Just when you think the Redskins quarterback situation couldn’t get any more ridiculous, coach Mike Shanahan has found a new way to “disrespect” Donovan McNabb.
John Beck will pass McNabb on the depth chart on the depth chart next week, in addition to Rex Grossman. McNabb will be the backup Sunday, then slide into a No. 3 role.
“I want to see John Beck,” Shanahan said. “John Beck has been exceptional in practice. I want to see him in No. 2 role.”
Shanahan says the decision to bench McNabb is all about getting knocked out of playoff contention. (Then why decide on Thursday?) They want to evaluate the young quarterbacks on their roster. Shanahan couldn’t “guarantee” McNabb would be back next season, although this move almost guarantees he won’t.
The Redskins’ website official blog makes the case that going to Grossman is not that big a deal. That’s laughable.
The same organization said that the McNabb benching against the Lions wasn’t a big deal. They trumpeted McNabb’s contract extension as proof. It’s a big deal because it indicates the Redskins have no idea what their plan is or how to deal with players.
This isn’t about whether going to Grossman is the right decision. It’s a window into larger dysfunction.
From Jay Glazer of FOX, here was the Redskins’ week: "[Glazer] reported Saturday that [offensive coordinator] Kyle [Shanahan] said he wanted Rex in. Sunday, Don was efficient. Monday, Kyle wanted to start Rex. Tuesday, Wednesday changed their minds, Thurs changed back. Friday told team.”
It’s a big deal because McNabb, not Grossman, took the majority of first team snaps this week, according to tight end Chris Cooley. It’s a big deal because the Redskins gave up a second round pick and paid McNabb more than $17 million this season even though Grossman was Kyle Shanahan’s “guy.”
The team is admitting their evaluation about McNabb was wrong, just like their decision to pay Albert Haynesworth his roster bonus this season. Or their decision not to trade Haynesworth.
It’s a big deal because the Redskins’ players aren’t happy and it’s a big deal because Shanahan has seen enough of McNabb.
“The next three weeks won’t change my mind,” Shanahan said.
