Redskins-Bears Preview: McNabb, Shanahan See Familiar Places And Faces

Note: The quotes in this article are fictional.

Washington @ Chicago (-3)

The Redskins dropped out of a tie for first in the NFC East after last Sunday's 27-24 loss to the visiting Colts, a loss in which the 'Skins certainly had their chances to win. An intriguing matchup in Chicago awaits, as Donovan McNabb returns to his hometown, and Mike Shanahan faces Jay Cutler, who played under Shanahan for two years in Denver.

"I've certainly got the book on Cutler," said Shanahan. "As last week's 17-of-39 passing day for Cutler would indicate, that book is incomplete. And, as Cutler's sub-par progressions show, it's 'not a good read.'

"But let's not write off Cutler just yet. Lesser quarterbacks, talent-wise, have led the Bears to Super Bowls before. That's not to say Cutler is better than Rex Grossman, or Jim McMahon, for that matter. Let's just say if Cutler tried to moon a helicopter, he'd miss. Honestly, though, I like our prospects against the Bears. Cutler gives me a better chance to win when he's on the opposing team."

The 'Skins are 3-3, and sport a defense that surrenders an average of 420 yards per game, worst in the league. In last week's 27-24 loss to the Colts, Washington gave up 170 yards on the ground to the Colts, who previously ranked near the bottom of league in rushing.

"Albert Haynesworth could really help this team on the defensive line," said McNabb. "He can really fill the middle. No, I'm not referring to his eating habits, but to his skills in the 3-4 defense. I'm not sure why Albert's so reluctant to adopt the 3-4 defense. He's got 21 million reasons to 'buy in' to the scheme. Maybe such huge sums of money have left him averse to 'change.'"

The Redskins load the box and force the Bears to throw. Cutler quakes in the face of numerous blitzes, and plays right into Washington's hands, literally, by throwing three interceptions.

McNabb throws for 2 touchdowns, and the Redskins win, 24-21.