2006 Season Overview and Role
In 2006, Rex Grossman served as the starting quarterback for the Washington Redskins, a change from 2005 when he shared snaps. The move aimed to stabilize a position that had seen volatility in prior years. Grossman entered the season under heightened expectations, tasked with leading an offense that had struggled with consistency. This context is essential to interpreting his 2006 stats, as starting duties typically inflate volume and exposure. His performance would be evaluated not only on raw numbers but on efficiency, decision-making, and team success within a challenging NFC East.
Key 2006 Regular Season Statistics
Below are Rex Grossman’s verified 2006 regular season statistics as recorded by official NFL and Pro Football Reference sources. The table lists standard passing metrics alongside team context, enabling direct comparison with league averages and prior seasons.
| Metric | 2006 Value | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Team | Washington Redskins | Official NFL |
| Position | QB | Official NFL |
| Games Played | 16 | Pro Football Reference |
| Games Started | 16 | Pro Football Reference |
| Passing Completions | 279 | Pro Football Reference |
| Passing Attempts | 476 | Pro Football Reference |
| Completion Percentage | 58.6% | Pro Football Reference |
| Passing Yards | 3,184 | Pro Football Reference |
| Passing TDs | 21 | Pro Football Reference |
| Interceptions | 12 | Pro Football Reference |
| TD–INT Ratio | 1.75 | Calculated |
| Net Yards per Attempt (NY/A) | 6.7 | Pro Football Reference |
| Quarterback Rating (RTG) | 86.9 | Pro Football Reference |
2006 Game-by-Game Snapshot (Highlight Weeks)
Selected high-impact games from 2006 illustrate how Grossman’s performance varied week to week:
- Week 2 vs. NY Giants: 22/35, 246 yds, 2 TD, 0 INT, 119.8 QB Rating
- Week 6 at Eagles: 17/33, 187 yds, 1 TD, 2 INT, 66.9 QB Rating
- Week 12 vs. Cowboys: 19/31, 221 yds, 2 TD, 1 INT, 99.3 QB Rating
- Week 17 vs. Giants: 20/38, 217 yds, 2 TD, 0 INT, 99.1 QB Rating
Contextualizing the 2006 Numbers
Grossman’s completion percentage of 58.6% was near the league average for starting quarterbacks that year, suggesting efficient ball security but limited downfield aggression on deep shots. His 6.7 net yards per attempt indicated a conservative approach, typical of a team balancing its run game and short-to-intermediate passing concepts. A 21 touchdown pass total reflects a modest red-zone presence without overreliance on the air raid. The 12 interceptions—while not alarmingly high—were above what elite quarterbacks of the era averaged, pointing to occasional forced throws and situational misreads. These patterns align with a team prioritizing ball control and field position rather than explosive scoring outputs.
Offensive Scheme and Team Dynamics
Washington’s 2006 offensive scheme under head coach Joe Gibbs emphasized a multiple-front attack with a strong running game, designed to take pressure off Grossman. With a capable running back tandem and a tight end group that presented intermediate threats, Grossman had reliable safety valves that kept the offense moving methodically. This context helps explain completion-heavy stats and a lower interception rate in third-and-short situations. However, the offense also dealt with injuries and inconsistent run blocking, which affected play-action effectiveness and deep-shot frequency. Evaluating Grossman in isolation overlooks these systemic factors that shaped his 2006 production.
Injury Impact and Availability
Grossman remained the starter across all 16 games in 2006, demonstrating durability and the coaching staff’s confidence. There were no significant injury-related interruptions that curtailed his snaps during the season, which supports the integrity of a full slate of stats. This contrasts with earlier or later years in his career when injuries reduced availability. A full season allowed Grossman to accumulate meaningful volume and establish a clearer baseline for his abilities within the system. It also meant his 2006 performance stood as a complete snapshot rather than a partial or outlier sample.
2006 in Career Context and Legacy
Viewing 2006 alongside Grossman’s career totals clarifies its role as a solid but unspectacular season. He posted respectable efficiency numbers without reaching elite tiers, which is consistent with his overall profile as a competent starter rather than a franchise passer. The 2006 campaign reflected stability and reliability at a time when the franchise sought steady quarterback play. It was neither a breakout surge nor a regression, but a measured output within the broader arc of his professional tenure.