Like everyone else, Grossman playing for chance to be back

Rex Grossman had the chance to sign a two-year contract when he returned to the Washington Redskins this summer.

He chose to go with a one-year deal for the second straight season in order to keep his situation flexible as he entered into a competition with John Beck for the starting job. Now, Grossman is auditioning for the 2012 season, according to Mike Jones of the Washington Post.

Grossman has started for most of the season after Beck stumbled badly in a three-game stretch. While Washington is just 1-5 since Grossman took over again, the Redskins are averaging nearly 21 points per game and the offense has shown occasional life.

Jones reports the Redskins are expected to use a draft pick on a quarterback but they would still need a veteran to be the starter or serve as a solid backup.

“Like I told you, or told everybody before, it’s not just one person. It’s everybody playing together,” Redskins coach Mike Shanahan said, per Jones. “There’s not very many quarterbacks that can be the quarterback without their supporting cast (and) put all the pressure on one guy. Part of it is having that cohesive offensive line, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends. It gives the quarterback a chance to be pretty good. Sometimes, when those pieces aren’t there, you go from looking at least pretty good to looking average...We’ll address the particulars at each position at a later time.

“You’re playing for that opportunity to come back and be part of the football team, especially when you don’t have a shot at the playoffs -- everybody’s playing for jobs, coaching for jobs.”

One would think Shanahan is indeed coaching for his job next season.

Follow me on Twitter: @BradBiggs

Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune

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