Smoot Lays The Smack Down (Redskins vs. 49ers) (Thread is Open)

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I was as hopeful as anyone that Beck would be at least a serviceable QB, if not an upgrade over Rex. But my take after watching yesterday's performance is that what happened to Rex is weighing on Beck as he's playing like a guy who is afraid to make a mistake and therefore takes no chances at all. After not having had an opportunity (except on one of the worst teams in NFL history in the 2007 Dolphins), Beck finally gets his chance, but only after Rex throws a bunch of terrible picks. So Beck figures if he can throw high percentage, short passes, avoid the INTs, they'll be able to generate enough offense to keep him in as the starter. So he doesn't look down the field, doesn't look for crossing routes, and tries to unload the ball as quickly as possible (which, given the drubbing by the Bills, is somewhat understandable).

But the problem is that no one is afraid that he can pick anyone apart. That the 49er safties were positioned for pass plays like they were run plays says a lot. No fear that the passing game is a real threat, and it surely isn't. The real elite QBs in this league walk onto the field thinking, "I am going to light you up." Beck walks onto the field thinking, "Please don't light me up." And it shows.