the right one, primarily for what you stated...Rex = 2 Turnovers per game.

If we lose the next 4, I don't think it really matters what we do at QB for the last 7 games of this season. We'd be 3-6 and on a 5-game losing streak. I suppose you could go back to Grossman, but you're still giving Beck half the games you gave Grossman to evaluate whether he has a role here next season (as a backup).

Basically, from what Grossman has done in the league plus what he's done with this team, I think it's safe to say his Redskin career ends on January 1. I think Beck should get at least 8 games for us to determine his fate for 2012 and beyond.

[TheGreek1973]

I heard something on the radio yesterday, something along the line Rex was better in preseason. Ok but no one is mentioning the fact that Beck was also injured during camp and in fact didn't even play the first preseason game. I truly believe Mike and Kyle S would have started Beck if not for his injury and thus less than ideal practice conditions during camp. the reason why I say this is if they both believed Rex just had a bad game no way they make this change. I think they both think Beck is the real deal and really couldn't pull this move with us sitting at 3-1. Way to much risk for them to make that move before the atrocious game with the Eagles.