Redskins quarterback Donovan McNabb doesn’t typically say much, opting to sound like a head coach during his pressers than the fun-loving guy he appears to be in the locker room.
But he offered opinions on Albert Haynesworth (whose name is involved in trade talks with Tennessee), his ankle and his contract extension, on his weekly radio show on ESPN 980. He also said he would start Sunday night, but that wasn’t in doubt.
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On Haynesworth: “We can’t win without Albert. He plays a major part of our defense. Everyone knows it. It’s unfortunate what’s going on and how it’s transpired.”
On if this has become a distraction: “It’s happened so much now that it’s something we see every day. It hasn’t become a distraction. One thing I’ve tried to do, and other guys, is not let it affect our locker room. Albert is one of our brothers in the locker room and we want to protect him and make sure he’s taken care of. He understands that, ‘I have to put the time and effort in.’ He knows what he can do.”
On if he wants a contract extension: “Yes i do. I want to be here for years. I’ve moved my family here … and I feel we can have a lot of success the next couple years.”
On why nothing has happened yet: “It’s not something I’ve paid attention to. … Will it happen? I hope so. I’m pretty sure it will. After that we’ll move on. Tom Brady I hear is close to his deal so everyone will follow suit… Nobody’s jumping to be the first one out there.”
On if he has a high ankle sprain: “It’s not classified as a high ankle sprain, but it’s very close to it.”
On if he’s 100 percent: “Is it 100 percent? No. I don’t think any of us are 100 percent. But the percentage is getting higher each day.”
On not having to learn what the rivalry means here: “Not at all. We have similar feeilngs of Dallas and New York and everyone else.”
On being in this rivalry now with Washington: “Just from what I know in communicating with people in the area and the season ticket holders and the players in the locker room, it’s one they look forward to. It’s an excitement that builds from Sunday to Sunday and after the game is over and the Redskins win it continues to the next time you play them. That’s something as a player you enjoy. Your fans are fired up; you’re already fired up and you’re looking forward to getting out there. [Fans] are communicating in work and at the grocery stores, CVS and Rite Aid. This is the game they look forward to.”
On how the game will play out Sunday night: “Redskins win.”
