It’s not about an aging tight end or a young kicker getting cut. It’s about letting the locker room know patience is past in the Mike Shanahan era.
The Washington Redskins coach can’t wait for anyone aside rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III to develop. Nor can the team keep aging veterans hoping for one last good season.
Either the Redskins improve on their 11-21 record under Shanahan over the last two seasons or the coach is suddenly vulnerable. If ESPN the Magazine’s 2-14 projection is correct, an organization known for leadership turnover will get another.
Tight end Chris Cooley and kicker Graham Gano are the faces of the new reality. Cooley played only five games last season and seven in 2009. Turning 30 years old and becoming a step slower just made him too costly at the team’s deepest position. That he was the team’s most popular player since his 2004 arrival makes the release sting more for fans.
Gano seemingly beat out Neil Rackers only to get cut the next day. With five blocked kicks last season, largely the offensive line’s fault but still part of his job, and only converting 73.8 percent of his kicks in 36 games, plus too many out-of-bounds kickoffs, Gano was vulnerable.
It’s a clear signal Shanahan is trying to raise the talent on this roster. Losing $18 million in salary cap room this season and next via NFL sanctions cost them an offensive lineman or two and maybe a secondary player already.
The roster has too many “guys” and not enough Pro Bowlers. One offseason poll included only 37-year-old linebacker London Fletcher among the NFL’s top 100 players. The team greatly needs improvement at offensive line, running back and secondary to escape the NFC East cellar much less become a postseason candidate.
The next vulnerable player could be returner Brandon Banks during Friday’s final cuts. He has game-breaking speed, but the Redskins need more from the roster slot, and Banks didn’t show enough at receiver. It would be tough giving up a big returner, but that’s the painful process Washington must undergo.
The Redskins only improved at one position from last year — receiver. Free agents Pierre Garcon and Josh Morgan are good enough to push longtime top receiver Santana Moss to third. Replicate such upgrades roster-wide, and the team will reach the postseason and Shanahan would stay.
Washington is probably relying on a late-round rookie running back to start against New Orleans on Sept. 9. The other three backs are hurt and none are considered a prime back.
The offensive line is so thin the team has spent three years hoping right tackle Jammal Brown would get healthy. It’s not happening. Next year’s second-rounder must be his successor.
The coach threw a symbolic stool across the locker room on Wednesday. No more feeling comfortable on a team that just muddles through. It’s time to get better or get out.
Examiner columnist Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more on Twitter @Snide_Remarks or email [email protected].
