McNabb Benched Sunday Against Cowboys
WASHINGTON , DC (Sports Network) - The Washington Redskins will reportedly make a change at quarterback for Sunday's game against Dallas, as Rex Grossman is set to make the start in place of Donovan McNabb.
According to Comcast SportsNet Washington, Grossman will get his first start as a member of the Redskins after McNabb had started the first 13 games of the season.
Earlier this week, head coach Mike Shanahan would not comment on who would start against the Cowboys.
The subject of McNabb's benching has been long rumored, especially since the October 31 game against Detroit when Shanahan replaced McNabb with Grossman for the final 1:50 with the Redskins trailing by six. Grossman subsequently fumbled on his first play and Detroit scored the game-sealing touchdown on the return.
With a bye after that game, McNabb's job security was the hot topic. However, he remained the starter and the Redskins then announced a contract extension for the long-time Philadelphia Eagle on November 15, just prior to a game against his former team.
McNabb has completed just 58.3 percent of his passes this season for 3,377 yards with 14 touchdowns and 15 interceptions, giving him a passer rating of 77.1 -- the lowest since his rookie year of 1999.
Last week against Tampa Bay, McNabb led a last-minute touchdown drive that should have tied the game, but the snap on the extra point was mishandled and the Redskins lost 17-16. He threw for 228 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions in defeat.
Grossman, like McNabb, is in his first year with the Redskins. He was a backup last year in Houston after spending six seasons -- mostly as the starter -- in Chicago. The Bears reached the Super Bowl with Grossman under center after the 2006 season.
After the disastrous fumble on his first play against the Lions, he went on to complete 4-of-7 passes for 44 yards on the team's final drive in his lone action this season.
In 38 career games, including 31 starts, the former Florida star has completed 54 percent of his passes for 6,241 yards with 33 touchdowns and 36 interceptions.
