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Chris Cooley, the sometimes out-spoken starting tight-end for the Redskins is at it again.

Kind of.

Cooley, speaks honestly – which I have no problem with, and generally doesn’t say out-landish or off-the-wall, but his latest as a guest on the “NFL Network” is confusing to say the least, and lacks a little bit of rational thought in my opinion.

Cooley’s comments on the Redskins quarterback situation, are summed up nicely here http://bit.ly/jRIF0T via CSNWashington.com – and while I understand he is speaking with some uncertainty as to what will shake out after the labor situation is resolved, the biggest issue I have – really has very little to do with that.

Cooley said, “You can definitely look at John (Beck) and say he’s No.1, but that’s basically a process of elimination. He’s the only guy on the roster. Obviously, we’re going to have to bring someone else in.”

Prior to that, Cooley talked accurately about Rex Grossman wanting to be back and participating in the players-only practices, as well as the bleak future for Donovan McNabb.

I get all of that – however – what I don’t get is this. Cooley’s comments come off making Beck look bad – even though I am sure that was not Cooley’s intentions.

It makes it look like the Redskins are desperate (maybe they are) and that Beck is only getting a chance because it is a hopeless situation. In other words, the quarterback situation is a disaster.

The other issue and my focus – is Cooley saying “obviously, we’re going to have to bring someone else in.”

Cooley explained further on ‘NFL Network,’ saying “obviously, they passed on a lot of guys that they had a chance to draft, so either they really like John Beck and Rex Grossman or they have someone else in mind.”

OK then, as Cooley said – package ‘A’ is the “Rexy and Becksy” tag-team duo, and that obviously is understandable and makes complete sense. Everybody knows the Redskins will have to provide Beck with a legitimate challenger, and the one that makes the most sense is Grossman. It’s not what the fans want, but it’s the most realistic.

The other scenario is, Cooley said the Redskins might have to bring in a veteran quarterback that is a free-agent, like a Matthew Hasselbeck or a Marc Bulger type.

Working with that theory – I just don’t get it. The Redskins can not afford to bring in a veteran quarterback, a mercenary, a hired gun – with any intention of playing him during the early part of the season. Can they?

It backfired miserably last year, when Donovan McNabb clearly could not get comfortable with the offensive terminology and the execution of Kyle and Mike Shanahan’s system.

Cooley admitted that as well, saying in part, “it was apparent right away, it was going to be a big job for him to take on.”

I agree completely with that. It was very difficult for McNabb, who was completely lost at times, according to sources inside the organization. With that being the truth, how in the world could anyone – least of all – Mike Shanahan - want to go potentially through that again?

Keep in mind, the new quarterback would have no off-season or organized team activities to learn and digest the system. Donovan McNabb struggled with the terminology and execution with a full off-season (mini-camps, OTA’s, etc)

Taking it one step further – if the Shanahan’s brought in a new signal-caller – they would basically be saying “anybody can pick up this system, it’s not hard at all” and that would really make McNabb look terrible.

It would also be a huge mistake. Sorry, I don’t believe that Donovan McNabb was an idiot and couldn’t learn the system. I have talked with Rex Grossman and John Beck at length and it takes months of practicing and studying to really get a good grasp of it.

Beck, told me in January – he would feel much more comfortable with the system if he had a complete off-season with it, and that’s basically what Rex said as well.

Rex did have that after being with Kyle Shanahan in Houston in 2009 and then following the offensive coordinator to Washington, which gave Grossman a huge advantage. Beck still has not had anything close, arriving during training camp last August and obviously doing whatever he can on his own during the last few months.

So are Beck and Rex slow in picking up the system as well? Or is it legitimate to think it takes a while to be comfortable? I could be wrong – but I think everyone on the Redskins offense that was here last year – will benefit greatly this season, because they are more comfortable with every facet of the scheme.

For those that are clamoring for a new veteran quarterback, you have to think about the risks involved. If you are bringing in a proven guy, you are not signing him to slowly develop.

Mike Shanahan was able to do that with John Beck, a guy he coveted out of BYU – because he valued Beck differently then Baltimore or Miami – under Bill Parcells did.

If Shanahan brings in competition that is unfamiliar with the scheme – you put yourself in a position to grow slowly or even get worse.

A distinct possibility, if you think rationally – like I hope I am doing.

- Chris Russell // RussellC@Redskins.com // www.twitter.com/russellmania980

So that's what it is supposed to look like. Alright - maybe that's a huge reach, but at least it was something.The Redskins held a players-only practice at anundisclosed Northern Virginia location on Tuesday and had over 40 players (old and new) attend.

It was the first of three sessions this week -- and it felt like training camp (kind of) because of the early morning heat.

That's about the only comparisons you can make when it comes to  what Redskins players tried to do on their own, as opposed to what normally happens this time of the year.

No helmets, no shells, obviously no pads, no jerseys, and perhaps -- more important -- no coaches.

I'll seperate this post, in to a few categories. The impressive; the not-so impressive; and a grouping I'll call "how can it get better."

First the impressive -- from Tuesday.

1. Rex Grossman showed good velocity, good spin on his throws, and pretty good accuracy overall -- with no pass rush and a vanilla defense in 7-on-7 situations. Grossman, hooked up with #1 target (for now) Anthony Armstrong in stride on the far side of the field and also hit Brandon Banks on a perfect sideline out route.

2. Fred Davis lost 10 + pounds, and told us he changed his eating habits and doesn't drink alcohol as much. Obviously, he had the one off-season incident a few months ago, so maybe that was the wake up call he needed. Davis caught everything I saw thrown towards him, with the exception of one deep post that he had to stretch out a good deal for.

3. Terrence Austin as usual jumped out to me. I know he is challenged size wise, and might not be as explosive as you would like -- but last year in camp and in the preseason, plus the limited opportunities in the regular season, and again on Tuesday -- the 2nd year UCLA product always does something to make me go hmmmm. In a good way. He catches everything and from my view, always runs polished routes.

Now the "not-so impressive"

1. John Beck - as you may have read already - was throwing some wobbly footballs and looked tired. Perhaps, it was the fact that his flight did not arrive according to Beck until the wee hours of Tuesday morning, from his off-season home in San Diego. On one particular throw, right in front of the assembled media -- Beck threw a ugly duckling that was easily picked off by CB Kevin Barnes.

2. I know they all have their reasons -- but it bothers me and I am sure others -- that Donovan McNabb, Albert Haynesworth, Santana Moss, Carlos Rogers, Phillip Buchanon, OJ Atogwe, LaRon Landry,  Trent Williams, Phillip Daniels, Adam Carriker, Reed Doughty, Robert Henson, Nick Sundberg, Graham Gano, Artis Hicks, Jammal Brown, Stephon Heyer, Jarvis Jenkins and Aldrick Robinson (am I missing anyone?) did not make it.

I understand the free agents to some degree, but Rex Grossman and Rocky McIntosh are both in that situation and getting work in.

Vacations I suppose, could have been pre-planned -- but a lot of these players that I mentioned -- did not show up to the first workouts. Some of them have perfectly legitimate family reasons such as Doughty and Carriker, who both became new fathers recently -- but where are the other guys? It's not mandatory obviously, but would have been nice.

Now "how can it get better"

1. If/when the Redskins players do this next month, because the lockout is still in place while we are awaiting the final decision of the 8th circuit,they might want to consider hiring a couple of officials and perhaps, even going so far -- to hire an out-of-work coach or a quarterbacks coach like George Whitfield, who directly worked with Cam Newton and Ben Roethlisberger. Terry Shea would have been a perfect choice, but he is now assisting the Virginia Destroyers in the UFL. Just a thought.

2. DeMaurice Smith, the so-called NFLPA Executive Director showed up -- and chose not to talk to the media -- but did update the Redskins players the current status of the NFL's labor situation. It would have been nice to give us some time to ask a few questions, but more important --it would be really nice if De Smith spent more time trying to hammer out a new deal, instead of making bombastic statements like he often does or using every bit of leverage to force litigation, instead of negotiation.

Maybe then -- we would be at Redskins Park -- with helmets, shells, jerseys, a full team and oh yeah -- the coaches.

- Chris Russell // RussellC@Redskins.com // www.twitter.com/russellmania980 // www.twitter.com/espnradio980

How will the Redskins Quarterback battle play out? Nobody knows for sure, but I'm guessing -- a lot of the decision will be made between 10:30 and 11:30 every morning after practice. (Don't worry, I'll explain)

'Sexy Rexy' or Rex Grossman, took his step up to the plate on Wednesday afternoon, just like John Beck has a few times of late, and hit a home-run.

Good for Grossman, who appeared on the "Sports Fix" on ESPN-980 on Wednesday to chime in on the recently anointed King of Washington DC, John Beck, (I am guilty of it to a large degree) and the "Donovan Disaster" as I like to call it -- along with what he feels his own chances are to be brought back (he is an unrestricted free agent) to the Redskins; as either a starter or a # 2 signal-caller.

Here's my spin -- obviously Rex is more familiar with the terminology of the offense, because he has been absorbed in it for two full years with the benefit of having played three full games at the end of last year, and a full off-season  last year, partially in Houston & partially in Washington.

He is supposedly "Kyle's guy" for whatever that means -- where as Beck is thought of -- as "Mike's man" because of how the head coach threw down lavish praise, which was slightly out of character for the normally reserved and measured head coach of the Redskins.

Either way, this is not getting settled now. It's not going to get settled before a new labor agreement, and even if/when -- one of the two distinguishes himself to win the starting job in Week 1  -- it is highly unlikely that ONE guy will take all or most of the snaps. It just isn't going to work that way.

The bottom line is this -- assuming that Grossman resigns --  to which he said "We had positive discussions. My agent had talked to Bruce Allen and things never evolved into a contract, but it was positive. I’m not quite sure what all that means, but I’m assuming it’s all good," we have a major quarterback drama on our hands in training camp.

With the complete zoo and circus that Redskins Park has become over the last two seasons, we really haven't had a true battle for the starting quarterback job in training camp. Donovan McNabb was the clear-cut choice last year, Jason Campbell had a firm grip on the job -- even in Jim Zorn's final year, after the Redskins tried to trade for Jay Cutler and draft Mark Sanchez.

In other words, it's been way too long since we had a quarterback saga in the searing heat. Remember, last year -- the soap opera did not really start until late October and then of course, went full throttle in December.

Grossman was asked on ESPN-980 what he believes and was forthright, "I definitely feel like I’m the starter, but I’m not even signed yet so I’m assuming a lot of things here."

The bottom-line is no decision is going to be made by Mike Shanahan for a long time. He might be leaning towards Beck, at least publicly, but the proof should be in the pudding.

The Redskins probably will have four pre-season games to get a good look -- and the job will probably go to the best and most consistent performer.

However, don't be fooled by just what you see in the games. Obviously -- what Mike and Kyle Shanahan see in practice will count just as much, if not more then what you will see on your TV.

Last training camp, Shanahan would go back and pour over the 'main' practice tape from the morning session to gather his thoughts and get a better feel for what he saw with his eyes -- before even speaking with the media.

If you don't think this staff takes every snap (public and not public) seriously - you are nuts. The decision is very likely to be befuddling one way or the other -- when it is made for Week 1. The reason I say that -- is it probably will come down to something technical that even the trained every day eye of the media does not see, or something hidden in the tape.

For my two cents - I believe that Grossman has the slight edge going in too camp, because of his experience overall in the NFL, playing time last year and extensive familiarity with the terminology of Kyle Shanahan's offense.

I think there is a better then even chance that Grossman actually IS the man under center when the Redskins finally play for real, hopefully on September 11.

However, my guess is - Rex who has always struggled taking care of the football -- if you combine interceptions and fumbles -- along with his lack of mobility and an offense that will take a while to gel (because of young receivers and running backs) -- will NOT be the starter after the Redskins visit the St. Louis Rams in early October, and then hit the bye week.

That's when the John Beck era, for better or worse, begins.

**For more on Grossman's appearance on ESPN-980 on Wednesday -- the following links from Redskins official blogger Matt Terl (http://redsk.in/iI01Uy),
Pro Football Talk (http://bit.ly/iSd3IR), The Washington Times' Rich Campbell (http://bit.ly/jdjlI9), The Washington Examiner's John Keim (http://bit.ly/lCYbAP) and the Washington Post's Cindy Boren (http://wapo.st/mHujmq) should take care of you.

**Congrats all around to Redskins Safety Reed Doughty who published the following on his twitter account Wednesday;
"RT @doughty37 :Baby boy 3 is here. Samuel James Doughty. 8lb 7oz born 4:05pm. Both mom and baby are healthy, praise God!"

**Also - the #16 pick overall and the Redskins choice to book-end on the pass rush with Brian Orakpo -- Ryan Kerrigan had a pretty good day on the golf course. Kerrigan tweeted the following; "RT @RyanKerrigan94 -  Just aced hole #7 at the Players' Club in Muncie! HOLE IN ONE!!!! #ACE!!! http://yfrog.com/h3akuekj

**Hope to see everybody at the 4th Annual "True Heroes" Charity Golf Tournament on Thursday at Evergreen Country Club in Haymarket, VA. The event, benefits the great people at the Military Order of the Purple Heart Service Foundation (www.purpleheart.org). I will be co-hosting the "Sports Reporters" show with Andy Pollin from 4-7. Can't wait! If you can't be with us in person for this great event, please listen right here on www.espn980.com

-Chris Russell // RussellC@Redskins.com // www.twitter.com/russellmania09

They must love John Beck.  That's the obvious answer to the Skins' decision to pass on a quarterback in the draft.  However, deep breath....I'm not jumping completely to that conclusion quite yet.  Shanahan had glowing remarks yesterday when asked about Beck.  "Highest rated quarterback on my board in 2007.  I've got a lot of confidence in John Beck."  He also said that they have a quarterback plan that he won't discuss but all options are open including free agency and undrafted rookie free agency.  Shanahan is a tough read so let's consider the facts we know to be true and then speculate on the rest of it.

Fact...they traded for Beck and gave him a longer-term deal than the one he had.  Fact...Shanahan said he was the highest rated QB on his Denver board in 2007.  Fact...Shanahan emphasised that he has all the things you look for including "loves football" and "first guy in, last to leave" and "gives you something with his 4.65 speed that others don't".  Fact...he's the only QB on the roster that is likely to be here next year that is currently under contract.  Fact....they didn't draft a quarterback with 12 opportunites to do so!

Speculation...their plan all along was to sign someone in free agency, maybe Marc Bulger.  Speculation....their plan all along was to take Locker or Ponder at #10 or further back after trading down but they didn't have the chance to do it when Tennessee took Locker and Minnesota shocked everyone by taking Ponder at #12.  Speculation....their plan all along was to take Dalton or Kapernick in the 2nd round at #41 or trade up if they had to but no trades were available.  Speculation....Grossman is their guy.  Speculation....McNabb is coming back (no chance).  Speculation....they didn't like any of the quarterbacks in this draft, they don't like any free agents so they'll go with Grossman or Beck in 2011 and select a QB next year when the draft is expected be QB-rich with Luck, Barkley, Landry, etc.

It's wait and see time.  Next up, free agency whenever it happens and the conclusion to the McNabb saga.  We'll know much more by then.