Rex Grossman

LANDOVER, Md. - Mike Shanahan could take it no longer. He had stuck with quarterback Rex Grossman through some uneven performances during the Washington Redskins' first four games, but after three quarters of futility Sunday against the Eagles, the coach finally relented to the FedEx Field crowd's chants of: "We want Beck. " John Beck took over at quarterback for the Skins in the beginning of the fourth quarter, with Washington trailing by 20-6, and he sparked an offense that had been lethargic.

WASHINGTON - Donovan McNabb has figured out one way to stay in the nation's capital. "Maybe I'll play for the Nationals," he said. The Washington Redskins create quarterback controversies like no one else, even during a lockout. On Wednesday was about as busy as it gets, especially considering the next official team practice is on indefinite hold. McNabb was the showcase guest at the opening of a local health center and joked about playing baseball as he discussed his latest bizarre offseason.

LANDOVER, Md. - A few weeks ago, Rex Grossman was predicting. Yesterday, he was deflecting. Grossman said before the season started that he would lead the Redskins to the NFC East title, and, after a 3-1 start, he seemed prescient. Yesterday, he seemed premature. Grossman matched his career high with four interceptions. He did it in three quarters. He was benched in the fourth quarter, replaced by training-camp favorite John Beck. Grossman does not know when he will throw another pass in a game.

LANDOVER, Md. - Brian Rolle majored in sociology at Ohio State, not mathematics. But the rookie linebacker knew exactly how well his unit did against the run in yesterday's 20-13 win over the Redskins. "Forty-two rushing yards," Rolle said proudly after the game. "People say we can't stop the run. But against a team like this that likes to run the ball and has a great scheme, we did very good. "Going into the fourth quarter, they had just 28 rushing yards. That's something we pride ourselves on. " For much of this season, it also has been something they didn't do very well.

The Eagles have faced three respected quarterbacks in Kurt Warner, Daunte Culpepper and Joey Harrington. Next week it could be Jonathan Quinn of the Chicago Bears. The fans in Philadelphia and the Eagles themselves probably won't be shuddering at the thought of possibly facing a career backup who has three touchdown passes in seven seasons, including this one. The last thing people expected to see following the Minnesota Vikings' 27-22 win yesterday over the Chicago Bears was Quinn taking center stage in the locker room, talking into one microphone after another.

Rex Grossman is back as starting quarterback of the Chicago Bears. And what a long road it has been. After countless hours of rehab to overcome two major injuries, he was more appreciative than ever yesterday of where he's been, and of where he wants to go. "It was tough to look through the window and see my teammates practicing when I'm in there doing something that is extremely boring," Grossman said shortly after Bears coach Lovie Smith...

Decisions are still pending on a possible appeal of Sean Payton's suspension or an interim coach should his season-long punishment be upheld, a person familiar with the situation said. The person says Payton, general manager Mickey Loomis and their staffs were in meetings at the team's suburban headquarters on Thursday and focused primarily on preparations for next month's NFL draft. The person spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the Saints have not announced their plans.

LANDOVER, Md. - Hmm, maybe it was more about the quarterback after all. A year ago, Washington Redskins coach Mike Shanahan went out of his way to place an inordinate amount of blame for his team's overall failure on the play of Donovan McNabb. Now, I think Shanahan went way overboard when he, on different occasions, implied that McNabb was soft, lazy and/or stupid. But yesterday, much-maligned journeyman Rex Grossman did lead the Redskins to a 28-14 victory over the New York Giants.

WASHINGTON - Backup quarterback Kirk Cousins hadn't even received postgame pats on the back and "atta-boys" for his smashing first career start before Washington Redskins observers speculated on how much he could fetch in a trade. Sports-talk radio and the Internet have been abuzz with the topic since the NFL's second-hottest team rolled Sunday against Cleveland without injured star quarterback Robert Griffin III. But before Redskins fans work themselves into a tizzy over all the trade-Cousins chatter, we'll let you in on a little secret: Cousins isn't going anywhere anytime soon.

The debate raged two weeks ago over whether Andy Reid should pull Donovan McNabb and start rookie Kevin Kolb at quarterback for the Eagles. Each side was passionate and resolute. But it begged the question: What about A.J. Feeley? Deciding to pull the switch on a quarterback - whether because of a nagging injury or a sagging performance - is probably the hardest decision an NFL coach has to make during the season. No one looks forward to making the change. It is disruptive, risky and with no guarantee.