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WASHINGTON (AP) It's been nine years since the Washington Redskins had this kind of suspense entering the final preseason game.

In 2002, Steve Spurrier's first season, the coach waited until the final exhibition was over to declare that Shane Matthews had won the starting quarterback job over Danny Wuerffel.

Neither one had played well. Matthews came out on top despite throwing five interceptions in six quarters during the preseason. It's worth noting that Matthews, Wuerffel and Patrick Ramsey all ended up starting before the 7-9 season was over.

Mike Shanahan is letting the race go down to the wire this year, but at least his charges have proved worthy of the competition. Both John Beck and Rex Grossman have played well. Any slip-up in the preseason finale Thursday night against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could be decisive.

"It's very close," offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan said. "They both have done a good job and had good numbers. When we review the tape, it's pretty neck-and-neck."

The Buccaneers and Redskins are taking totally different approaches to the game that, under normal circumstances, is the most meaningless one on a team's NFL schedule. Tampa Bay coach Raheem Morris says his defensive starters will play "absolutely not one snap" against the Redskins. Quarterback Josh Freeman will sit out as well. Other starters will play sparingly, if at all.

The only suspense from the Buccaneers' standpoint concerns the players on the bubble, who get a final chance to earn a spot on the 53-man roster that will face the Detroit Lions in the regular season opener on Sept. 11.

"We're stacking the bottom of our roster in Washington," Morris said. "After we get the bottom of our roster stacked and our team put together and our practice squad filled out, then the coaches will already be ready to deal with Detroit and moving on to what we'll be going to do in Week 1."

Mike Shanahan took that approach last year. The Redskins sat all 22 starters for the final exhibition game and gave them a head start studying the Week 1 opponent.

For 2011, he's done a 180. He feels his starters need the extra work to make up for the lost offseason practices caused by the NFL lockout. He's treating this week the same as last week - as another dress rehearsal for all.

"It's different than usual," Kyle Shanahan said. "It's the fourth preseason game, and we have not been playing football that long. The more playing time (for starters) is where I think it changes a little bit."

Plus, there's that quarterback competition to decide. The entire team is anxious to know the outcome, although it's a story line they're happy to follow. After all, this time last year the team was dealing with something more disconcerting - the various misadventures of Albert Haynesworth.

"We had plenty of drama last year," receiver Anthony Armstrong said, "so trying to figure out who's our quarterback is, is really not too much. But it'll be good to know."

Joseph White can be reached at http://twitter.com/JGWhiteAP

The Redskins finish the preseason at home against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Redskins plan on playing QBs Grossman and Beck for significant minutes once again despite it being a 4th preseason game. Also, with the added depth at many positions this year, many players are still fighting for a spot.

You can listen to the game exclusively on the Redskins Radio Network and ESPN 980 - the flagship radio station for the Redskins.

Starting at 3:30pm, the official Redskins Radio pregame coverage will begin on ESPN 980 and ESPN980.com.

Then come kickoff, stay tuned for the exclusive play-by-play of the Washington Redskins on ESPN 980 on the radio on three dials: 94.3FM, 92.7FM, and 980AM. You can also hear Redskins play-by-play exclusively online at ESPN980.com.

Hall of Famers Sonny Jurgensen and Sam Huff will give you color commentary as Larry Michael, the official voice of the Redskins, does the play-by-play. Reporting from the sidelines during the preseason will be Chris Russell. You can also catch other exclusive behind-the-scenes action and commentary with Doc Walker here on the Redskins Portal.

Then, after the game stay tuned for the official Redskins Radio postgame show with Al Galdi - host of Sports Saturday on ESPN 980. Al will take your calls in rapid fire fashion for instant reaction as he begins to breakdown the game's critical moments.

LOUDOUN COUNTY, Va. – The Washington Redskins set another ratings record Thursday night, receiving the highest preseason ratings in team history during the team’s nationally televised game against the Baltimore Ravens.

The broadcast posted an 18.7 preliminary combined overnight household rating in the Washington D.C. market area, beating the team’s previous record of 16.3, set in the preseason opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Aug. 12. The game also received a 30 share, tying the team’s previous record. The broadcast had a 12.8 rating for males aged 18-to-49, as well as a 14.2 rating for males aged 25-to-54, both team highs.

Each rating point represents a percent of the estimated television households in the market area watching the broadcast, while the share is the percentage of televisions in use that are tuned to the game.

Through three games, the Redskins are averaging a 16.1 household rating, the highest preseason average in team history.

“The entire Redskins organization continues to be thankful for the incredible support of Redskins fans,” Redskins spokesman Tony Wyllie said. “We appreciate the continued strength and dedication of Redskins Nation.”

The Redskins’ next broadcast is Thursday, Sept. 1, as the Redskins close the preseason at home against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on WRC-TV (NBC 4) and Comcast SportsNet.

Today on the show I asked the following question--"How many games did you think the Redskins would win before the preseason began and how many games do you think they'll win now after seeing two preseason games?"

I asked that people respond by calling the show, emailing the show, and via twitter @kevins980. Here are the results.

SPORTS FIX--REDSKINS OPTIMISM SURVEY

Question:
How many games did you think the Redskins would win before the preseason began and how many games do you think they'll win now after seeing two preseason games?

Responses:
80.6% responded that they now believe the Redskins WILL WIN AT LEAST ONE MORE GAME than they thought before seeing the first two preseason games.
16.2% responded that they now believe the Redskins WILL WIN THE SAME # OF GAMES they thought before seeing the first two preseason games.
3.2% responded that they now believe the Redskins WILL LOSE AT LEAST ONE MORE GAME than they thought before seeing the first two preseason games.

Notes:
1. 2.16= the average number of additional wins expected by respondants now as compared to before seeing the first two preseason games.
2. Of the 80.6% that responded that they now believe the Redskins WILL WIN AT LEAST ONE MORE GAME....
----31.7% said exactly one game better
----25.0% said exactly two games better
----18.0% said exactly three games better
----11.7% said exactly four games better
----3.6% said exactly five games better
----3.1% said exactly six games better
----2.7% said seven games better
----2.6% said eight games better
----1.6% said nine or more games better

The Redskins head to Baltimore to fight the Ravens for their 3rd preseason game - and what is typically the most important for teams across the NFL.

The Redskins are in the middle of a QB competition and many players are still jostling to make the team or increase their stock on the depth chart. Listen to the game exclusively on the Redskins Radio Network and ESPN 980 - the flagship radio station for the Redskins.

Starting at 4pm on Thursday, the official Redskins Radio pregame coverage will begin on ESPN 980 and ESPN980.com. The game is presented by your local Ford Dealer.

Then come kickoff, stay tuned for the exclusive play-by-play of the Washington Redskins on ESPN 980 on the radio on three dials: 94.3FM, 92.7FM, and 980AM. You can also hear Redskins play-by-play exclusively online at ESPN980.com.

Hall of Famers Sonny Jurgensen and Sam Huff will give you color commentary as Larry Michael, the official voice of the Redskins, does the play-by-play. Reporting from the sidelines during the preseason will be Chris Russell. You can also catch other exclusive behind-the-scenes action here on the Redskins Portal.

Then, after the game stay tuned for the official Redskins Radio postgame show with Al Galdi - host of Sports Saturday on ESPN 980. Al will take your calls in rapid fire fashion for instant reaction as he begins to breakdown the game's critical moments.

Solid.

That's the only way to describe John Beck's performance in his first start as an NFL QB since 2007 - when he was a rookie with a then very bad Miami Dolphins team that finished 1-15.

Completing 14/17 passes for 140 yards and running twice for 17 total yards, Beck led the Redskins to scores on their first four possessions.

Yes, only one of those scores was a TD, and yes Beck gave up a couple of sacks in the red zone which helped stall the Redskins,  but John Beck's efficient management of the offense, accuracy, and mobility contributed to long drives and a lobsided time of possesion of 23:07 in the first half that led to 16 1st-half points in a game that finished 16-3.

A week after a good performance from Rex Grossman against the Steelers, the pressure and hype surrounding John Beck's shining moment and debut had reached a surprising level considering it was just preseason - but in reality, there was a lot riding on this performance.

Ever since John Beck was the first signed of the Redskins quarterbacks last year (before McNabb and Grossman), the Shanahans have touted Beck as a capable player and starter. Head Coach Mike Shanahan stated his reputation on it. Kyle Shanahan reportedly stood on a table vouching for Beck years ago during pre-NFL draft meetings in Texas. And John Beck, himself, spoke with a air of confidence all summer long that almost seemed unjustified considering his 4-year sabbatical from real play on the field.

Not only did John Beck play well for himself, as he ratches up a couple notches the competition with Grossman for starting QB, but he made his coaches look good. All the positive comments regarding Beck by Mike and Kyle Shanahan seem to be justified. In time, those comments may seem genius.

In John Beck's personal narrative, Indianapolis - the site of this year's Super Bowl - may be where the Return of Beck begins.

That said, Grossman has his own redemption story he wants to write so the next chapter should be equally interesting as the Redskins head to Baltimore next week for their 3rd preseason bout with the Ravens.

This game will probably be the final round of the Grossman vs. Beck QB competition to see who starts the regular season opener versus the Giants on September 11th.

Right now, it seems that Beck may have the edge. The competition may already be over.

The competition begins in Indianapolis.

After a summer of positive talk, leadership during unofficial practices, a groin pull, and one preseason game, John Beck will finally take the helm as starting QB to prove to the coaching staff, fellow teammates, and fans alike - that he, and not Rex Grossman, should be the #1 guy to start for the Redskins come regular season.

Most pro-Beck/anti-Grossman fans will contend that you know what you have with Grossman. Up until now, one of the greatest arguments for Beck has been the mystery factor. His upside is unknown; his peak abilities are a secret.

Rex Grossman, however, would certainly argue with the premise of this argument: that he can't improve. Grossman proved his critics wrong in the preseason opener, but he'll clearly need to do much more to earn the respect he wants.

And that's why there's certainly a bit of intrigue surrounding this preseason game - because the secret of Beck will finally begin to unveil itself and the Grossman vs. Beck competition will finally be in full swing.

If Beck out-performs Grossman Friday night, the needle will tilt in Beck's favor obviously.

If Beck and Grossman play equally well (or worse), then a tie may still go in Beck's favor.

If, however, Beck crumbles under the bright lights and Grossman gives another solid performance, then perhaps the Shanahans' master plan may be in a bit of a quandary.

Either way, preseason is very relevant for the Redskins, Grossman, and Beck - and could signal either the beginning of redemption (for Grossman), the beginning of an era (with Beck), or time to kill until next season with both of them.

Twitter Handle: @TheEnzone

The Redskins visit the Colts for their second preseason game with John Beck set to start. It should be an interesting QB duel with Beck and Grossman and ESPN 980 will be covering it LIVE from Indianapolis.

Starting at 3pm on Friday, the official Redskins Radio pregame coverage will begin on ESPN 980 and ESPN980.com - the official flagship radio station home for your Washington Redskins.

Then come kickoff, stay tuned for the exclusive play-by-play of the Washington Redskins on ESPN 980 on the radio on three dials: 94.3FM, 92.7FM, and 980AM. You can also hear Redskins play-by-play exclusively online at ESPN980.com.

Hall of Famers Sonny Jurgensen and Sam Huff will give you color commentary as Larry Michael, the official voice of the Redskins, does the play-by-play. Reporting from the sidelines during the preseason will be Chris Russell. You can also catch other exclusive behind-the-scenes action here on the Redskins Portal.

Then, after the game stay tuned for the official Redskins Radio postgame show with Al Galdi - host of Sports Saturday on ESPN 980. Al will take your calls in rapid fire fashion for instant reaction as he begins to breakdown the game's critical moments.

The Redskins won their 1st preseason game 16-7 over the Steeler at FedEx Field Friday night.

Listen to Doc Walker's immediate postgame reaction and breakdown of the game.

About Rick "Doc" Walker

Doc Walker is a Super Bowl Champ and former Redskin. He is the co-host of The John Thompson Show on ESPN 980 (M-F 2-4pm). You can also catch Doc all year long on Redskins Radio as he reports from the sidelines and watch exclusive videos of Doc posted on gamedays here in the Redskins Portal and in ESPN 980's facebook page.

1. This is the preseason.

The Skins began the 2010 preseason with a 42-17 win over Buffalo.  They went 6-10 that regular season.  The Skins went 4-1 during the 2002 preseason, including a 38-7 ripping of San Francisco in Osaka and a 40-10 win at Tampa Bay.  They went 7-9 that regular season.  Everything we see (good and bad) until the regular season needs to be taken with healthy skepticism.


2. No significant injuries were suffered, but the injury front is far from empty.

Head coach Mike Shanahan revealed after the game that tight end Chris Cooley’s ailing knee has been drained of fluid several times and that Cooley is expected to miss at least the next few weeks.  Also, running back Ryan Torain said he does not expect to immediately return to practice from his fractured hand.  The Skins played this game without a number of other key injured players: quarterback John Beck (groin), receiver Malcolm Kelly (foot), offensive lineman Artis Hicks (concussion), and safeties Oshiomogho Atogwe (hamstring), LaRon Landry (Achilles tendon) and Kareem Moore (knee).


3. Rex Grossman played very well and has established a significant lead in the battle for the starting quarterback job, though by no means has he clinched it.

Grossman completed 19 of 26 passes for 207 yards, including an eight-yard touchdown pass to receiver Santana Moss (game-high seven catches) in the second quarter, a play on which Grossman recovered nicely from a bad snap.  Grossman was in rhythm and, as seen over the final three games of last season, ran the offense in quick-tempo fashion, though admittedly Skins starters played far longer than Steelers starters.  He still lacks arm strength and mobility, and the penchant for the turnover remains despite him not committing one in this game (a second-quarter pass perhaps could’ve been picked off by linebacker Larry Foote).  But Grossman deserves credit for his performance, and Beck has some catching up to do.


4. Grossman wasn’t the only Skin who established a sizable lead in his competition.

Receiver Brandon Banks shined for a second consecutive preseason opener (77-yard punt return for a touchdown in the blowout of the Bills in 2010), registering a 58-yard kickoff return (despite taking the ball out while perhaps seven yards deep in the end zone) in the second quarter and a 19-yard punt return in the first quarter.  Rookie receiver Aldrick Robinson muffed two punt returns in the third quarter.  Receiver Terrence Austin did have a 19-yard punt return in the fourth quarter.

Kicker Graham Gano went 3-for-3 on field goals of 32, 34 and 45 yards.  Shayne Graham went 0-for-2 on field goal tries of 29 and 49 yards.


5. The Skins’ offensive line played well.

The Skins did not allow a sack and rushed for 140 yards on 35 carries (4.0 yards per carry).  Skins offensive linemen did not commit a penalty.


6. Other Skins who shined:

Linebacker London Fletcher had two tackles during the game-opening drive, during which he also provided pressure on corner Kevin Barnes’ sack.

Barnes had a team-high five tackles, including the sack off a corner blitz from the slot.

Defensive lineman Stephen Bowen came in unblocked on a first-quarter sack.

Rookie linebacker Ryan Kerrigan was far from perfect but stuffed running back Mewelde (meh-WEHL-dee) Moore for a one-yard loss in the second quarter.  Kerrigan had help from nose tackle Barry Cofield on the play.

Linebacker Rocky McIntosh had a nice pass defended on Moore in the second quarter.

Rookie safety DeJon Gomes tackled running back Jonathan Dwyer for a three-yard loss in the third quarter and had a sack for a 15-yard loss in the fourth quarter.

Running back Tim Hightower had 10 carries for 44 yards.

Rookie running back Evan Royster had 15 carries for 66 yards.

Receiver Jabar Gaffney had five catches for 38 yards.

Receiver Anthony Armstrong had three catches for 32 yards.

Receiver Terrence Austin had two catches for 46 yards (including a 38-yard reception) and the 19-yard punt return.


7. The Skins’ performance was remarkably clean.

Despite the lack of OTAs and minicamps due to the lockout, the Skins committed just three penalties, did not commit a turnover and did not allow a sack.


8. The Skins dominated the game statistically.

The Skins outgained the Steelers 452-186.  The Skins had 27 first downs to the Steelers’ 12.  The Skins had the ball for 39:25.  The Steelers had the ball for 20:35.  The Skins had 78 total offensive plays to the Steelers’ 48.


9. Given the statistical domination, the 16 points scored were disappointing.

The Skins went just 1-for-5 in the red zone.  They went three-and-out after Banks’ 58-yard kickoff return.


10. Other things to complain about in addition to the performances of Robinson and Graham and the lack of scoring:

Skins secondary members were twice beaten deep on overthrows by Steelers quarterbacks.  Corner Josh Wilson and safety Chris Horton seemed to have a miscommunication on a Ben Roethlisberger overthrow to receiver Mike Wallace on the game-opening drive and corner DeAngelo Hall was beaten by receiver Antonio Brown on a Byron Lefwich first-quarter overthrow.  Wilson and Horton had Brown between them on a 29-yard reception in the second quarter.  And Horton missed on a tackle during running back Isaac Redman’s 22-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.

Rookie receiver Leonard Hankerson had a bad drop in the fourth quarter.

Tight end Mike Sellers committed a false-start penalty in the fourth quarter.  A guy on the bubble can’t afford to make a mistake like that.

Sav Rocca averaged just 36 yards (28.8 net) on four punts.