Mike Shanahan Getting to Work: 10 Predictions For The Washington Redskins
At the conclusion of the disappointing 2010 season, Washington Redskins coach Mike Shanahan said he was going to take the next couple of weeks to watch film from the entire season.
After that, he'd be ready to make decisions about the future of his team - to include what to do with Donovan McNabb, Albert Haynesworth, Clinton Portis, etc.
While the Redskins' players are having to watch yet another playoff race from their couches, Shanahan and his staff are at the office, deciding the fate of the team and the players.
Let's make some predictions!
Move 1: See Ya Southeast Jerome
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As expected, Clinton Portis will not be on the roster in 2011.
Many believe the Denver Broncos got the better end of the Clinton Portis - Champ Bailey trade. There's no question that Champ Bailey is a great player, but Portis' career in D.C. has been stellar.
He's second all-time in rushing for the Washington Redskins. Unfortunately, he won't have a chance to pass John Riggins.
He's due to make too much money and has been too injury-prone the past few seasons to be worthwhile for this team.
I sure will miss Southeast Jerome, Dr. I-don't-know and the rest of his wacky characters.
Move 2: Carlos Rogers Will Be Dropping Interceptions For Another Team In 2011
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Taken ninth overall in 2005, it's pretty safe to say that Carlos Rogers has been a bust so far in his career. Rogers, 29, has only eight career interceptions in six seasons, and he probably dropped about 25 more.
His contract is up and he'll likely want a four or five year deal with more money than Bruce Allen is willing to spend.
He's also battled calf and hamstring injuries over the past few seasons.
He's a nice guy and a solid corner, but won't be worth what he'll ask for.
Move 3: Bubble Boy!
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After the debacle that was the Redskins practice schedule in November and December, it is likely that they will build a practice bubble or something similar at Redskins park for 2011.
The Redskins were forced to practice at a local gym on multiple occasions and Mike Shanahan was obviously annoyed.
They will likely still use their outdoor fields as the primary option for practice, but it will be nice to have the bubble for the bad weather days.
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Move 4: Mike Sellers To Retire
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The longest tenured player on the roster, Mike Sellers will likely be absent from the backfield on opening day in 2011.
Sellers, 36, is a little, well, old. He's had a great career as a Redskin and has done a lot of good things.
Unfortunately, his blocking has been a bit sub-par over the past couple of seasons, and with backup and converted LB Darrel Young coming along nicely, the transition will be smooth.
Mike Shanahan will inform Sellers of their intention to go in a different direction and rather than audition for a new team, and Sellers will call it quits.
Move 5: Trimming The Fat
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Other notable missing faces in 2011:
G, Derrick Dockery
C, Casey Rabach
G, Artis Hicks
T, Stephon Heyer
DT, Kedric Golston
WR, Roydel Williams
S, Kareem Moore
LB, Andre Carter
S, Chris Horton
LB, H.B. Blades
Some of these moves will be close calls. These guys are all either on the bubble on their way out. Expect another major overhaul by Shanahan and Co.
Move 6: The Heir Apparent
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Expect Offensive Coordinator Kyle Shanahan to have an even more prominent role in the offense next season.
The younger Shanahan, although in the position of offensive coordinator, had to run a lot of his plays/ideas through his father, the head coach.
Many would say that Kyle Shanahan actually had too much input on personnel decisions and offensive scheming, but he'll likely have even more next year.
Mike Shanahan has left little doubt how much he values his son's opinion and his talent as an offensive coordinator.
If he can find a way to have success here over multiple years as the OC, look for him to be the potential head coach of the Washington Redskins down the road.
Move 7: The Redskins Will Be One Tight End Lighter
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Going into 2010, everyone was excited to see both Chris Cooley and Fred Davis on the field at the same time, running routes down the middle, embarrassing linebackers and safeties.
This didn't happen. Even when Chris Cooley was healthy, they weren't on the field at the same time very often. And when they were, one of them was almost always stuck on the line with blocking assignments.
Rumors have been circulating that one of them is going to be traded.
Chris Cooley has long been considered the one Redskins player with the most trade value, but I don't think he's going anywhere.
Cooley, 28, has been the Redskins' most consistent offensive weapon in recent years. Getting rid of him would be a mistake. Given the nature of the tight end position and his age, he's still got at least five years of productive football left in him.
Davis, on the other hand, is a raw talent that many teams would be interested in.
He will be traded for a third or fourth round pick.
Let's also not forget that the Redskins have a pretty decent third string tight end in Logan Paulsen.
Move 8: Haynes-Worth a Draft Pick?
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I'll keep this one simple.
Albert Haynesworth is gone.
He will be traded to either Tennessee, New Orleans or Detroit for a fourth—round pick.
His contract was front-loaded so teams won't be scared owing him a lot of money, and he'll be itching to prove that he's still a good player. That's why I think he'll be traded and not released. Teams are willing to overlook his character issues if they can get his talent cheaply.
The Redskins now have a big whole on the defensive line to fill.
Move 9: Donovon McNabb Leaves Even More To Be Desired
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Unable to find a trade partner, Donovon McNabb will be released shortly after the draft (see next slide).
Bruce Allen and Mike Shanahan will try with all their might, but no one bites.
He will be released, and quickly picked up by Minnesota, Arizona or Detroit.
Prediction: Hampered by injuries over the course of the 2011 season, McNabb will be out of football in 2012.
Move 10: Now Starting at Quarterback For Your Washington Redskins....
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Jake Locker.
Depending on how the University of Washington Pro Day and the NFL Combine go, Jake Locker is anticipated to be a mid to late firstround pick in April's Draft.
The word on the street is that Mike Shanahan loves the kid.
Because the Redskins have the 10th overall pick, they will likely trade down with a team who wants one of the high profile defensive tackles still available. They should be able to grab Locker around 22 or 23.
This will also provide them more picks to address some of their other needs.
Jake Locker probably won't start the season, but expect him to take over for Rex Grossman by week 8.
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