The Redskins' 28-14 win over the New York Giants was aided by a strong performance by quarterback Rex Grossman and improved options in the passing game.
Grossman completed passes to six different receivers in the face of intense pressure from a strong Giants defensive front.
"I thought Rex played an excellent game," head coach Mike Shanahan said. "There was a lot of pressure up front – they are a very talented football team. It's extremely hard to get big plays in the passing game against a defensive front that puts a lot of pressure on the quarterback."
Grossman completed 21-of-34 passes for 305 yards and two touchdowns. He finished the day with a 110.5 quarterback rating, his highest since Dec. 11, 2006.
The Redskins' offense had success running the ball in the first half while the passing game really took flight in the second half.
The Redskins' touchdown drive midway through the fourth quarter sealed the win for Washington.
On that drive, Grossman went 5-for-7 for 53 yards, connecting with four different receivers.
"When you incorporate all those guys like Rex was doing – he was just hitting everybody," tight end Fred Davis said. "Whoever was open, he was hitting them."
Davis was the team's top receiver in the game, finishing with five receptions for a career-high 105 yards. Three of his receptions converted third downs.
Davis said that the team has rallied around Grossman as the team's field general. Grossman won the Redskins' quarterback job last week after a preseason competition with John Beck.
"Rex had great composure today," Davis said. "He was hit and sacked a few times and he was still able to throw the ball well. I think he had a pretty good game."
Added Anthony Armstrong: "I think the comfort level is there with Rex. Having been in the system for so long, he has just been able to execute. He's more precise with his decision-making. He's quicker. It's showing on the field."
Grossman stared down pressure from the Giants' defensive front and blitzers all game and he was sacked four times.
Grossman, however, credited his protection scheme for a good game and blamed himself for some mistakes.
"I thought [my line] did a great job – that's a good defensive front," Grossman said. "A lot of those sacks were my fault. They did a great job battling and stuck with it."
