Monday AM Pundits on the Redskins

DISCUSS IT IN OUR REDSKINS FORUM

We always do it weekly, sometimes it is painful, sometimes it is energetic.  This one happens to be painful.  We take a look around at what the major media pundits have to say on Monday morning, the fallout from Redskins football on Sunday.  Sometimes we respond, many times we do not.   Here we go …

Last Call, John Clayton, ESPN

Have you ever seen a Sunday as bad as this one was for third-down conversions? The Redskins and Lions went a combined 6-for-31 on third down.

Our Response:  It is not only a sign of a terrible offense but terrible play calling.  The Redskins are having serious issues on the offensive line.  There is no doubt about that.  Sitting Derrick Dockery, week in and week out, is becoming nothing short of absurd.  He may be huge, he may be a bit slow, but he can block.  Anyhow, the fact is the offensive line does not allow time for conversion and even at that, the play calling on third down is just a small step, and I mean small, above Jim Zorn.

For Mike Shanahan to bench a healthy Donovan McNabb in the fourthquarter with the Washington Redskins down by only six was amazing. McNabb has 25 fourth-quarter comebacks in his career and his presence in the fourth quarter has been one of the reasons the Redskins already have won as many games as they did last year. Rex Grossman entered and immediately fumbled, giving the Detroit Lions an easy touchdown in a 37-25 win.

Our Reponse:  None need here.  Our response can be read here. 

Week 8 Judgements, Clark Judge, CBS Sports

3.Let me see if I have this straight. Donovan McNabb was pulled in favor or Rex Grossmannear the end of Sunday’s game because Grossmanis “more comfortable” and “capable” withthe two-minute offense than McNabb? Wow, you don’t have a quarterback controversy, Washington. You have a quarterback problem. And, Donovan McNabb, you may never have a contract extension.

Our Response:  We really said what we had to say in the above linked article, but I agree with Clark Judge, I think the Shanahan decision at the 1:41 mark of the 4th quarter clarified that Mcnabb is a one year stay in Washington. 

And that, folks, is what I mean about Calvin Johnson being the best wide receiver in the game.

Our Reponse:  Agreed.  Although I think it is close between Johnson and Johnson (Andre)

Week’s Winners and Losers, Matt Bowen, National Football Post

[Listed as a loser]  2. Mike Shanahan:Going to be a big topic of discussion this week out in D.C. after Shanahan gave the hook to starting QB Donovan McNabb—and brought Rex Grossmaninto the game. Forget numbers, or the score of the game, becausewhen you yank your No.1 that sends a message to the locker room. I don’t agree with the move, and regardless of McNabb’scontract situation for next season, taking the leader of the offense out of the game doesn’t add up from the perspective of the players on that team. I know McNabbhas struggled at times in this offense, but he is still the player who is looked at as the overall leader of this football team. Don’t disrupt that when you are a 4-4 team that can still be a player in the NFC East.

Our Reponse:  Nothing to add.  We agree with former Redskin Matt Bowen. 

Best and Worsts, Sean Leahy, USA Today

Strangest coaching decision: Washington’s Mike Shanahan benched QB Donovan McNabb with 1:50 left to play in favor of Rex Grossman. Shanahan said he was more confident in Grossman’sknowledge of the team’s two-minute offense.

Worst debut: Grossman, taking his first snap of the season, fumbled on his first snap after relieving McNabb. Detroit’s Ndamukong Suh recovered and ran the ball back 17 yards for a game-clinching TD in a 37-25 win.

Our Response:  We have no further reponse.

Best kick returner: After a 94-yard punt return for a TD was nullified by penalty, Washington’s Brandon Banks returned a Lions kickoff 96 yards for a TD in the fourth quarter. The score temporarily gave the Redskins a lead in a 37-25 loss at Detroit.

Our Response:  Brandon Banks was exceptional yesterday and he been exceptional since replacing Devin Thomas and Phillip Buchanan as return specialist.  How about installing some Banks in the offensive in the slot?  Given the state of this crappy pass offense, can it hurt any further?

Much more Redskins news HERE