Washington Redskins: Should Mike Shanahan Move for Marc Bulger?

Quarterback is the biggest question mark on the Washington Redskins roster.  Following the Donovan McNabb debacle, Mike Shanahan is looking to cut ties with the former Philadelphia Eagle.  This leaves the Redskins dangerously thin at arguably the most pivotal position on the team. 

Unrestricted veteran Marc Bulger could be a useful under-the-radar acquisition.

As things currently stand, only journeyman Rex Grossman and untested career backup John Beck are the leading candidates to start under centre for the Redskins.  Both represent a huge risk as starters and poor play at quarterback will certainly curtail the Redskins' rebuilding efforts.

Mike Shanahan and Bruce Allen used the draft to add some exciting prospects at the skill positions.  Wide receiver Leonard Hankerson and running backs Roy Helu and Evan Royster have the opportunity to galvanise an anaemic Washington attack.

But the three youngsters will only be able to fulfill their potential with the presence of a dependable signal-caller directing the offense.  Marc Bulger certainly fits the bill.  He spent 2010 as backup to Joe Flacco for the Baltimore Ravens.  Although injuries have blighted him during the last few years of his career, Bulger has put up some impressive numbers and could signal a quick turnaround for the Redskins offense.

Possessing a strong arm, Bulger is an accurate passer with a quick release.  One of his best attributes is the timing of his passes.  Bulger is adept at throwing to a spot, anticipating a receiver's arrival.  This means many of his passes are plucked out of the air by receivers on the run, who are then able to gain more yards after the catch.

Bulger enjoyed a prolific spell with the St. Louis Rams.  He became the fifth-quickest quarterback in NFL history to exceed 20,000 passing yards and ended his Rams tenure as the franchise leader in pass completions.  A Pro Bowler in 2003 and 2006, Bulger would give the Redskins a credible, proven starter at quarterback.

The former West Virginia standout has decent enough mobility in the pocket to execute the play-action rollout passes favoured by Washington offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan.  His arm strength would allow him to make all the throws required by the system.  He is also familiar to Redskins defensive coordinator Jim Haslett, who coached him in St. Louis, as well as safety O.J. Atogwe, himself a former Ram.

One knock on Bulger is that he never performed as well for the Rams once offensive guru Mike Martz departed in 2005.  As the Rams began to move away from Martz's passer-friendly, wide open playbook, Bulger's form eventually dipped dramatically.

Age and durability are two other factors which would make Bulger a risk for the Redskins.  He struggled to stay healthy during each of his last three seasons in St. Louis.  This kind of injury track record combined with the Redskins' revolving door of an offensive line could be a recipe for disaster. 

A move for the 34-year-old Bulger would be in contrast to the youth movement Mike Shanahan is trying to implement in D.C.

Despite these concerns, the possibility of signing a passer as proficient as Bulger should not be readily dismissed.  Having spent the 2010 season on the sidelines, Bulger is well rested and will be anxious to prove he can still lead a team in the NFL.  The Redskins' decision to sign a veteran quarterback may have failed with McNabb, but the idea still has merit. 

An established trigger man like Bulger could turn the Redskins into winners sooner rather than later.