To all my Redskins friends

[DJSHO91]

I was travelling when the news hit. What are your thoughts about the McNabb trade? What does this mean to you, positive or negative?

 

[Eric VerValin]

Better than the last guy.

 

[SHOmethewayhome]

I think you're the only one DJ. redskins fan that is.

 

[Rubix]

Wrong! I'm right there with ya DJ through thick and thin (I'm an Orioles fan too, I'm used to it).

I dislike this move, I think it's yet another stupid waste of money. While not as bad of a decision, this is similar to the Haynesworth deal, but at least this didn't cost as much and McNabb still has some quality years left; Haynesworth was way too much money and was hurt half the time.
Jason Campbell can play. He has never had time to develop a relationship with a coach and get comfortable with an offensive system, which McNabb is not a good fit for Shanahan's system. I'm sure he will adapt, and McNabb is a top quality QB but I just don't feel confident in this deal, he is toward the end of his prime while Campbell is toward the beginning. Is this an upgrade at the QB position? Most will say yes, and given McNabb's history over Jason's sure it seems that way. But their numbers from 2009 weren't to dissimilar. Campbell threw for more yards and only had 2 less TD's, though he threw 5 more picks but we can chalk those up to rushed throws due to the broken dam of an offensive line. Their ratings weren't too different either, only a couple digits apart.
I have felt confident that we brought in Shanahan, I like the guy and I envisioned Jason finally settling in for a few seasons with Shanahan. Instead, we go and pick up McNabb, without giving warning to Campbell by the way ( http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/sh...-about-McNabb-trade-from-repor?urn=nfl,232069 ). I think instead of picking up McNabb we should have focused on our offensive line, that's what killed our offense last season.

 

[SHOhopefull]

Didn't Campbell play for Auburn? If I'm thinking of the same person, he was pretty good back then.

 

[DJSHO91]

Wrong! I'm right there with ya DJ through thick and thin (I'm an Orioles fan too, I'm used to it).

I dislike this move, I think it's yet another stupid waste of money. While not as bad of a decision, this is similar to the Haynesworth deal, but at least this didn't cost as much and McNabb still has some quality years left; Haynesworth was way too much money and was hurt half the time.
Jason Campbell can play. He has never had time to develop a relationship with a coach and get comfortable with an offensive system, which McNabb is not a good fit for Shanahan's system. I'm sure he will adapt, and McNabb is a top quality QB but I just don't feel confident in this deal, he is toward the end of his prime while Campbell is toward the beginning. Is this an upgrade at the QB position? Most will say yes, and given McNabb's history over Jason's sure it seems that way. But their numbers from 2009 weren't to dissimilar. Campbell threw for more yards and only had 2 less TD's, though he threw 5 more picks but we can chalk those up to rushed throws due to the broken dam of an offensive line. Their ratings weren't too different either, only a couple digits apart.
I have felt confident that we brought in Shanahan, I like the guy and I envisioned Jason finally settling in for a few seasons with Shanahan. Instead, we go and pick up McNabb, without giving warning to Campbell by the way ( http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/sh...-about-McNabb-trade-from-repor?urn=nfl,232069 ). I think instead of picking up McNabb we should have focused on our offensive line, that's what killed our offense last season.

Jamie, I had a lot of the same feelings. To say that this came as a shock is an understatement. However, after a lot of thought, I am seeing this is a different light.

I don't know if it came from the recent mini-camp or from personal interviews, but I get the feeling that Coach Shanahan wasn't sold on Jason working in his system. I can't point to any one thing, it's just a feeling I have.

This move also makes sense in opening up trade and draft opportunities to help the team in other areas. I think the Redskins staff came to a realization that they weren't going to be able to get Bradford as a draft choice and they weren't really interested in Clausen as a 1st round chose. By selecting McNabb, they get the quality leader that Shanahan works best with, while leaving their 1st round selection to answer other needs(hopefully off. line). If they trade Jason, as it looks like they will, they should be able to get a 3rd/4th round selection that would mitigate some of the loss given for Donovan.

I also think, as much as I respect Jason, Donovan will bring a stronger leadership quality to the Redskins offense. This is one area that I felt Jason stepped backward in 2009. Jason hasn't always controlled the huddle and this is one area where Donovan has excelled.

With the adding of Donovan McNabb, as well as Larry Johnson and Willie Parker, you are seeing a program coming together that is very similar to the structure that Coach Shanahan had when he 1st came to Denver. And we all know the results that came from that set-up.

With all this said, I can't say that I'm giddy about it, but I do see a strong growth potential for the Redskins in 2010 and beyond. At least I hope so.

Hail To The Redskins!