JaMarcus Russell vs. Donovan McNabb: Who Is Better for the Washington Redskins?

Washington Redskins coach Mike Shanahan is bringing in JaMarcus Russell for a workout, according to ESPN and NFL.com.

With that thought in mind, it's time to look at who would be the better option for the Redskins. Don't blame the messenger—the Redskins are the ones who started this.

Shanahan obviously has decided Donovan McNabb's time in Washington could be over. But he is exploring all options before sending McNabb down the road, up the river or whatever your preferred euphemism is.

Here's a look at some reasons each quarterback could be the better option.

The writer assumes no responsibilities for aneurysms that result from the Redskins' decisions.

5. JaMarcus Russell Is Younger

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DENVER - DECEMBER 20: Quarterback JaMarcus Russell #2 celebrates following the Oakland Raiders' victory over the Denver Broncos at Invesco Field at Mile High on December 20, 2009 in Denver, Colorado. The Raiders defeated the Broncos 20-19. (Photo by Jef

This is the most obvious argument for bringing in Russell.

McNabb is getting older, and there's no way he will be the future of the franchise.

Russell is much younger, and if he can be coached up, he can be the Redskins quarterback for several years and not force the team to pick a quarterback in the first round next year.

5. Donovan McNabb Is in Better Shape

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DETROIT - OCTOBER 31: Donovan McNabb #5 of the Washigton Redkins warms up prior to the start of the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on October 31, 2010 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)

Despite Mike Shanahan's ill-advised comment about McNabb's cardiovascular fitness, McNabb is, hands down, the more fit quarterback in this argument.

Russell's weight always was an issue in Oakland, and one of his big knocks was his expanding girth.

4. Russell Can Be Coached Up

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DETROIT - OCTOBER 31: Washington Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan watches the action during the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on October 31, 2010 in Detroit, Michigan. The Lions defeated the Redskins 37-25. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Imag

Russell is young, so Shanahan and his coaching staff should be able to have some kind of positive effect on him. They definitely could do something to improve his skills, footwork and technique.

McNabb is at the point in his career where a lot of those things just aren't going to change or get any better.

4. McNabb Wins the Preparation Battle

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PHILADELPHIA - OCTOBER 03: Donovan McNabb #5 of the Washington Redskins celebrates after throwing a first quater touchdown pass against the Philadelphia Eagles on October 3, 2010 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jim Mc

We can sit here and debate the reasons McNabb got benched, or why he was traded by Philadelphia, but one thing you can't debate is the fact McNabb is a professional, and he worked as hard as any quarterback in getting ready for games.

If you were to poll the coaches, I doubt very seriously Russell would come out ahead of McNabb in drills, weight room, or the film study.

3. Russell Is Hungry for Another Chance

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

DENVER - DECEMBER 20: Quarterback JaMarcus Russell #2 of the Oakland Raiders drops back to pass against the Denver Broncos in the fourth quarter at Invesco Field at Mile High on December 20, 2009 in Denver, Colorado. The Raiders defeated the Broncos 20-1

After being cut by the Raiders and ignored by all 32 NFL teams in the offseason, there's no doubt Russell is hungry to get a chance to prove himself again.

Failure can be a great motivator, and that's one thing the Redskins surely were looking for in the workout today.

3. McNabb Is Hungry to Prove Everyone Wrong

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ARLINGTON, TX - JANUARY 03: Quarterback Donovan McNabb #5 of the Philadelphia Eagles at Cowboys Stadium on January 3, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

McNabb spent most of his career in Philadelphia and dealing with the Philadelphia fans, one of the hardest fan bases to please in the world.

He was benched by Andy Reid in 2008 for a half, and now Shanahan benched him again at the end of last week's game.

If there's not any motivation in there for McNabb to stick it to everybody who thinks he's overrated, then he shouldn't be in this business.

2. Russell Can Be Got Cheap

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OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 28: Quarterback of the Oakland Raider JaMarcus Russell looks on during the Boston Celtics and the Golden State Warriors NBA game at Oracle Arena on December 28, 2009 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges

Russell has no bargaining power here; he gets paid whatever the collective bargaining agreement minimum states he gets paid.

Russell can't demand any kind of sizable salary, and that's a bonus for the Redskins who are paying McNabb a lot more than a couple of hundred thousand a year.

2. You Get What You Pay For in McNabb

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CHICAGO - OCTOBER 24: Donovan McNabb #5 of the Washington Redskins throws a pass against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on October 24, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Redskins defeated the Bears 17-14. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

While McNabb hasn't played his best ball this season, historically he is one of the best regular season quarterbacks of the last decade.

McNabb is a winner during the regular season, and if the Redskins give him the proper support system instead of throwing up roadblocks, they might see more success on the field with McNabb behind center.

1. Russell Comes in with Zero Expectations

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OAKLAND, CA - JANUARY 03: JaMarcus Russell #2 of the Oakland Raiders in action against the Baltimore Ravens during an NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on January 3, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

Like it or not, if the Redskins do bring in Russell, it means they've given up on the season and are trying to avoid drafting a quarterback in the first round next year.

So Russell comes in for an eight-game tryout basically.

1. McNabb Has More Experience

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PHILADELPHIA - OCTOBER 03: Donovan McNabb #5 of the Washington Redskins looks on against the Philadelphia Eagles on October 3, 2010 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Whether or not Shanahan and his offensive coaching staff like McNabb is irrelevant at this point. McNabb has more experience than Russell.

McNabb can grasp an offense quicker than Russell, who would be starting from page one.

McNabb has been here since the beginning of the year and no matter what, is more experienced with this offense than Russell.

Conclusion: Donovan McNabb

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CHICAGO - OCTOBER 24: Donovan McNabb #5 of the Washington Redskins rolls out to look for a receiver against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on October 24, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

At the end of the day, McNabb is the better option over Russell.

The Redskins decided to make McNabb their guy, and if they want to be successful, they have to throw all their resources behind McNabb, which it appears they have not done so far this year.

Shanahan needs to quit looking at what he doesn't have, and instead focus on what he does have and make the best of it for eight more games.

If at the end of the season Shanahan still doesn't think he can work with McNabb, then you make the change.

Until then, even bringing in Russell for a workout is counterproductive and only will cause a further rift between Shanahan and McNabb.