Redskins QB Rex Grossman embraces backup role

Quarterback Rex Grossman knew what would happen when he resigned with the Redskins. They had already made the trade with St. Louis. They already knew they would get Robert Griffin III (or Andrew Luck).

“The writing was on the wall a long time ago that this would happen,” Grossman said. “I know my role. Whatever my role is I'll do it to the best in the NFL. If I have to be there and mentor, I'll be the best mentor in the league.”

Grossman will be Griffin's mentor, not to mention Kirk Cousins'. Griffin took Grossman's starting job, and Cousins likely will take over his backup role sometime in the future. It's very hard to imagine Cousins doing well enough to unseat Grossman this fall.

Griffin and Grossman have different styles. Obviously the rookie will run a lot more. But Grossman, who started a combined 16 games in Washington the past two seasons, understands the offense.

“I've seen a lot of our plays and dropback stuff. I've seen every coverage,” Grossman said. “I'm there for him to ask questions and remind him of hot routes or provide reminders of situational play. I won't overdo it, but I want to be there as much as possible to bounce things off of if he doesn't want to go to a coach.”

So far Grossman is impressed with Griffin.

“He knows the playbook to a T. He's very smart,” Grossman said. “There's a big difference between knowing it on paper and performing it. He's doing a great job. He'll be ready to go.”

John Keim covers the Redskins for the Washington Examiner. Follow him on Twitter @CBSSportsNFLWAS or @John_Keim.