What Mike Shanahan Could Do For the Washington Redskins

As reported on ESPN, the Redskins are talking to former Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan about taking the job in Washington. While Jim Zorn has not yet been fired, and this is all just speculation, I have to say it makes sense.

Remember every time the Redskins have ever been contenders? What did they have?

Answer: a balanced rushing attack, a solid starting quarterback, and a franchise receiver.

Mike Shanahan is well-known for his teams’ ability to run the ball. With the Broncos, he had such running backs as Terrell Davis, Mike Anderson, Olandis Gary, Reuben Droughns, and Tatum Bell rush for over 1,000 yards in a single season.

Not to mention current Redskins (and former Broncos) running back Clinton Portis.

And as for the quarterback situation? Shanahan was fortunate to have a guy named John Elway to help balance the attack in Denver. They managed to win two Super Bowls at the end of Elway’s career, with his final snap ever taken on a football field resulting a Super Bowl touchdown.

There’s no better way to call it a career.

Elway’s No. 1 target was none other than tight end Shannon Sharpe, arguably the greatest in the history of the league. He caught over 10,000 yards in his career and 62 touchdowns, winning two Super Bowls in Denver and one in Baltimore with the Ravens.

Looking at the Redskins, historically, their three Super Bowls followed a similar formula. Their first victory in Super Bowl XVII featured quarterback Joe Theisman and running back (and Super Bowl MVP) John Riggins.

And Art Monk didn’t exactly slack at wide receiver.

Moving on to their second title, the Redskins embarrassed Elway’s Broncos in Super Bowl XXII. While quarterback Doug Williams wasn’t exactly Hall of Fame material, he clicked at the right time, throwing for a then-Super Bowl record 340 yards.

Again, Art Monk was the main contributor in the receiving game.

Rookie running back Timmy Smith also set a Super Bowl record with 204 yards rushing. Had his career not been cut short due to nagging injuries, there’s no telling what he would have been capable of.

Super Bowl XXVI saw Redskins quarterback Mark Rypien, who had taken over the starting job and not looked back after an injury to Doug Williams, win the MVP, anchored by a strong offensive line and a diverse running game.

And once more, Art Monk was the go-to receiver.

Running back Earnest Byner rushed for over 1,000 yards and scored five touchdowns, while fullback Gerald Riggs scored 11 touchdowns down on the goal line.

The Redskins will have to make some changes in order to fit Shanahan’s style, but considering how they’ve performed recently, I don’t think Dan Snyder will mind.

First of all, Jason Campbell has to go. He’s shown flashes of talent here and there, but four years in, his completion percentage is still too low and inappropriately-timed interceptions have all but lost him the starting job come next season.

Solution? Call me crazy, but I think Colt McCoy would be the right fit for Washington. He focused more this season on throwing from the pocket, scrambling only when he needed to avoid a sack. He’s got the arm strength, and with a bit of development (possibly keep Jim Zorn on staff as a consultant to work with McCoy), I think he can make the transition into the professional game.

Next, the receiving situation seriously needs to be addressed. Santana Moss is spotty at best, never having 1,000 yards receiving and 10 touchdowns in the same season since he arrived in Washington. While Chris Cooley is a solid tight end, the Redskins need to find a stronger No. 1 receiver, possibly someone like Dez Bryant or Golden Tate.

As for the running backs? I’m not worried. Shanahan could walk into a Circle K somewhere in D.C., hire the cashier as running back, and the guy would still put up a 1,000 yard season.

Besides, Clinton Portis is still productive (in spite of this season being shortened by injury), and Quinton Ganther is getting the job done in his place.

Hiring Mike Shanahan may be the smartest move owner Dan Snyder will ever make. Give Shanahan free reign and let him work his magic.