From the Observation Deck, Dan Graziano delivers some tidbit opinions on the quarterback competition, Terrence Austin, and Ryan Kerrigan.   Here are some snippets of what he observed. 

On John Beck versus Rex Grossman,

Shanahan and the Redskins know exactly what Grossman is. He doesn't have to show them anything. They believe, if they install Grossman as the starter, they know exactly what they'll get. And so far this preseason, nothing he's shown has done anything to sway them from that opinion.

They believe, however, that Beck has the ability to give them more. That he can make plays and move the chains with his feet. That he has a quicker release, and that he anticipates throws better. They think the upside is higher with Beck, and what they wanted to see from him when this preseason began is how he would handle the pressure of being the starter - or at least of the opportunity to finally be a starter in the NFL.

Our Gut Reaction:  I just have a gut feeling that John Beck is the pre-conceived choice of Mike Shanahan.  Given that, John Beck has done nothing to shake that foundation.   Shanahan does know what Rex Grossman brings to the table.  They know he can effectively manage the offense.  However, they also know Beck brings a more deep ball threat on play-action that they love to have in the offense.  Beck is also quicker and can avoid the pass rush more effectively because of his speed.  There was some question last night in our game thread on why they were throwing deep more with Beck and how that was fair for evaluation purposes.  Fact is, if Beck brings more of a deep game option, the chemistry needs to be developed and practiced.  That's what we saw last night.   

MAKE SURE YOU VOTE in our new Poll on who shoudl start.  Poll is to the right of the main page below the top box ad.