Quarterback Donovan McNabb was humbled. Coach Mike Shanahan stumbled. Washington Redskins fans grumbled.
The bye week nearly turned into bye-bye week following McNabb’s late benching in Washington’s 37-25 loss to Detroit on Oct. 31. Nothing like 15 days to chew on an unlikely loss.
But Shanahan’s slighting of his quarterback ultimately will have nothing to do with whether McNabb returns in 2011. Did it sting a little? Certainly. McNabb’s only human. But it wasn’t enough for McNabb to say, “Heck with it, I’m out of here in January.”
Eight games remain — an eternity when it comes to factoring what follows in 2011. McNabb may opt not to re-sign during the offseason, but the benching won’t be any more memorable than what his kids wore for Halloween. Beating Philadelphia on Monday will make everyone forget the controversy.
If Washington finishes 9-7 or better, the Redskins are largely locked into keeping McNabb. Even 8-8 or 7-9 won’t be bad considering the offensive line has crumbled again, the backfield is sparse and there is no reliable second receiver. What more does Shanahan expect McNabb to do with an offense of underperformers?
McNabb countered Shanahan smartly — letting the coach continue to explain the move and letting fans see through it more and more. McNabb didn’t take it too personally. At least, he didn’t let it show.
In his 11 years in Philadelphia, where fans booed his draft selection, McNabb endured repeated criticism. Shanahan’s rejection was a kiss compared to the taunts from Philadelphia fans. McNabb is too steeled for the coach’s slights to penetrate.
McNabb is a businessman, and if it’s good business to return to Washington, then some midseason blip won’t factor. Maybe the Redskins won’t offer him a new contract, but at least McNabb didn’t give Shanahan a reason not to do so.
Fans hold grudges much longer than players. Free agency means players and teams aren’t synonymous anymore, and constant roster changes mean outsiders are more welcome than in years past. It would have been much harder for Redskins players in the 1970s and ’80s to accept Dallas quarterbacks Roger Staubach or Danny White into the locker room, but McNabb moved from a division rival in March quite easily.
McNabb is a rock star among his teammates. The younger ones grew up watching McNabb and enjoy playing with someone who they possibly used in Madden. The older veterans appreciate McNabb’s leadership. He’s a magnet who repels any personal problems in the locker room. Remember, teammates supported Albert Haynesworth in the midst of his preseason drama. With an NFL lockout looming in March, McNabb’s decision is seemingly eons away. By then, no one will remember the final 105 seconds of a midseason loss.
Examiner columnist Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more at TheRickSniderReport.com and Twitter @Snide_Remarks or e-mail [email protected].
