E-mail directs anger mostly at K. Shanahan
ASHBURN – Donovan McNabb’s agent fired another shot at the Redskins. This time, he directed most of his ire at offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, citing him as the cause of McNabb’s problems in Washington.
Fletcher Smith, in an e-mail to numerous reporters, said there is tension between McNabb and both Mike and Kyle Shanahan. Smith reiterated that McNabb, benched after a Week 14 loss to Tampa Bay that eliminated Washington from playoff contention, would like to remain in Washington but that it would be difficult to accomplish.
Most likely, they will press for his release, giving them the ability to choose McNabb’s next destination. His trade value would be minimal at this point because teams know the Redskins don’t want him back and eventually would have to release him.
In April, the Redskins traded a second-round pick last year and a fourth-rounder in 2011 for McNabb.
“While Donovan’s feelings about Washington remain the same, the Shanahans — both Mike and more specifically Kyle — have made this an extremely difficult relationship to maintain,” Smith wrote. “Their comments have been beyond disrespectful and unprecedented for a six-time Pro Bowl quarterback such as Donovan.”
McNabb has declined comment since talking on his paid weekly appearance on ESPN 980 on Tuesday.
But on Tuesday he said of his relationship with Kyle Shanahan:
“I thought we had a pretty decent relationship, one that was growing, and I still feel somewhat that way. Sometimes when you hear sources get out and talk or people talk on radio or TV, they got it from someone. I’ve heard where it’s come from. I’ve heard their thoughts, and so believe me I know where some of this stuff is coming from.”
Based on Smith’s comments, that person appears to be Kyle Shanahan.
Smith disputes the notion that McNabb didn’t report to camp in great shape and that he wasn’t able to grasp Kyle Shanahan’s offense. Smith said McNabb arrived to camp 10 pounds lighter and never missed a practice in the offseason.
“Unfortunately, it appears as though the Redskins coaching staff decided that their 12-year veteran quarterback, who flawlessly executed one of the NFL’s most complex offensive systems [in Philadelphia], is unable to grasp Kyle’s offense,” Smith wrote.
Smith also alleged that Kyle Shanahan said after the 17-16 loss to Tampa Bay, “He’ll never take another snap for me again.”
League sources said in the summer that they had heard McNabb was struggling to run the offense.
Smith said the tensions result from McNabb “suggesting modifications to Kyle’s offense based on intricacies Donovan has learned in his NFL career.”
“Donovan has asked all year that the team run more screen passes to help manage the pass rush more effectively,” Smith said. “Ironically, Kyle decided to employ Donovan’s suggestions [vs. Dallas] after he unceremoniously benched him on Sunday.”
McNabb was not having a good season, his first in Washington. He has completed 58.3 percent of his passes for 3,377 yards, 14 touchdowns and 15 interceptions.
In a statement, Redskins coach Mike Shanahan said, “When I traded for Donovan McNabb I had hoped that he would lead us to the playoffs. … This was not personal but strictly professional. I stand by my decision. I will attempt to talk to Fletcher Smith directly to clear up every one of his misconceptions.”
