Remember back in the offseason, when Rex Grossman stated that the Redskins would be the team to beat in the NFC East for 2011? That notion seemed to be as insane as any proposed sequel for Ishtar. So, everyone laughed it off, and basically thought that the NFL drug policy obviously does not check for hallucinatory drugs. Then the Redskins started off the season 3-1, and suddenly people were jumping on their bandwagon, thinking that maybe Rex Grossman was really not that insane all along.
Funny thing about terrible teams – they will eventually revert back to the mean. Week One, the Redskins beat an injured New York Gians team that was still trying to figure out who to start in the secondary. In Weeks Two and Four, they defeated terrible teams in Arizona and St. Louis. Not exactly a murderer’s row of competetion there, especially since half of the teams in the college ranks could defeat them.
The most damning statistic to come out of the first twelve weeks is the flat ineptitude that the offense has shown. Previously, Shanahan had success in plugging in just about anyone as a starting running back, and getting them to produce. But how much of this was the ‘genius’ of Shanahan, and how much was the zone blocking scheme of Gary Kubiak? Fascinating to note that the Texans, who Kubiak coaches, can run the ball with ease, while Shanahan’s Redskins are 29th in the league in rushing yards.
The quarterbacks have been equally, and predictably, atrocious. Aside from Mike Shanahan, did anyone really expect the Disasterous Duo of Rex Grossman and John Beck not to suck? After all, John Beck has NEVER won an NFL game. Think about that for a moment. And this is the guy that Shanahan felt he could turn into an actual NFL quarterback? No wonder they have the sixth fewest points scored in the entire league.
Again, this really comes back to that overgrown Oompa Loompa Shanahan having a reputation for being better than he actually is. For all of the success that he is perceived to have, it all came riding the coattails of one John Elway. In fact, when not coaching Elway, Shanahan is 1-5 in playoff games. Yes, that’s right – one win and five losses. That is worse than the poster boy for playoff futility, Marty Schottenheimer. He’s 5-13 in playoff games. So, without Elway, how good a coach is Mike Shanahan? Answer – not that good.
So, as the Redskins prepare to face a good Jets team this weekend, get ready to laugh, cry, and be astonished. Not that the Jets are as great as they are going to look, but that the Redskins are that terrible. There will be no improvement until Dan Synder comes to his senses, asks What The Shanahan, and makes a coaching change.
Showing posts with label Washington Redskins. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Washington Redskins. Show all posts
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
2011 NFC East Preview
For the second of our eight part 2011 NFL preview, we take a look at the NFC East. The teams are listed in order of where we expect them to finish.
1. Dallas Cowboys: Yes, the Eagles are the trendy pick to win the division, but the Cowboys are deeper. Tony Romo, while overrated, is coming back to a very good offense with a much improved offensive line. The offense took off last year when Jason Garrett became the head coach, and the team started to run the ball more. Expect this to continue this season, as the triumvirate of running backs in Felix Jones, Tashard Choice, and DeMarco Murray are extremely good. While Roy Williams was released, this is addition by subtraction as he was nothing more than their fourth option on offense. Dez Bryant is expected to step up this year, while Miles Austin and Jason Witten provide their typical steady play.
On defense, the Cowboys will rebound from what was a statistically bad season for them. In their base defense, they allowed ten more touchdowns than they gave up prior to Wade Phillips getting fired. Afterwards, when they focused on fundamentals, they only gave up three more touchdowns than they scored. With Rob Ryan calling the plays and designing the schemes, the defense is bound to improve. While there may be an initial learning curve, expect DeMarcus Ware and the rest of that defense to wreak havoc upon the opposition.
You heard it here first – the Cowboys will be dramatically improved and win the NFC East.
2. Philadelphia Eagles: The Eagles entire season hinges on Michael Vick. While they have an offense made up of explosive playmakers in DeSean Jackson, LeSean McCoy, and the Not-Something-Sean Jeremy Maclin; Vick is the key to the engine. Should he go down, Vince Young would be the quarterback stepping in, which leaves one to wonder how he’ll handle an offense that will not protect him with a running game. As it stands, Young will probably start around five games this season, as Vick has yet to play a full slate of games in the NFL. Also decreasing the odds that he stays healthy is the offensive line, which might resemble a turnstile at points in time this year. There are questions at center, right tackle and left guard, as well as a rookie at right guard. With the pass rushes that the Eagles will face, particularly in division, Vick may have a hard time staying upright.
The biggest moves of the offseason for the Eagles came on the defensive side of the ball. With the trade of Kevin Kolb to the Arizona Cardinals, the Eagles acquired Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie, aka the actually good cornerback named Cromartie. They also signed the top free agent in Nnamdi Asomugha, which, along with Asante Samuel, gives the Eagles a trio of cornerbacks unlike any in NFL history. They also brought in more depth on the defensive line with the signing of Cullen Jenkins, formerly of the Green Bay Packers. Yet, linebacker, which was a weakness for them last season, was ignored, aside from the drafting of Casey Mathews. Given the aggressiveness of the line and the blitz schemes typical of the Eagles defense, the linebackers will need to step up in a major way.
There are questions here, even if people regard the Eagles as a lock for the Super Bowl. If all the pieces fall into place, they will have a deep run. If not, it could be scary in Philly this year.
3. New York Giants: The Giants are, quite simply, a team that needs to rediscover their offensive identity. Over the past couple of seasons, they have gone away from running the ball and have let Eli Manning air it out more. This season, expect Tom Coughlin to remember that he does not have the good Manning brother, and get back to pounding the ball with Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs. This will be partially be design, but also out of necessity, as they lost key pieces to their offense in Steve Smith and Kevin Boss. Can Travis Beckum and whoever they plug in as the third receiver make enough plays? And will Eli have enough time to throw the ball, as the offensive line has a new left tackle in William Beatty, to go along with a new center in David Baas. This season should serve as a reminder to Eli that he really is not in the same class as Tom Brady or his brother.
On defense, the key is going to be whether or not they have enough players in the secondary. Already, the Giants have lost starter Terrel Thomas and two reserves go out for the year with injuries. Top pick Prince Amukamara is out until at least October. Will they be able to stop the pass? While the defensive line is the best part of the defense, they need the other positions to make plays as well. The linebacking corps, which was a complete disaster last season, should be improved with the addition of Greg Jones. However, this is a squad that could give up far more points that one is accustomed to from a Giants defense.
The Giants simply do not have enough pieces to compete with the Cowboys and the Eagles. Expect a losing record this year, and a new head coach next season.
4. Washington Redskins: So-called genius Mike Shanahan took an already bad situation and somehow made it worse. First, the debacle that will be the quarterback position is going to be manned by has-been Rex Grossman to start the season, until he is replaced by the never-was John Beck. The receiving corps is entirely Santana Moss and a lot of nothing. While third round pick Leonard Hankerson has the potential to develop into a playmaker, it will not be in time to matter for this season. Chris Cooley, their most consistent receiver, has been battling a knee issue all preseason, and may not be effective this year. As such, the Redskins will need to rely on a running game that features Tim Hightower, who has done nothing in his NFL career to show that he can be a starting running back. While Ryan Torain and Roy Helu are serviceable, there is a distinct lack of talent on this side of the ball.
On defense, expect more of the same. Last year, the Redskins were flat out awful against the pass, and aside from Brain Orakpo, could not get anyone near the quarterback on a consistent basis. While several moves during the offseason will help them going forward, this is still a major work in progress. Ryan Kerrigan and Jarvis Jenkins look like they will be playmakers someday, but will it be for Shanahan or the next head coach? This team will need to figure out a way to stop people on defense, and that looks like a major challenge.
The Redskins are looking at winning the Andrew Luck Lottery this year. Expecting three wins may be overstating their competence.
1. Dallas Cowboys: Yes, the Eagles are the trendy pick to win the division, but the Cowboys are deeper. Tony Romo, while overrated, is coming back to a very good offense with a much improved offensive line. The offense took off last year when Jason Garrett became the head coach, and the team started to run the ball more. Expect this to continue this season, as the triumvirate of running backs in Felix Jones, Tashard Choice, and DeMarco Murray are extremely good. While Roy Williams was released, this is addition by subtraction as he was nothing more than their fourth option on offense. Dez Bryant is expected to step up this year, while Miles Austin and Jason Witten provide their typical steady play.
On defense, the Cowboys will rebound from what was a statistically bad season for them. In their base defense, they allowed ten more touchdowns than they gave up prior to Wade Phillips getting fired. Afterwards, when they focused on fundamentals, they only gave up three more touchdowns than they scored. With Rob Ryan calling the plays and designing the schemes, the defense is bound to improve. While there may be an initial learning curve, expect DeMarcus Ware and the rest of that defense to wreak havoc upon the opposition.
You heard it here first – the Cowboys will be dramatically improved and win the NFC East.
2. Philadelphia Eagles: The Eagles entire season hinges on Michael Vick. While they have an offense made up of explosive playmakers in DeSean Jackson, LeSean McCoy, and the Not-Something-Sean Jeremy Maclin; Vick is the key to the engine. Should he go down, Vince Young would be the quarterback stepping in, which leaves one to wonder how he’ll handle an offense that will not protect him with a running game. As it stands, Young will probably start around five games this season, as Vick has yet to play a full slate of games in the NFL. Also decreasing the odds that he stays healthy is the offensive line, which might resemble a turnstile at points in time this year. There are questions at center, right tackle and left guard, as well as a rookie at right guard. With the pass rushes that the Eagles will face, particularly in division, Vick may have a hard time staying upright.
The biggest moves of the offseason for the Eagles came on the defensive side of the ball. With the trade of Kevin Kolb to the Arizona Cardinals, the Eagles acquired Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie, aka the actually good cornerback named Cromartie. They also signed the top free agent in Nnamdi Asomugha, which, along with Asante Samuel, gives the Eagles a trio of cornerbacks unlike any in NFL history. They also brought in more depth on the defensive line with the signing of Cullen Jenkins, formerly of the Green Bay Packers. Yet, linebacker, which was a weakness for them last season, was ignored, aside from the drafting of Casey Mathews. Given the aggressiveness of the line and the blitz schemes typical of the Eagles defense, the linebackers will need to step up in a major way.
There are questions here, even if people regard the Eagles as a lock for the Super Bowl. If all the pieces fall into place, they will have a deep run. If not, it could be scary in Philly this year.
3. New York Giants: The Giants are, quite simply, a team that needs to rediscover their offensive identity. Over the past couple of seasons, they have gone away from running the ball and have let Eli Manning air it out more. This season, expect Tom Coughlin to remember that he does not have the good Manning brother, and get back to pounding the ball with Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs. This will be partially be design, but also out of necessity, as they lost key pieces to their offense in Steve Smith and Kevin Boss. Can Travis Beckum and whoever they plug in as the third receiver make enough plays? And will Eli have enough time to throw the ball, as the offensive line has a new left tackle in William Beatty, to go along with a new center in David Baas. This season should serve as a reminder to Eli that he really is not in the same class as Tom Brady or his brother.
On defense, the key is going to be whether or not they have enough players in the secondary. Already, the Giants have lost starter Terrel Thomas and two reserves go out for the year with injuries. Top pick Prince Amukamara is out until at least October. Will they be able to stop the pass? While the defensive line is the best part of the defense, they need the other positions to make plays as well. The linebacking corps, which was a complete disaster last season, should be improved with the addition of Greg Jones. However, this is a squad that could give up far more points that one is accustomed to from a Giants defense.
The Giants simply do not have enough pieces to compete with the Cowboys and the Eagles. Expect a losing record this year, and a new head coach next season.
4. Washington Redskins: So-called genius Mike Shanahan took an already bad situation and somehow made it worse. First, the debacle that will be the quarterback position is going to be manned by has-been Rex Grossman to start the season, until he is replaced by the never-was John Beck. The receiving corps is entirely Santana Moss and a lot of nothing. While third round pick Leonard Hankerson has the potential to develop into a playmaker, it will not be in time to matter for this season. Chris Cooley, their most consistent receiver, has been battling a knee issue all preseason, and may not be effective this year. As such, the Redskins will need to rely on a running game that features Tim Hightower, who has done nothing in his NFL career to show that he can be a starting running back. While Ryan Torain and Roy Helu are serviceable, there is a distinct lack of talent on this side of the ball.
On defense, expect more of the same. Last year, the Redskins were flat out awful against the pass, and aside from Brain Orakpo, could not get anyone near the quarterback on a consistent basis. While several moves during the offseason will help them going forward, this is still a major work in progress. Ryan Kerrigan and Jarvis Jenkins look like they will be playmakers someday, but will it be for Shanahan or the next head coach? This team will need to figure out a way to stop people on defense, and that looks like a major challenge.
The Redskins are looking at winning the Andrew Luck Lottery this year. Expecting three wins may be overstating their competence.
Friday, July 29, 2011
What The Shanahan - Part 4
Just when the decision making of Mike Shanahan cannot seem to get worse, he proves everyone wrong.
Last year, Shanahan looked at his roster, and thought to himself that he did not have a quarterback. As such, he went out and traded for Donovan McNabb, giving the Philadelphia Eagles a second round draft pick in 2010, and another draft choice in 2011. Well, the thought that McNabb was better than Rex Grossman or the immortal John Beck lasted for 13 weeks, before he was benched. On July 27, Shanahan traded him to Minnesota for a sixth round draft choice in 2012 and a conditional sixth round pick in 2013. Hell of a return on a second and a fourth.
Next, we come to Albert Haynesworth. Haynesworth, when motivated, is a stud defensive lineman. Yet, early on in his tenure with the Redskins (pretty much in the first hour), Shanahan went out of his way to alienate his best defensive lineman. Yes, Haynesworth ended up quitting on the Redskins (who can forget him laying down in the middle of the field during play?) but he never felt respected by the current regime. In the end, Haynesworth got his wish, and was traded to the New England Patriots for a fifth round pick in 2013. Seems that $100Million doesn’t get what it used to anymore.
Now, to further compound the idiocy that is the roster construction of the Washington Redskins, they did nothing to address their quarterback situation. Unless Shanahan sees something in John Beck that no one else does, or if Beck has compromising pictures of Shanahan and farm animals, there is no way that he should be starting for a CFL team, let alone in the NFL. They also neglected the offensive line until the seventh round, way too late for them to have a significant upgrade at any point in the near future.
While there were several picks that were steals in Leonard Hankerson and Roy Helu, they made moves in free agency that limited the logic of these selections. They signed Brandon Stokley and Donte Stallworth, and traded for Jabar Gaffney – moves that would have been exciting three years ago. At quarterback, they brought in another less than exciting option in Kellen Clemens. Yeah, these are moves that will lead the Redskins back to the promised land.
This year may be the final nail in the ‘Shanahan Is A Genius’ coffin. This team is now unquestionably molded in his image. Now we all get the joy of watching it blow apart.
Last year, Shanahan looked at his roster, and thought to himself that he did not have a quarterback. As such, he went out and traded for Donovan McNabb, giving the Philadelphia Eagles a second round draft pick in 2010, and another draft choice in 2011. Well, the thought that McNabb was better than Rex Grossman or the immortal John Beck lasted for 13 weeks, before he was benched. On July 27, Shanahan traded him to Minnesota for a sixth round draft choice in 2012 and a conditional sixth round pick in 2013. Hell of a return on a second and a fourth.
Next, we come to Albert Haynesworth. Haynesworth, when motivated, is a stud defensive lineman. Yet, early on in his tenure with the Redskins (pretty much in the first hour), Shanahan went out of his way to alienate his best defensive lineman. Yes, Haynesworth ended up quitting on the Redskins (who can forget him laying down in the middle of the field during play?) but he never felt respected by the current regime. In the end, Haynesworth got his wish, and was traded to the New England Patriots for a fifth round pick in 2013. Seems that $100Million doesn’t get what it used to anymore.
Now, to further compound the idiocy that is the roster construction of the Washington Redskins, they did nothing to address their quarterback situation. Unless Shanahan sees something in John Beck that no one else does, or if Beck has compromising pictures of Shanahan and farm animals, there is no way that he should be starting for a CFL team, let alone in the NFL. They also neglected the offensive line until the seventh round, way too late for them to have a significant upgrade at any point in the near future.
While there were several picks that were steals in Leonard Hankerson and Roy Helu, they made moves in free agency that limited the logic of these selections. They signed Brandon Stokley and Donte Stallworth, and traded for Jabar Gaffney – moves that would have been exciting three years ago. At quarterback, they brought in another less than exciting option in Kellen Clemens. Yeah, these are moves that will lead the Redskins back to the promised land.
This year may be the final nail in the ‘Shanahan Is A Genius’ coffin. This team is now unquestionably molded in his image. Now we all get the joy of watching it blow apart.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
The Market For Plaxico
After spending the last 21 months in prison on a gun charge, Plaxico Burress was released from prison yesterday. Immediately, thoughts were bandied about as to which team he would end up with, and which teams would show interest in the 34 year old former New York Giant.
Teams mentioned as possible landing spots for Burress are the Washington Redskins, the Philadelphia Eagles, and the Chicago Bears. The Eagles could make sense, if Burress is willing to serve as the third receiver. As it stands, the Eagles receiving corps are solid, with Jeremy Maclin and DeSean Jackson holding down the top two spots. The Redskins and the Bears would make more sense, as both teams are in desperate need of legitimate talent at the receiver position. Burress's size and history would lead one to think that he would be an immediate upgrade over what both the Bears and Redskins have on their roster at this point.
However, reality must enter the equation. What, if anything, does Burress have left in the tank? He is 34, which is old for a receiver in the first place. Coupled with the fact that he missed the past two seasons while incarcerated, as well as part of a third season when injured by a self-inflicted accidental gunshot wound to the leg, there have to be concerns as to whether or not Burress can actually help a team.
This is not a situation such as Michael Vick had when he left prison. Vick was still about to enter the prime of his career, and, as a quarterback, could afford to have a year to get back into the flow of the game. Burress will not be afforded that luxury. He will need to perform from the moment he steps on the field. And there is no way that is going to happen.
There are a number of factors working against him. First, working out in prison is not even close to being the same as working out at the team's facility with trainers and staff. While Burress may still be in shape, he may not be in FOOTBALL shape. There is a distinct difference. Second, while in prison, he could not run routes or catch a football from a quarterback. Sure, he could have had someone throw him a couple passes, but having some kid named Miguel who's in prison for stealing a car throwing you a football is not the same as having Eli Manning throw you a football. Third, he is 34. If this happened five years ago, then the chances of Burress having a successful comeback would be better. People slow down as they get older, and who knows how much Burress has slowed over the past two plus seasons? Fourth, chances are that whatever team he lands with will need him to be productive immediately, and he has simply just missed too much time.
People love a story about redemption and atonement, especially when it involves an athlete who paid for his mistakes being able to return to glory. Unfortunately, it is not going to happen here. This is not Hollywood - there will not be any storybook endings for Plaxico.
Teams mentioned as possible landing spots for Burress are the Washington Redskins, the Philadelphia Eagles, and the Chicago Bears. The Eagles could make sense, if Burress is willing to serve as the third receiver. As it stands, the Eagles receiving corps are solid, with Jeremy Maclin and DeSean Jackson holding down the top two spots. The Redskins and the Bears would make more sense, as both teams are in desperate need of legitimate talent at the receiver position. Burress's size and history would lead one to think that he would be an immediate upgrade over what both the Bears and Redskins have on their roster at this point.
However, reality must enter the equation. What, if anything, does Burress have left in the tank? He is 34, which is old for a receiver in the first place. Coupled with the fact that he missed the past two seasons while incarcerated, as well as part of a third season when injured by a self-inflicted accidental gunshot wound to the leg, there have to be concerns as to whether or not Burress can actually help a team.
This is not a situation such as Michael Vick had when he left prison. Vick was still about to enter the prime of his career, and, as a quarterback, could afford to have a year to get back into the flow of the game. Burress will not be afforded that luxury. He will need to perform from the moment he steps on the field. And there is no way that is going to happen.
There are a number of factors working against him. First, working out in prison is not even close to being the same as working out at the team's facility with trainers and staff. While Burress may still be in shape, he may not be in FOOTBALL shape. There is a distinct difference. Second, while in prison, he could not run routes or catch a football from a quarterback. Sure, he could have had someone throw him a couple passes, but having some kid named Miguel who's in prison for stealing a car throwing you a football is not the same as having Eli Manning throw you a football. Third, he is 34. If this happened five years ago, then the chances of Burress having a successful comeback would be better. People slow down as they get older, and who knows how much Burress has slowed over the past two plus seasons? Fourth, chances are that whatever team he lands with will need him to be productive immediately, and he has simply just missed too much time.
People love a story about redemption and atonement, especially when it involves an athlete who paid for his mistakes being able to return to glory. Unfortunately, it is not going to happen here. This is not Hollywood - there will not be any storybook endings for Plaxico.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
What the Shanahan - Part Three
It has been roughly six months since the last installment of the popular 'What the Shanahan?' posts here on the ol' blog. Part of this is due to the NFL lockout, where things such as trades and free agency cannot happen. Thankfully, Mike Shanahan is not stopped from talking during this lockout, making this third installment possible.
Apparently, Shanahan, in his infinite wisdom and knowledge of the quarterback position, is ok with the idea of having John Beck as his starting quarterback. Yes, the same John Beck that was the main quarterback during the Miami Dolphins' 1-15 season. The same John Beck that has not seen an NFL field, except from the sidelines, since 2007, when he was a 26 year old rookie. The John Beck that has a total of 559 passing yards and one touchdown. Yup.
Now, it would be one thing if the Redskins did not have better options. They did neglect the position during the draft, focusing on attempting to upgrade the defense and the receiving position. However, they do have a Pro-Bowl caliber quarterback on the roster in Donovan McNabb. While McNabb may not have played overly well in 2010, the only way that Beck would be an upgrade would be in McNabb turned into Helen Keller. Even then, it may be a tie.
It bears repeating that the Redskins gave up a second round draft choice last year and an additional draft pick in 2011. Also, for all the claiming that Shanahan is a genius as a coach, he has won exactly ONE playoff game since John Elway retired. Maybe it was Elway that made him look good.
Now, there is speculation that Shanahan is talking up Beck in an attempt to not seem desperate to get a starting caliber quarterback, and is trying to appear as though he is in a position of strength. News flash - saying that John Beck or Rex Grossman (who also claims that he is the starting quarterback, although he is not on the Redskins roster) is going to be your quarterback going forward is NOT a position of strength. Saying so is roughly akin to denying the existence of gravity and jumping off of Mount Thor on Banfin Island.
Actually, let's see Shanahan go out there with John Beck as his quarterback. When this fails in epic fashion, maybe we can finally put to rest the 'Shanahan is a Genius' rhetoric that has been spewed forth for years.
Apparently, Shanahan, in his infinite wisdom and knowledge of the quarterback position, is ok with the idea of having John Beck as his starting quarterback. Yes, the same John Beck that was the main quarterback during the Miami Dolphins' 1-15 season. The same John Beck that has not seen an NFL field, except from the sidelines, since 2007, when he was a 26 year old rookie. The John Beck that has a total of 559 passing yards and one touchdown. Yup.
Now, it would be one thing if the Redskins did not have better options. They did neglect the position during the draft, focusing on attempting to upgrade the defense and the receiving position. However, they do have a Pro-Bowl caliber quarterback on the roster in Donovan McNabb. While McNabb may not have played overly well in 2010, the only way that Beck would be an upgrade would be in McNabb turned into Helen Keller. Even then, it may be a tie.
It bears repeating that the Redskins gave up a second round draft choice last year and an additional draft pick in 2011. Also, for all the claiming that Shanahan is a genius as a coach, he has won exactly ONE playoff game since John Elway retired. Maybe it was Elway that made him look good.
Now, there is speculation that Shanahan is talking up Beck in an attempt to not seem desperate to get a starting caliber quarterback, and is trying to appear as though he is in a position of strength. News flash - saying that John Beck or Rex Grossman (who also claims that he is the starting quarterback, although he is not on the Redskins roster) is going to be your quarterback going forward is NOT a position of strength. Saying so is roughly akin to denying the existence of gravity and jumping off of Mount Thor on Banfin Island.
Actually, let's see Shanahan go out there with John Beck as his quarterback. When this fails in epic fashion, maybe we can finally put to rest the 'Shanahan is a Genius' rhetoric that has been spewed forth for years.
Monday, December 27, 2010
What the Shanahan - Part 2
The biggest moves of the Washington Redskins offseason was to hire Mike Shanahan and Bruce Allen as the head coach and general manager, respectively. Shanahan was given the ultimate authority to make football decisions in terms of what players he wanted on the Redskins roster. In theory, having a two time Super Bowl winning coach come over to run a team gives instant credibility. However, a closer examination of Mike Shanahan is truly in order.
Shanahan was originally the coach of the Oakland Raiders, where over a combined twenty games, he went 8-12. Keep in mind that these were not the Raiders of current times, but back in 1988 and 1989, when the team had Bo Jackson, legitimate talent on both sides of the ball, and Al Davis wasn't quite a vampire yet. In fact, in 1990, they went 12-4 and made the playoffs. Shanahan then resurfaced in 1995 with the Denver Broncos, going 8-8 in his first season before winning back to back Super Bowls with John Elway under center. After 1997 and winning his second Super Bowl, Shanahan only made the post season a total of four times, winning only one more playoff game. Following the 2008 season, after he went a combined 24-24 over the past three season, he was fired by the Broncos.
Once in Washington, Shanahan's moves have been interesting. He brought in Donovan McNabb, a player that has a history of choking in the playoffs, and casting away a solid, and respected in the locker room, player in Jason Campbell. He completely changed the alignment of the defense while ignoring the personnel assembled on the team, eschewing the 4-3 in favor of his beloved 3-4. This, despite the fact that the Redskins defense was actually decent last season, ranking 10th in total yards in 2009. This year, they rank 19th in total yards. He has publicly feuded with arguably the best defensive lineman on his team in Albert Haynesworth, forcing him to run a pointless conditioning exercise over and over again as a means of humiliating him. Eventually, Haynesworth was forced off the team and suspended for the remainder of the year.
The roster was constructed using older, veteran players that did not have anything left in the tank. Until recently, Joey Galloway was serving as the number two receiver for the Redskins. This, despite them having two second round picks from 2008 in camp. However, Shanahan, in yet another power trip, demoted both to third string, then subsequently released one and placed the other on IR. Larry Johnson and Willie Parker were brought in, and expected to serve as the backup and third string running backs. Both are no longer with the team. McNabb was given a five year extension, then demoted to backup quarterback, and now, third string. He will be released in the offseason, after Shanahan traded a second round draft choice in 2010 and a fourth round selection in 2011 for him.
The roster is filled with players more interested in padding their statistics than in winning a football game. In the loss to Dallas last week, DeAngelo Hall made an ill advised attempt at an interception, badly misplaying the football. As a result, Jason Witten was able to walk into the endzone untouched. However, had he covered Witten and stayed in position, the Witten would have been stopped at around the ten yard line. Haynesworth wanted no part of the 3-4, in part because his statistics would suffer. On long scoring plays, barely anyone on the Redskins defense attempts to chase down the ball carrier, as most times there are not any maroon jerseys within twenty yards.
Just like the overrated players on this team, Shanahan is also completely overrated. He got his Super Bowl rings riding the coattails of John Elway, and when Elway retired, the true capabilities (or lack thereof) of Shanahan came to light. This is yet another million dollar, flashy mistake by Dan Snyder, who should be kept away from the football team for the Redskins well being.
Shanahan was originally the coach of the Oakland Raiders, where over a combined twenty games, he went 8-12. Keep in mind that these were not the Raiders of current times, but back in 1988 and 1989, when the team had Bo Jackson, legitimate talent on both sides of the ball, and Al Davis wasn't quite a vampire yet. In fact, in 1990, they went 12-4 and made the playoffs. Shanahan then resurfaced in 1995 with the Denver Broncos, going 8-8 in his first season before winning back to back Super Bowls with John Elway under center. After 1997 and winning his second Super Bowl, Shanahan only made the post season a total of four times, winning only one more playoff game. Following the 2008 season, after he went a combined 24-24 over the past three season, he was fired by the Broncos.
Once in Washington, Shanahan's moves have been interesting. He brought in Donovan McNabb, a player that has a history of choking in the playoffs, and casting away a solid, and respected in the locker room, player in Jason Campbell. He completely changed the alignment of the defense while ignoring the personnel assembled on the team, eschewing the 4-3 in favor of his beloved 3-4. This, despite the fact that the Redskins defense was actually decent last season, ranking 10th in total yards in 2009. This year, they rank 19th in total yards. He has publicly feuded with arguably the best defensive lineman on his team in Albert Haynesworth, forcing him to run a pointless conditioning exercise over and over again as a means of humiliating him. Eventually, Haynesworth was forced off the team and suspended for the remainder of the year.
The roster was constructed using older, veteran players that did not have anything left in the tank. Until recently, Joey Galloway was serving as the number two receiver for the Redskins. This, despite them having two second round picks from 2008 in camp. However, Shanahan, in yet another power trip, demoted both to third string, then subsequently released one and placed the other on IR. Larry Johnson and Willie Parker were brought in, and expected to serve as the backup and third string running backs. Both are no longer with the team. McNabb was given a five year extension, then demoted to backup quarterback, and now, third string. He will be released in the offseason, after Shanahan traded a second round draft choice in 2010 and a fourth round selection in 2011 for him.
The roster is filled with players more interested in padding their statistics than in winning a football game. In the loss to Dallas last week, DeAngelo Hall made an ill advised attempt at an interception, badly misplaying the football. As a result, Jason Witten was able to walk into the endzone untouched. However, had he covered Witten and stayed in position, the Witten would have been stopped at around the ten yard line. Haynesworth wanted no part of the 3-4, in part because his statistics would suffer. On long scoring plays, barely anyone on the Redskins defense attempts to chase down the ball carrier, as most times there are not any maroon jerseys within twenty yards.
Just like the overrated players on this team, Shanahan is also completely overrated. He got his Super Bowl rings riding the coattails of John Elway, and when Elway retired, the true capabilities (or lack thereof) of Shanahan came to light. This is yet another million dollar, flashy mistake by Dan Snyder, who should be kept away from the football team for the Redskins well being.
Friday, December 17, 2010
What the Shanahan?
Continuing a season in which he has made a number of, and this is being charitable, questionable moves within the organization, Mike Shanahan has stated that Donovan McNabb is being benched for the rest of the season in favor of Rex Grossman. To further the questionable nature of this move, after this weekend's game, McNabb is going to be demoted down to the third string option in favor of John Beck. Who? Exactly.
Now, this is not to say that McNabb is an elite option at quarterback any longer. In fact, this season he quite the roller coaster under center, having thrown a career high 15 interceptions with a quarterback rating of 77.1. Yes, this has been a bad season for him. However, McNabb over his career has a rating of 85.7, which ranks 23rd all time, ahead of such players as Roger Staubach, Len Dawson, and Troy Aikman. He has 230 touchdowns over his career, as opposed to 115 interceptions. Meanwhile, Rex Grossman has a career rating of 69.6, which is tied for 152 all time, with Steve Grogan and Pat Haden. In fact, Grossman's best rating was in his rookie season when he played in three games and produced a rating of 74.8. His career touchdowns and interceptions? 33 and 36, respectively. John Beck is even worse, with a rating of 62. He hasn't even been on the field since 2007 for the Miami Dolphins, in the season where they went 1-15.
Yes, McNabb has been overrated through his career. However, he is leagues better than either Grossman or Beck. Also, McNabb was just signed to a contract extension this season. What is going on in Washington? Did Shanahan completely lose his mind since being fired by Denver? What is he trying to prove here?
This could be overlooked, perhaps, if this was the first time he benched McNabb. Yet, in their loss to Detroit in Week 8 of the season, stating that Rex Grossman had a better grasp of the two-minute offense, that McNabb did not have the 'cardiovascular endurance' to run the offense, and that Grossman was a better option. He has surrounded McNabb with a terrible offensive line and a supporting cast of aging and decrepit supporting cast at receiver and running back. And let us not forget the entire feud with Albert Haynesworth from the moment he was named head coach. It sort of makes one think if the issues were truly the fault of Haynesworth, or if Shanahan was more to blame that thought.
In the end, this is just another sideshow in the circus that the Washington Redskins have become since Dan Snyder purchased the team. McNabb will probably be released at the end of the year, and will be picked up by a team that could desperately use a quarterback (like, maybe Minnesota or Arizona?) He deserves better than the insult of being benched for a collection of never-were's.
Now, this is not to say that McNabb is an elite option at quarterback any longer. In fact, this season he quite the roller coaster under center, having thrown a career high 15 interceptions with a quarterback rating of 77.1. Yes, this has been a bad season for him. However, McNabb over his career has a rating of 85.7, which ranks 23rd all time, ahead of such players as Roger Staubach, Len Dawson, and Troy Aikman. He has 230 touchdowns over his career, as opposed to 115 interceptions. Meanwhile, Rex Grossman has a career rating of 69.6, which is tied for 152 all time, with Steve Grogan and Pat Haden. In fact, Grossman's best rating was in his rookie season when he played in three games and produced a rating of 74.8. His career touchdowns and interceptions? 33 and 36, respectively. John Beck is even worse, with a rating of 62. He hasn't even been on the field since 2007 for the Miami Dolphins, in the season where they went 1-15.
Yes, McNabb has been overrated through his career. However, he is leagues better than either Grossman or Beck. Also, McNabb was just signed to a contract extension this season. What is going on in Washington? Did Shanahan completely lose his mind since being fired by Denver? What is he trying to prove here?
This could be overlooked, perhaps, if this was the first time he benched McNabb. Yet, in their loss to Detroit in Week 8 of the season, stating that Rex Grossman had a better grasp of the two-minute offense, that McNabb did not have the 'cardiovascular endurance' to run the offense, and that Grossman was a better option. He has surrounded McNabb with a terrible offensive line and a supporting cast of aging and decrepit supporting cast at receiver and running back. And let us not forget the entire feud with Albert Haynesworth from the moment he was named head coach. It sort of makes one think if the issues were truly the fault of Haynesworth, or if Shanahan was more to blame that thought.
In the end, this is just another sideshow in the circus that the Washington Redskins have become since Dan Snyder purchased the team. McNabb will probably be released at the end of the year, and will be picked up by a team that could desperately use a quarterback (like, maybe Minnesota or Arizona?) He deserves better than the insult of being benched for a collection of never-were's.
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