IS MCNABB DONE IN WASHINGTON?
With the Redskins mathematically eliminated from the playoffs, he has decided to bench starting quarterback and blockbuster trade acquisition Donovan McNabb in favor of Rex Grossman. McNabb is having his worst season as a pro and will finish this season with the stats of 14 touchdowns, 15 picks and a 77.1 QB rating.
But is McNabb really to blame, or is he the scapegoat for a dysfunctional offense? Some say that’s what coach Shannahan is trying to find out, seeing if Grossman does any better with the same tools. The Redskins have the 26th ranked rushing offense this season, putting a lot of pressure on the quarterback position. The Reskins also have a defense that is allowing 394.8 yards per game (ranked dead last) and 23.8 points per game (ranked 22nd). The Redskins under Shannahan’s first season seem to be a complete mess, not just at the quarterback position. Shannahan could be attempting to change the goals of the franchise from “compete for a ring now” mode to “rebuild” mode.
Due to the “out clause” of McNabb’s contract with Washington that allows the team to cut McNabb at the end of the season without owing any additional money, it looks like whatever direction the Redskins head that McNabb will not be a part of it. Two teams with talented rosters and no starting quarterbacks, the Minnesota Vikings and the Arizona Cardinals, might be the highest bidders for McNabb when free agency comes around.
As for the Redskins, their starting of Rex Grossman (aka “Mental Midget”) expecting better results will be about as effective as a cocaine-addict rehabbing with crack. Rex Grossman is a walking blunder machine (36 interceptions in 31 starts) and arguably the worst quarterback to ever start a Super Bowl. All Shannahan is going to prove with this move is that the Redskins don’t want McNabb and need to draft a young QB to build a Shannahan system around (as well as a running back). Don’t get too excited, Rex. You should be happy you’re getting a paycheck in the NFL at all.