Rex Grossman values bond with Santana Moss

Washington Redskins quarterback Rex Grossman on Friday praised the play of Santana Moss, calling the veteran receiver “a quarterback’s best friend.”

On Monday, Grossman said that the success he had against the Steelers came thanks largely to the bond he has with both Moss – Grossman’s favorite target during the three games he started last season – and the team’s other veteran receiver, Jabar Gaffney – Grossman’s former University of Florida teammate.

“I trust them both, a lot,” Grossman said. “Santana has a way of separating from defenders and knowing when to sit down on an option route. … Jabar is a savvy vet. As soon as he started as a freshman at Florida, you could tell he had that ‘it’ factor. He still has it and is a great receiver.”

Moss on Friday caught seven of the nine passes Grossman threw his way (the two non-catches being an overthrow and an underthrow from the quarterback) for 64 yards and a touchdown. Gaffney, meanwhile, caught all five passes that came his way while accumulating 38 receiving yards.

All told, 14 Grossman passes went to either Moss or Gaffney. He spread his other 12 pass attempts around to six receivers. Four of those leftover 12 went to Anthony Armstrong, whom Grossman praised as an explosive, big-play threat.

The quarterback admitted he has something special with Moss and Gaffney, however.

“I can trust that they will separate from defenders,” Grossman said. “It allows me to anticipate some throws. You don’t have to see them get open. You can trust that they’re going to do what they have to do and beat the defender. It creates a passing lane. In the NFL, it’s about anticipating your throws. Those two guys, and our entire receiving corps, are doing a great job.”

The big question: Is the connection Grossman has with Moss and Gaffney is enough to give him an edge over John Beck in the starting quarterback competition, or can Beck develop a similar bond?

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(washingtonpost.com)