The starting quarterback for the Redskins at the beginning of the 2011 season was Rex Grossman. He won the preseason competition over John Beck and opened the season against the New York Giants on September 11, 2011.
Grossman entered Washington after spending the 2010 season as a backup with the Houston Texans. His experience in Kyle Shanahan’s offensive system helped him in the competition, since Shanahan was Washington’s offensive coordinator. Coach Mike Shanahan ultimately chose Grossman because of his familiarity with the offense and his stronger command of the team’s passing game.
The choice was not permanent for the entire season. Grossman started the first five games, but after committing 11 turnovers, John Beck replaced him in Week 6. Grossman later regained the job and finished the season with 13 starts, while Beck made three. Grossman’s final 2011 statistics included 3,151 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, and 20 interceptions.
A common mix-up is answering John Beck because he also started for Washington during 2011. However, Grossman was the opening-day starter and therefore the canonical answer to this question.