Rex Grossman and John Beck both got an opportunity to play with the first team in the Washington Redskins' 34-31 preseason loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday night. Grossman ultimately started the game, but the two players alternated every two series. In the end, Grossman got more of the snaps in the first half, whereas Beck played more in the second half, but both had their moments.
Grossman ended up completing eight of 15 passes for 112 yards and one touchdown while posting a 99 quarterback rating. He was especially good running the two-minute offense, ending the drive with a touchdown pass to Santana Moss. Grossman had missed Moss on the previous play, but went back to the well and took advantage of busted coverage to find Moss for the touchdown.
Beck's night began well, completing a 33-yard pass to Anthony Armstrong. He then struggled for a while, throwing an interception on a deep pass to Donte' Stallworth to begin the third quarter. But he finished it up with a strong performance in leading the Redskins on a 97-yard drive that ended with a touchdown pass to Terrence Austin.
In his post-game press conference, Mike Shanahan said he elected to start Grossman because Beck started the week before and that there was nothing "scientific" about his decision. Grossman, meanwhile, told CSN Washington's Kelli Johnson that while the alternating arrangement was "unusual," it was the only way to properly evaluate both players. (Both quotes via CSN's "Postgame Live" show).