Lions vs Redskins Post-game Thread

[Shabutie]

I have watch this season with a healthy dose of reserve, knowing we are comming off a 4-12 season and I did not/do not expect this team to make a playoff run. That being said the ONLY REASON this team is 4-4 at the half way point is because DMac is the QB. This of it this way if J. Campbell was here we'd be 1-7 or 2-6 at best. I fell the same about Rex. If Shanahan want to blame someone there are 5 guys who cannot block anyone. I mean ANYONE. What a pathetic O-line we have and Shanny is not happy that DMac cannot make MAGIC happen. I fully support McNabb. He is not the root of this offensive problems. We have seen this for two years now. NO BLOCKING = NO OFFENSE.

You cannot say, "this is the way it is" and then give an opinion. The only reason the team has a 4-4 record is because of DMac? You do realize Campbell was a higher rated passer last year behind a WORSE O-line. Also, if you are judging the turn-around off of the TEAM's W/L record, what does that make Campbell? The Raiders are 4-2 with him starting.

I was not in favor of getting rid of Campbell for McNabb. He was behind the worst OL in football, with a below average receiving core and still put up average numbers. This offense was going to be the best fit he ever had. If other options were available, then yes but not for a QB that put up similar numbers the past season with a much better supporting cast. The move happened and I did not hold a grudge. I want McNabb to perform well, but he simply is not doing that right now.

No, I did not realize that JC was a higher rated passer, becasue the only stat that matters to me is wins. DMac has 4 wins in 8 games, JC had 4 wins in 16 games by my math that makes Dmac twice the QB JC was last year. I am no fantasy football nerd just a realist and the fact is that NO QB is going to play well week in week out behind this sorry excuse for an O-line. Proving my point is that the Raiders have a better O-line than we do particularly at the guard & center positions.

I could just as easily use that to justfiy JC's play. Again, JC played better behind a worse OL and worse receiving corps, with NO coaching stability last year. That math (At this point in time) does not, "make McNabb twice the QB that JC was last year."

[SkinsHead56]

All I am saying is that McNabb has the ability to overcome the short commings in our blocking and obviously Rex cannot. I accept that there are many factors that go into running a sucessful offense and that is why I completely disagree with the decision to lay that at DMacs feet. Evidence the "doo doo" storm in the media today. There was not one sports show I saw that agreed with benching McNabb.

[Kilmer72]

All I am saying is that McNabb has the ability to overcome the short commings in our blocking and obviously Rex cannot. I accept that there are many factors that go into running a sucessful offense and that is why I completely disagree with the decision to lay that at DMacs feet. Evidence the "doo doo" storm in the media today. There was not one sports show I saw that agreed with benching McNabb.

I would agree that McNabb has the ability but I wouldn't say Rex can't get it done. He was cold and thrown in a no win situation. I would also say that if the only stat that matters is wins then Rex had a SB win so what does this all mean? Nothing.....What matters is we have a team that is better than last year and playing against a harder schedule. We are showing that we have some promise but we also show that we are just 500. So far I say lets give these guys a real chance. We are stuck with them. If Dan fires this crew then he really didn't step away and then who is the liar at this point?

We can just rebuild and rebuild or talk like it or we can give these guys a chance to make things work.

I am not saying I think this will all work out but they deserve 3 years at the minimum.

[Shabutie]

All I am saying is that McNabb has the ability to overcome the short commings in our blocking and obviously Rex cannot. I accept that there are many factors that go into running a sucessful offense and that is why I completely disagree with the decision to lay that at DMacs feet. Evidence the "doo doo" storm in the media today. There was not one sports show I saw that agreed with benching McNabb.

I would agree that McNabb has the ability but I wouldn't say Rex can't get it done. He was cold and thrown in a no win situation. I would also say that if the only stat that matters is wins then Rex had a SB win so what does this all mean? Nothing.....What matters is we have a team that is better than last year and playing against a harder schedule. We are showing that we have some promise but we also show that we are just 500. So far I say lets give these guys a real chance. We are stuck with them. If Dan fires this crew then he really didn't step away and then who is the liar at this point?

We can just rebuild and rebuild or talk like it or we can give these guys a chance to make things work.

I am not saying I think this will all work out but they deserve 3 years at the minimum.

Good post.

[SkinsHead56]

All I am saying is that McNabb has the ability to overcome the short commings in our blocking and obviously Rex cannot. I accept that there are many factors that go into running a sucessful offense and that is why I completely disagree with the decision to lay that at DMacs feet. Evidence the "doo doo" storm in the media today. There was not one sports show I saw that agreed with benching McNabb.

I would agree that McNabb has the ability but I wouldn't say Rex can't get it done. He was cold and thrown in a no win situation. I would also say that if the only stat that matters is wins then Rex had a SB win so what does this all mean? Nothing.....What matters is we have a team that is better than last year and playing against a harder schedule. We are showing that we have some promise but we also show that we are just 500. So far I say lets give these guys a real chance. We are stuck with them. If Dan fires this crew then he really didn't step away and then who is the liar at this point?

We can just rebuild and rebuild or talk like it or we can give these guys a chance to make things work.

I am not saying I think this will all work out but they deserve 3 years at the minimum.

Good post.

Ditto on that and still another reason benching Dmac was a King Size blunder.

FYI - Randy Moss is on the waiver wire!!!!!!!!!

[Shabutie]

All I am saying is that McNabb has the ability to overcome the short commings in our blocking and obviously Rex cannot. I accept that there are many factors that go into running a sucessful offense and that is why I completely disagree with the decision to lay that at DMacs feet. Evidence the "doo doo" storm in the media today. There was not one sports show I saw that agreed with benching McNabb.

I would agree that McNabb has the ability but I wouldn't say Rex can't get it done. He was cold and thrown in a no win situation. I would also say that if the only stat that matters is wins then Rex had a SB win so what does this all mean? Nothing.....What matters is we have a team that is better than last year and playing against a harder schedule. We are showing that we have some promise but we also show that we are just 500. So far I say lets give these guys a real chance. We are stuck with them. If Dan fires this crew then he really didn't step away and then who is the liar at this point?

We can just rebuild and rebuild or talk like it or we can give these guys a chance to make things work.

I am not saying I think this will all work out but they deserve 3 years at the minimum.

Good post.

Ditto on that and still another reason benching Dmac was a King Size blunder.

FYI - Randy Moss is on the waiver wire!!!!!!!!!

Or is he?

[SkinsHead56]

This is all I have to go on.

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/Rand ... ngs-110110

[chiefhog44]

Donnie Mac was all class after the game, but it's pretty obvious that pulling him was a HUGE mistake by Shanny and proves that he's not yet trusted to run the offense. He's played poorly in Washington, but the hope was he'd come around and his talent would shine through, this puts contract negotiations in jeopardy.

I feel the opposite. Shanny has to hold players accountable for their poor play. If he let's McNabb get away with throwing a ball into triple coverage like that, but benches other players for their poor play, what message does that send?

Now, if you are upset about the EXCUSE that he gave after the game, consider that he wasn't going to throw his player under the bus. He never has to any player...even Haynesworth. What's he supposed to say? "I pulled him because he just lost us the game." Players see this and know that they are being held accountable...even Mcnabb. But Shanny was protecting his player from the media and put the heat on his coaching decisions. If he would have come out and said, Donovan played poorly, and he just didn't get it done, the media (and you) would have been concentrating on the interception for the loss. Instead your talking about his future starting status and future here...both of which will be put to bed next game when he starts and next year when he re-signs. The guy is here for the rest of his career. I would be shocked if he wasn't.

The excuse he was pulled was that McNabb played poorly and didn't manage the final parts of the game and he needs to be held accountable for that. Once Donovan reviews the game film, he'll see how piss poor of a decision that was.

His excuse was that Grossman, who's not played a snap in regular season, gave the skins a better chance to win, down by 6 with no time outs and less than 2 mins in the game. And you buy that load of crap?!?!?!!? Really??!?!?!?! Ice cold and hasn't played in 2 months, but he gives a better chance, cold off the bench, to win.

This is the stupidest comment I've seen, and I've seen more than a few. Anyone who buys Mike Shanahan's load of crap should have a mental eval to make sure they can tell the difference between fantasy and reality, b/c it's obvious there's a non distinct and blurry line in your reality

Maybe I can't ask this but in all honesty, I'm not trying to insult you...I am really just curious. Do you have somewhat of a learning disability or is your reading comprehension a little slow? I will write it again slowly. My point is that the excuse that he gave was NOT reality. He was protecting his QB by saying instead "my QB did not know the terminology yet and Rex with his experience with the offense gives us a better chance in that situation." He wasn't going to go out and say, Donovan failed miserably at managing the game in the final minutes and throughout the game continued to miss open receivers. He's not going to throw his QB under the bus like that. I will remember to post twice for you next time

[Chris Luva Luva]

Maybe I can't ask this but in all honesty, I'm not trying to insult you...I am really just curious. Do you have somewhat of a learning disability or is your reading comprehension a little slow? I will write it again slowly. My point is that the excuse that he gave was NOT reality. He was protecting his QB by saying instead "my QB did not know the terminology yet and Rex with his experience with the offense gives us a better chance in that situation." He wasn't going to go out and say, Donovan failed miserably at managing the game in the final minutes and throughout the game continued to miss open receivers. He's not going to throw his QB under the bus like that. I will remember to post twice for you next time

I completely DISAGREE.

Mike said that Rex has NEVER PRACTICED THE 2 MIN OFFENSE WITH THIS TEAM. NEVER. EVER. NEVER NEVER NEVER. He has never practiced it. So what experience does he have? I know's the plays and the terminology. Big deal, where did that get him behind that offensive line?

Who is better at avoiding the pass rush? Donovan.
Who has better pocket awareness? Donovan.
Who avoided the rush all game and made plays when he could? Donovan.
Who's led this team to late wins this season? Donovan.
Who's a HOF QB? Donovan.


He did throw his QB under the bus in horrible fashion. And he knows he's screwed up that's why his story and reasons continually change. At first was...

- Donovan can't grasp the offense.
- The hamstring.
- The cardio.

All BS reasons. And Rex would have done worse and he did worse behind that line. Mike botched his so horribly, it's disgusting.

[CanesSkins26]

Who's a HOF QB? Donovan.

No, he isn't.

[Chris Luva Luva]

Who's a HOF QB? Donovan.

No, he isn't.

He is and will be inducted. That's not even debatable. Maybe not 1st ballot but he'll get in.

[CanesSkins26]

Who's a HOF QB? Donovan.

No, he isn't.

He is and will be inducted. That's not even debatable. Maybe not 1st ballot but he'll get in.

No, he wont unless he wins a Super Bowl. No Super Bowl wins and there are several qb's from his era that are better candidates.

[Chris Luva Luva]

Who's a HOF QB? Donovan.

No, he isn't.

He is and will be inducted. That's not even debatable. Maybe not 1st ballot but he'll get in.

No, he wont unless he wins a Super Bowl. No Super Bowl wins and there are several qb's from his era that are better candidates.

Well neither of us can predict the future so neither of us are right at this point.

[Paralis]

It's a numbers game, and McNabb doesn't have 'em.

His career overlaps with:

Brett Favre
Kurt Warner
Peyton Manning
Tom Brady
Drew Brees

all of whom have super bowl rings and All-Pro nominations.

McNabb doesn't. Which is why he's not any closer than Hasselbeck, and even further than McNair, who had a better Super Bowl loss and better second act to his career.

McNabb was a very good QB in an era of great ones. Whoever gets stuck with presenting his case to the HOF voters is going to have a hard sell.

[dlc]

Who's a HOF QB? Donovan.

No, he isn't.

He is and will be inducted. That's not even debatable. Maybe not 1st ballot but he'll get in.

No, he wont unless he wins a Super Bowl. No Super Bowl wins and there are several qb's from his era that are better candidates.

So only a few QBs in an era make the HOF? I don't think that's the case. I think the only thing that has hurt his chances have been here. I think he has the sense that unless this season turns around with him at the helm, his legacy is on the line.

I think he's gone unless this turns around really quickly. And as many others have pointed out, there aren't many great options out there.

[chiefhog44]

Maybe I can't ask this but in all honesty, I'm not trying to insult you...I am really just curious. Do you have somewhat of a learning disability or is your reading comprehension a little slow? I will write it again slowly. My point is that the excuse that he gave was NOT reality. He was protecting his QB by saying instead "my QB did not know the terminology yet and Rex with his experience with the offense gives us a better chance in that situation." He wasn't going to go out and say, Donovan failed miserably at managing the game in the final minutes and throughout the game continued to miss open receivers. He's not going to throw his QB under the bus like that. I will remember to post twice for you next time

I completely DISAGREE.

Mike said that Rex has NEVER PRACTICED THE 2 MIN OFFENSE WITH THIS TEAM. NEVER. EVER. NEVER NEVER NEVER. He has never practiced it. So what experience does he have? I know's the plays and the terminology. Big deal, where did that get him behind that offensive line?

Who is better at avoiding the pass rush? Donovan.
Who has better pocket awareness? Donovan.
Who avoided the rush all game and made plays when he could? Donovan.
Who's led this team to late wins this season? Donovan.
Who's a HOF QB? Donovan.


He did throw his QB under the bus in horrible fashion. And he knows he's screwed up that's why his story and reasons continually change. At first was...

- Donovan can't grasp the offense.
- The hamstring.
- The cardio.

All BS reasons. And Rex would have done worse and he did worse behind that line. Mike botched his so horribly, it's disgusting.

I agree with you in the fact that he WAS lying. That's my point. McNabb played horribly in the game and mismanaged it when we needed him the most. He got yanked, and save his QB's face, he tried to come up with an excuse and got caught. So what. So what if he lied. Coaches lie all the time to protect the team. Do I agree with the call, I don't know enough about what was going on with McNabb's in-game decision making. It didn't seem like he was doing a very good job up to that point. In fact, he played pretty poorly except for a couple scrambles. Most passes were well short or off the mark. Watch the game again.

[dlc]

It's a numbers game, and McNabb doesn't have 'em.

His career overlaps with:

Brett Favre
Kurt Warner
Peyton Manning
Tom Brady
Drew Brees

all of whom have super bowl rings and All-Pro nominations.

McNabb doesn't. Which is why he's not any closer than Hasselbeck, and even further than McNair, who had a better Super Bowl loss and better second act to his career.

McNabb was a very good QB in an era of great ones. Whoever gets stuck with presenting his case to the HOF voters is going to have a hard sell.

McNabb has a Super Bowl loss and more Pro Bowls than everyone on that list except for Peyton and Favre. Warner was great for when he was player well, but there were a few years he wasn't even starting. Brees hasn't been great for more than a couple of years.

I don't think McNAbb iss a lock, but I don't think Hasselbeck or McNair have a chance. I don't like how he's playing, and I surely didn't like him as an Eagle, but you can't just make bold statements and expect people to ignore some of the facts.

The Eagles, the Patriots and the Colts were the class franchises in the 2000s, and McNabb was easily considered the Eagles best player during that span. He hasn't won a Super Bowl? I guess they should kick out Tarkenton ,Everett, Jim Kelly, Fouts, Moon and Marino. Or maybe they should include Brad Johnson or Mark Rypien.

[dlc]

I think this is becoming obvious that Kyle Shanahan in the problem. He is similar to Zorn in the fact that he is predictable and can't make adjustments.

Part of his job is making sure that the players understand what's going on, what their responsibilities are and how to make adjustments in game. Every player, not just McNabb, doesn't seem to get what he's trying to do. Let's not forget he assumed the job in Houston. He's never installed an offense. We can give him some slack and some time, but let's not neglect that he's screwing up big time.

This offense needs more dimensions, not just a lot more complexity on the same. Where's the quick hitting run up the middle, or the 3 step drop? If you're going to throw when you shouldn't, at least mix it up to keep the D-line from pinning its ears.

Without some changes week to week, I'm afraid that Kyle is just a one trick pony that can only run an offense that is handed to him.

Nah, you will see. Kyle is the best thing that happened to us this off season. Yes, he needs to learn how things are done in the NFC east but, so far, he is winning the rival game. I think he needs to run more often. That is just my opinion and I am not an ex football player even in the high school sense. Our receivers are getting open and if you glanced or heard at what the announcers were saying; he brought a different approach to our game. He is looking deep first and middle second and dump off last.


This is new and teams are going to have to get used to it if we can be successful.

He doesn't have all the pieces. I am not trying to make excuses, it is just what I think is going on but, as I said I am no expert just a fan.

He is not any way near as bad as Zorn. I liked Zorn but not as a head coach. Zorn might make it one day but comparing him to Kyle is way off. Kyle is about the deep ball. I think he might have to tone that back a bit. I would rather eat the clock and keep our defense fresh even if we could score at will. At this point I will take his approach because we might have to score a lot to win from here on this season.

I don't think we've beat our rivals with offense. Also, Spurrier had open receivers all the time as well, but he suffered from the same thing, no protection.

The problem is what you think is a strength: "Kyle is about the deep ball". Good offenses do what the defenses give them. The defenses aren't giving us the deep ball, either through coverage or blitzes. Everyone, not to mention, experienced defensive coaches know the odds are in their favor based on Kyle's play calling. Make the offensive line block stunts and blitz overloads while the receivers run deep crossing routes and posts.

I think that everyone knows how to beat his offense, dare him to try to go deep more often than is reasonable.

[dlc]

The reasons why I'm starting to doubt the Shanahans:

1. Haynesworth - he's not the first pro bowl player to act up and have attitude problems. Good coaches figure these things out. Maybe we win a couple more games if he got more snaps. He has everyone, even his teammates excited about his play. Coaching isn't just Xs and Os.

2. Galloway over Thomas - Galloway has looked like trash. If he knows the offense and runs routes how Shanahan wants them to be run, we're in even worse trouble than I thought.

3. Lichtensteiger over Dockery - we all have seen how many times Kory has gotten beat. This isn't Dock's first year so we all know that he's not worse than absolutely terrible.

4. Only 2 Active RBs Sunday - Do we really have a commitment to running, which was the staple in Shanahan's previous offenses, if we don't even suit up enough RBs?

5. Juggling the O-line in general - who cares if you have flexible lineman if they can't block anyone in all positions they play.

6. Williams vs. Okung - Maybe this can change, but it looks like we missed the stud and got a decent guy with potential. Why not take the stud?

7. Kyle is too predictable. Even the Mike's Denver offenses mixed up the run with quick hitters, draws, added some short passes over the middle. Funny that these are things often used to keep defenses honest and diffuse the pass rush. I do see the screen every once and a while, but they obviously don't work on it too much.

8. Every player's response to the McNabb benching seemed negative, or protective of seeming negative (because they were). It's too early to lose the locker room. One more loss, and who knows who will be sitting the bench next week.

9. It's not just McNabb that's confused. The O-line, the WRs, and the RBs looked lost here and there. During the wins, they all seemed like they bought in, so how come they still act like they don't get it. Dumb players or bad teachers?

10. Mike's biggest criticism in Denver was his poor personnel decisions overall. Are we really going to get better through the draft?

[Paralis]

McNabb has a Super Bowl loss and more Pro Bowls than everyone on that list except for Peyton and Favre. Warner was great for when he was player well, but there were a few years he wasn't even starting. Brees hasn't been great for more than a couple of years.

I don't think McNAbb iss a lock, but I don't think Hasselbeck or McNair have a chance. I don't like how he's playing, and I surely didn't like him as an Eagle, but you can't just make bold statements and expect people to ignore some of the facts.

The Eagles, the Patriots and the Colts were the class franchises in the 2000s, and McNabb was easily considered the Eagles best player during that span. He hasn't won a Super Bowl? I guess they should kick out Tarkenton ,Everett, Jim Kelly, Fouts, Moon and Marino. Or maybe they should include Brad Johnson or Mark Rypien.

Here's what's wrong with counting Pro Bowls--assuming nobody is injured or withdraws, there are 6 QBs named every year. Of course, it's incredibly rare that the 6 selections all play, which is why of McNabb's 6 Pro Bowls, he was only a finalist for 2 of them, following the 2003 and 2004 seasons. The 00, 01, 02 and 09 Pro Bowls were alternate selections.

Meaning: not only has McNabb ever won any of the league (NFL OPOY, MVP) or press (AP All-Pro) awards given to the best 2 QBs in the league, but he's only been considered top 5 twice in his career. He's 16th in passing yards and 22nd in TDs all-time, and however unfair it may be, the closest thing to defining moments he's had in his career were the Rush Limbaugh absurdity and puking on the field with the Super Bowl on the line.

Class act? Great player? Sure. Hall of Fame? I'm not a voter, but that's a hard sell to me.

[Skinsfan55]

10. Mike's biggest criticism in Denver was his poor personnel decisions overall. Are we really going to get better through the draft?

I have problems with 1-9 too, but this one especially caught my eye. The book on Shanahan was that he couldn't build a defense. He didn't make poor personnel decisions over all, and he's got a former head coach as a DC along with a real General Manager. Here are some highlights of his last few drafts in Denver:

2008
1- LT Ryan Clady (Huge Star)
2- WR Eddie Royal (Very good speed WR)
5- RB Ryan Torain (Starting for Washington, two 100 yard games so far)
6- FB Spencer Larsen (Starting for Denver)
7- RB Peyton Hillis (Star player with the Browns)
(There's also some quality depth there at DB in the middle rounds)

2007
2- DE Tim Crowder (In the DL rotation in Tampa, very successful)
3- RT Ryan Harris (Pro Bowl buzz in 2008, was injured 2009)
4- DT Marcus Thomas (Rotational Player in Denver)

2006
1- QB Jay Cutler (Pro Bowl QB in Denver, shipped to Chicago)
2- TE Tony Scheffler (Very good tight end, signed long term in DET)
4- WR Brandon Marshall (Star wide receiver)
4- LB Elvis Dumervill (Pro Bowl pass rusher, 17 sacks last season)
4- WR Domenik Hixon (Buried on NYG depth chart, decent deep threat)
5- RG Chris Kuper (Very effective offensive lineman.)

2005
2- CB Darrent Williams (Very good young corner, who like Sean Taylor was senselessly murdered.)
3- DB Karl Paymah (Nickelback type, useful reserve.)
3- DB Dominique Foxworth (Found a niche with Baltimore last season, 4 picks)
6- C Chris Myers (Started every game for three years. One in DEN two in HOU)

He also drafted DJ Williams, Tatum Bell, George Foster, Nick Eason, Clinton Portis, Jeb Putzier, Reggie Hayward, Ben Hamilton, Cooper Carlisle, Deltha O'Neal, Ian Gold, Kennoy Kennedy, Mike Anderson, Montae Reagor, David Bowens, Al Wilson...

Not all of those guys are stars, but they had productive seasons in the league... and I would dare say it's a great improvement on the recent drafting history of the Redskins.

[Shabutie]

Maybe I can't ask this but in all honesty, I'm not trying to insult you...I am really just curious. Do you have somewhat of a learning disability or is your reading comprehension a little slow? I will write it again slowly. My point is that the excuse that he gave was NOT reality. He was protecting his QB by saying instead "my QB did not know the terminology yet and Rex with his experience with the offense gives us a better chance in that situation." He wasn't going to go out and say, Donovan failed miserably at managing the game in the final minutes and throughout the game continued to miss open receivers. He's not going to throw his QB under the bus like that. I will remember to post twice for you next time

I completely DISAGREE.

Mike said that Rex has NEVER PRACTICED THE 2 MIN OFFENSE WITH THIS TEAM. NEVER. EVER. NEVER NEVER NEVER. He has never practiced it. So what experience does he have? I know's the plays and the terminology. Big deal, where did that get him behind that offensive line?

Who is better at avoiding the pass rush? Donovan.
Who has better pocket awareness? Donovan.
Who avoided the rush all game and made plays when he could? Donovan.
Who's led this team to late wins this season? Donovan.
Who's a HOF QB? Donovan.


He did throw his QB under the bus in horrible fashion. And he knows he's screwed up that's why his story and reasons continually change. At first was...

- Donovan can't grasp the offense.
- The hamstring.
- The cardio.

All BS reasons. And Rex would have done worse and he did worse behind that line. Mike botched his so horribly, it's disgusting.

You are making it sound like McNabb is playing at a high level. He sacked himself twice by tripping in the backfield (That is ALWAYS the QBs fault) He missed wide open receivers when the pressure was heavy and when no one eas near him. He has lead the team to a late win (Not plural) against the Packers. One could easily say his awful first half play is the reason we were behind in the first place. He is not playing at a HOF level now, or for the last 3 years. That has no bearing on what is happening right now.

[VetSkinsFan]

Donnie Mac was all class after the game, but it's pretty obvious that pulling him was a HUGE mistake by Shanny and proves that he's not yet trusted to run the offense. He's played poorly in Washington, but the hope was he'd come around and his talent would shine through, this puts contract negotiations in jeopardy.

I feel the opposite. Shanny has to hold players accountable for their poor play. If he let's McNabb get away with throwing a ball into triple coverage like that, but benches other players for their poor play, what message does that send?

Now, if you are upset about the EXCUSE that he gave after the game, consider that he wasn't going to throw his player under the bus. He never has to any player...even Haynesworth. What's he supposed to say? "I pulled him because he just lost us the game." Players see this and know that they are being held accountable...even Mcnabb. But Shanny was protecting his player from the media and put the heat on his coaching decisions. If he would have come out and said, Donovan played poorly, and he just didn't get it done, the media (and you) would have been concentrating on the interception for the loss. Instead your talking about his future starting status and future here...both of which will be put to bed next game when he starts and next year when he re-signs. The guy is here for the rest of his career. I would be shocked if he wasn't.

The excuse he was pulled was that McNabb played poorly and didn't manage the final parts of the game and he needs to be held accountable for that. Once Donovan reviews the game film, he'll see how piss poor of a decision that was.

His excuse was that Grossman, who's not played a snap in regular season, gave the skins a better chance to win, down by 6 with no time outs and less than 2 mins in the game. And you buy that load of crap?!?!?!!? Really??!?!?!?! Ice cold and hasn't played in 2 months, but he gives a better chance, cold off the bench, to win.

This is the stupidest comment I've seen, and I've seen more than a few. Anyone who buys Mike Shanahan's load of crap should have a mental eval to make sure they can tell the difference between fantasy and reality, b/c it's obvious there's a non distinct and blurry line in your reality

Maybe I can't ask this but in all honesty, I'm not trying to insult you...I am really just curious. Do you have somewhat of a learning disability or is your reading comprehension a little slow? I will write it again slowly. My point is that the excuse that he gave was NOT reality. He was protecting his QB by saying instead "my QB did not know the terminology yet and Rex with his experience with the offense gives us a better chance in that situation." He wasn't going to go out and say, Donovan failed miserably at managing the game in the final minutes and throughout the game continued to miss open receivers. He's not going to throw his QB under the bus like that. I will remember to post twice for you next time

I responded to the personal insult in smack. Feel free to join me there.

As for the rest of the rubbish you consider intelligence, I'll address it here. What I heard (and a lot of analysts and other fans as well) is that McNabb wasn't mentally quick enough to run the 2 min and Rex, who's NOT the starter, NOT better than McNabb, and hasn't even played this year regular season until this point, is a better option due to familiarity of terminology.

And then Monday, come out with a totally different angle, totally different set of excuses that don't jive or even support the nonsense he put out Sunday immediately after the game. Not ONE analyst I've watched (and I've watched ESPN, NFL, and whoever was @ halftime on Sunday nite, in addition to talking to all different fans) or fan I've talked to since has the point of view that Shanahan did the right thing. And the point that he's "saving face for McNabb" is laughable at best.

That's shady and underhanded. I think a stand up guy like McNabb would want the truth. And as a fan, I want the truth, too. Even if it's, "I messed up."

[SkinsJock]

I could care less what Mike says to the media or the fans. All that matters to me is how he and his coaches and players communicate and play

McNabb had a really bad day - he's still the starting QB and if he's on the same page as Mike & Kyle, I could care less what the coach says or if he's lying or not

I just want this QB to pick his game up and have confidence in both the HC and the OC AND for both the HC and OC to have confidence in him - he's the best option by far - I do know that we now know that Rex needs an awful lot of help and that Mike is not going to have much confidence in his ability to get the job done - ESPECIALLY behind that atrocious offensive line


I'm hoping that Mike has Donovan and the other players and coaches on the same page and that they understand what is happening - I could care less what the media or some fans think about this

[chiefhog44]

I could care less what Mike says to the media or the fans. All that matters to me is how he and his coaches and players communicate and play

McNabb had a really bad day - he's still the starting QB and if he's on the same page as Mike & Kyle, I could care less what the coach says or if he's lying or not

I just want this QB to pick his game up and have confidence in both the HC and the OC AND for both the HC and OC to have confidence in him - he's the best option by far - I do know that we now know that Rex needs an awful lot of help and that Mike is not going to have much confidence in his ability to get the job done - ESPECIALLY behind that atrocious offensive line


I'm hoping that Mike has Donovan and the other players and coaches on the same page and that they understand what is happening - I could care less what the media or some fans think about this

Maybe I can't communicate this as well as you just did to some, but I agree 100% with what you said. Who cares WHAT he said to the media, whether it was a lie or not. He's not going to come out and tell the truth just so that some guy named vetskins feels like it's on the up and up.