2012 QB Prospects (Part 2)

[Mechanix544]

Originally Posted by GTripp0012

But the argument is totally nullified by the fact that the Redskins had McNabb on the roster after the lockout ended. He was traded because he was perceived as a limiting factor by a team that wanted to turn the keys over to Rex Grossman and/or John Beck.

There's no conspiracy theory to be had here. Mike Shanahan thought Rex Grossman and John Beck could win games for him in 2011. He thought they could win enough games to win the NFC East. And the only part he was right about is that it's only going to take 9 or 10 wins to take the East.

It's one thing to not have a lot of confidence in a rookie Blaine Gabbert or a rookie Christian Ponder or a rookie Ryan Mallett, the three players who the Redskins passed over at no. 10 overall to trade down to 16. History may prove Mike Shanahan right on that one. It's never going to look fondly though on the guys he actually staked his reputation to. Heck, Shanahan couldn't even tell the difference in quality between the two guys he handpicked. Even the veterans on the Redskins had that figured out. The idea that there werent better options out there to be had over the last two seasons is absurd. Of course there were.

We haven't fixed any "real" problems in two years, so how would we know how much a good coaching staff could fix in one year? Maybe changing the coaching staff brings in the perfect guy to win in the NFL at this time. Or maybe it starts over the rebuilding clock. Either way, what's the downside?

I disagree, to an extent. On the whole, our team is finally getting younger. Just prior to the 2010 season, our average age was 27.97, which ranked tops in the NFL at the conclusion of the 53 man rosters. Prior to 2011, that figure changed to 26.6, 1.37 years younger, and down to 11th in the league. You also have to figure that this draft is going to produce our starting quarterback, and hopefully one or two other starters who are going to step in right away.

Our team age is steadily going down, which gives the franchise a bit of flexibility when it comes down to free agency, as well as a sense of optimism and comaraderie, knowing that the team is chock full of young talent, not "has been" mercs looking for a payday. So in at least one aspect the Shanahan era hasnt been a total loss. This next year (2012) will determine the future of the organization, as well as Mike Shanahan.