John Beck named new starting QB for Redskins

ASHBURN, Va. - John Beck is the new starting quarterback for the Washington Redskins.

Coach Mike Shanahan informed his team Wednesday that Beck will get the nod for this week's game against the Carolina Panthers.

Beck replaces Rex Grossman, who threw four interceptions and was benched after three quarters during Sunday's 20-13 loss to Philadelphia.

Grossman has 11 turnovers — nine interceptions plus two fumbles — through five games. His 66.5 overall rating ranks 32nd of 33 quarterbacks in the league.

Beck will be making his first start since 2007, when he was a rookie with Miami.

Beck also becomes the 21st quarterback to start a game for Redskins in the last 19 seasons.

Washington is 3-2, a half-game out of first place in the NFC East.

CBSSports.com's Will Brinson says the move is not a big surprise given Grossman's erratic play.

"Beck's better than 'BAD REX.' But he might not be better than 'Good Rex,'" Brinson writes. "The problem is that Shanahan, like the rest of America, can't predict which Rex will show up, so he's left hoping that Beck's prepared to come in and run his offense effectively."