“Yeah, I said it,” Sanders said on the NFL Network, “and I didn’t stutter.”
It's a bold statement, one that runs counter to popular opinion around Washington, where, despite the Redskins’ winning record, Grossman has been subjected to plenty of criticism for his play through four games.
“Let's face it, he’s been the most consistent,” said Steve Mariucci, another NFL Network analyst. “Maybe not as flashy, but the most consistent. What do you want — wins or flash?”
The most consistent aspect of Grossman’s career is the steady stream of detractors who seem to follow him. He may not be able to dodge every charging linebacker, but he’s been able to successfully deflect critics, whether they’re hidden behind computers, calling into radio stations or wearing “Press” badges.
“You’ve been in this league long enough, you realize the fans and the media, they judge week to week — moreso the media than the fans,” Grossman said Wednesday. “But generally speaking, as long as you’re doing your job and trying to accomplish your task and keep getting better, that’s all you should focus on. It's pretty easy to not read or turn on the TV.”
Grossman acknowledges that he doesn’t go out of his way to avoid ESPN or other forms of media following tough losses. “Sometimes you can’t avoid it,” he said. But he doesn’t take every opinion to heart. He learned that lesson long ago. Even as he was leading the Chicago Bears to the Super Bowl, fans were calling for a quarterback change. “It doesn’t really affect me one way or the other,” he said.
“You want to be praised and you want to be thought of as a great quarterback, great team, great offense,” Grossman said, “and you know you can be, so you work hard to get better. I think we’re right on the cusp of doing a lot of great things. I know we can take that next step. That's all I’m focused on.”
Grossman has had good weeks and bad playing in front of passionate fan bases at the University of Florida and in Chicago. He's perhaps as accustomed to criticism as any quarterback in the NFL. That makes any pointed remarks or harsh assessments easier to swallow in Washington.
On the season, Grossman has a 78.7 passer rating. He's averaging 247 yards per game and has thrown for six touchdowns. But he's also committed seven turnovers — five interceptions and two lost fumbles. He’s made some big mistakes late in games that have lighted up sports talk phone lines and prompted a flurry of Internet discussion. One message board thread at ExtremeSkins entitled “Beck After The Bye Week” features more than 500 posts.
“Thick skin is one prerequisite for a quarterback, no doubt,” said Mariucci, a former quarterbacks coach and head coach in the NFL. “Some are better than others at it. Rex seems pretty level-headed. He seems to be one of those guys who can just ignore it or deal with it. He deserves a lot of credit for that.”
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