NFL Predictions for 2010 Season: Donovan McNabb Will Find Success In Washington

“The one thing I’m looking for is passion,” Coach Mike Shanahan said at The Redskins 49th annual Welcome Home Luncheon. He emphasized their goal of winning a Superbowl, saying, “I want people who can make a commitment that they want to play. They don’t care if they aren’t making any money… the goal is to win the Superbowl…”

It most certainly looks like the Redskins have found the right coach for the team. There is no doubt that this team is definitely stacked with talent. Donovan McNabb has a few dangerous targets to look towards in Cooley, Moss, Galloway, and a handfull of young talent, along with a running game like he has never had before, complete with a coach who caters towards running the ball.

This is an important key because in McNabb’s previous situation, he was coached by a man who loved the passing game. While McNabb made a success up there in Philadelphia's system, it seems that after so many passes, McNabb would begin to lose gas. At which point, McNabb would become inaccurate and unable to finish games.

 McNabb, however, is now in a system with more talented running-backs then Toy’s R Us has toys. If Clinton Portis is having a bad day, well hey, maybe Larry Johnson will step it up. If not, then surely Willie Parker will. Plus, Coach Shanahan is the coach known to produce a running game out of thin air. In turn, the likelihood of this being a great running team is very high.

This should allow McNabb to play his game at the highest level, while leaving enough in the tank to do what he struggled to do in Philadelphia -- finish off games.

It’s not just the offense that has the Redskins looking very dangerous. The defense, which is hoping to be anchored by Albert Haynesworth, is going to be very, dangerously, different. The philosophy has changed, the coach has changed, (Jim Hasslet) and their defensive scheme has changed.  The defense is virtually a mirror of their offense. Wiley veterans that have proven themselves on other teams that, I’m sure, can gel to provide success.

On the other hand, we’ve seen this from the Redskins before. The high-profile coach, the importing of high-profile veteran has-beens, and the changing of schemes and philosophies, all to no avail.

But what’s different about this? The answer: Donovan McNabb.

He’s still a very good quarterback who will be getting relief from the workload he had carried in Andy Reid’s system.  This should prove to be a very interesting battle in the NFC East. I think it’s first, second, or last place for the Skins.

I’m going to go ahead and predict that the Redskins make some noise this year with a first or second place finish. The odd man out, I believe are, ironically, the Philadelphia Eagles.

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