Landover, MD – John Beck's uninspiring performance has left more questions than answers in the Washington quarterback competition.
Beck finished just 10-of-21 for 108 yards and an interception, leaving head coach Mike Shanahan with a big decision to make before the Redskins open the season next Sunday against the Giants. Shanahan will choose either Beck or veteran Rex Grossman to start under center.
The backups went back and forth in the fourth quarter with Donte Stallworth's 41-yard touchdown reception proving to be the difference in Washington's 29-24 victory over Tampa Bay.
Former Penn State standout Evan Royster, fighting for a roster spot, finished with 44 yards on the ground and a touchdown, while Stallworth grabbed five balls for 80 yards. Ryan Torain ran for 73 yards on a team-leading 17 carries.
The Buccaneers' main offensive stars, quarterback Josh Freeman and running back LeGarrette Blount, both sat out the preseason finale. Rudy Carpenter started under center, completing just 9-of-18 passes for 211 yards and a touchdown. Tampa Bay hosts Detroit in its season opener next Sunday.
Washington scored the game's first 17 points, highlighted by Brandon Banks' highlight-reel 95-yard punt return for a score. Tampa Bay made things interesting with a flurry in the second half, including a 96-yard touchdown strike from Carpenter to rookie Ed Gant.
The Bucs took their first lead on Jonathan Crompton's 20-yard touchdown pass to Armando Allen late in the fourth quarter, but Kellen Clemens answered with a 5-play, 74-yard march that resulted in Stallworth's game-winning score.
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