Coach Mike Shanahan can’t double-talk his way past the simple truth: The Redskins stink. The Redskins switched quarterbacks and didn’t score a touchdown. They changed running backs and still had no ground game. They swapped linebackers and still surrendered a touchdown on the opening drive and another on a critical late one.
Miami, all of 1-7 coming in, led Washington from the opening minutes in a 20-9 victory Sunday. It was a new low for the Redskins, though the worst is probably still ahead for this 3-6 team.
The only way out, Shanahan said, was to “work hard.” Please, that’s a token response. The team can’t work harder. The coaching staff can’t work longer hours. It’s all about personnel. The Redskins don’t have an offensive line, quarterback or running back that can carry the team anywhere near mediocrity.
Shanahan returned quarterback Rex Grossman and running back Ryan Torain to the lineup and got the same poor results. With an offensive line that’s completely shredded, there’s no way to score in the red zone.
Shanahan said Grossman’s surprise return was determined by factors beyond just the quarterbacks. Translation: The Redskins couldn’t protect quarterback John Beck, so they went with Grossman and his quicker release.
Yet Grossman’s penchant for turnovers cost the Redskins the game when his forced pass resulted in an interception at the 10-yard line with 12 minutes remaining and a 13-9 deficit. Naturally, Miami went 90 yards to seal the game.
Failing to upgrade at quarterback or on the offensive line in the draft and free agency again is haunting Shanahan. Former general manager Vinny Cerrato deserves some blame for the problem, but Shanahan has had two offseasons to improve both areas and came away with only offensive tackle Trent Williams, who still needs work. At running back, the Redskins drafted a serviceable player in Roy Helu, but they need the next Clinton Portis.
Shanahan’s reputation as an offensive guru and quarterback maker is ruined. He wagered that Beck and Grossman were worthy NFL starters, and fans now are spitting that back as a curse. Shanahan said Beck was starting until he revealed to the team Saturday night he had changed his mind. Now the coach looks desperate.
Shanahan’s 9-16 record is worse than that of either Jim Zorn and Steve Spurrier after 25 games. That’s unforgivable. This five-game losing streak, the team’s longest since 2001, easily could stretch until the end of the season. Washington will be lucky to match last year’s 6-10 mark.
At this point, only owner Dan Snyder’s past sin of quickly making changes is keeping Shanahan from becoming the next former Redskins coach. But if the team doesn’t win at least twice in the final seven games, the Redskins owner must consider whether a third season with Shanahan is warranted.
Examiner columnist Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more on Twitter @Snide_Remarks or email [email protected].
