Donovan McNabb: The New Face of The Redskins
 

Shortly after Dan Snyder hired General Manager Bruce Allen to undo the sins of his predecessor to finally right the the Redskins organization, I couldn't fathom another moment surpassing Allen's arrival in either significance or impact. Even the signing of Mike Shanahan, while it was welcomed, really was a foregone conclusion for many weeks. But what a difference a day makes. It's been less than 24 hours since the Redskins landed, what could be, the biggest and most stunning aquisition since the Eagles and the Redskins swapped Norm Snead and Sonny Jergensen in 1964 - almost to the date. Nearly every pundit and fan alike have opined on the deal. From the likes of Andy Roddick and ESPN's Mike & Mike, to thewarpath.net analysts GTripp and SirClintonPortis, to the average Joe riding Metro have all weighed in.

But beyond filling the yearly question mark at quarterback for the Redskins, McNabb also fills another void; he's officially the big man on campus now. Mike Shanahan might be head coach, but win or lose this is now Donovan McNabb's team. He has now, in my opinion, become the face of this franchise. It's not uncommon for a star athlete to, over time, establish himself as the face of a new organization. Many players have moved on and have had productive careers and positive impacts on their new team and city. But it isn't everyday for a player to have instant cred with his new teammates before he takes a snap, a ringing endorsement from his former coach and ex-teammates, and a collective shock around the NFL that is still reverberating.

During the past decade under Dan Snyder's stewardship, the Redskins have had a plethora of big name stars that have come and gone. Some have lived up to the hype and some haven't. McNabb's reputation as a team player and, more importantly, a no-nonsense, no drama leader has already begun to course it's way through the 'Skins locker room. Yesterday I listened to DeAngelo Hall speak glowingly of the trade. Moments later Lorenzo Alexander couldn't help but speak about Jason Campbell in the past tense and how much he welcomed the change at quarterback. I couldn't help but think that this attitude will yield results on Sundays. Confidence breeds confidence and McNabb is already commanding the respect that Jason Campbell couldn't and Clinton Portis has flirted with on and off since becoming a Redskin.

More than likely, Redskins fans will see McNabb's face and that #5 jersey plastered on everything and anything the Skins marketing team can conjure up. In the meantime, let's enjoy the ride. Welcome to D.C., Mr. McNabb.

Re: Donovan McNabb: The New Face of The Redskins
 

I think Shanahan is still the face of the franchise, but McNabb is certainly the face and unquestioned leader of the offense now.

Re: Donovan McNabb: The New Face of The Redskins
 

In 24 hours he has grown on me. I looked at some mcnabb jerseys online but it just doesnt look right in the B&G. A few touchdowns oughta change that and I am glad we made this move.

Re: Donovan McNabb: The New Face of The Redskins
 

Yeah he is definitely the face of the OF. Can't wait to see how good are WR's & TE's really are.

Re: Donovan McNabb: The New Face of The Redskins
 

There's definitely an intangible (not found in Football Outsiders) quality that shouldn't be overlooked in all this. McNabb is a proven veteran who has shown for over a decade that he can win and has won in the NFC East and against the rest of the NFL. He has handled the adversity of the Philadelphia fans and media (which should make DC a cake walk), and he's been successful despite-in my opinion-Reid and Morninwheg putting him in ridiculous situations with their propensity to abandon the run at crucial junctures.

Guys like Moss, Thomas, Cooley, etc will have a much easier time showing respect for a guy who has accomplished all that than a rookie like Bradford. Not that Bradford couldn't be successful here. I think he certainly would have been. Just that the "acclimation curve" is not as steep now.

Re: Donovan McNabb: The New Face of The Redskins
 

Dmac is our man boys! I'm thrilled at the thought of Devin and Malcolm finally getting a quarterback who isn't scared to throw to them.
As mentioned earlier though, those Mcnabb jerseys just do not look right.. Can't see myself buying one anytime soon.

Re: Donovan McNabb: The New Face of The Redskins
 

I'm interested in seeing how much more effective McNabb can be in a version of the WC offense that places an emphasis on running the ball. Coming from a team that passed the ball 60% of the time he put up great numbers over an eleven year period despite his periods of inacuracy. A solid running game may be the best antidote for him at this stage of his career.

Re: Donovan McNabb: The New Face of The Redskins
 

I heard Lord Shanahan personally ordained the new Minister of Offense, His Excellency Donovan McNabb. All defenses shall bow to His mighty arm and his knights of the Cooleyzone.

Re: Donovan McNabb: The New Face of The Redskins
 

[quote=Longtimefan;683720]I'm interested in seeing how much more effective McNabb can be in a version of the WC offense that places an emphasis on running the ball. Coming from a team that passed the ball 60% of the time he put up great numbers over an eleven year period despite his periods of inacuracy. A solid running game may be the best antidote for him at this stage of his career.[/quote]

We feel the same way

Re: Donovan McNabb: The New Face of The Redskins
 

Me personally, I believe that the synergy between McNabb and Shanahan will produce a deadly combination. We just need talent on the OL and we're golden. If Shanahan weren't here, I wouldn't be so gaga over this.

Re: Donovan McNabb: The New Face of The Redskins
 

I'll take D-Mac as the face of the franchise 10 times out of 10 over a Jimmy Clausen (half due to my hatred of ND). The man's a winner, bottom line. Excellent move, considering keeping the first round pick for help on that line.

Re: Donovan McNabb: The New Face of The Redskins
 

[quote=SmootSmack;683710]There's definitely an intangible (not found in Football Outsiders) quality that shouldn't be overlooked in all this. [B]McNabb is a proven veteran who has shown for over a decade that he can win and has won in the NFC East and against the rest of the NFL[/B]. He has handled the adversity of the Philadelphia fans and media (which should make DC a cake walk), and he's been successful despite-in my opinion-[B]Reid and Morninwheg putting him in ridiculous situations with their propensity to abandon the run at crucial junctures[/B].

[B]Guys like Moss, Thomas, Cooley, etc will have a much easier time showing respect for a guy who has accomplished all that than a rookie like Bradford[/B]. Not that Bradford couldn't be successful here. I think he certainly would have been. Just that the "acclimation curve" is not as steep now.[/quote]

SYRACUSE is in DA HOUSE!!! Nice points here SS...

Re: Donovan McNabb: The New Face of The Redskins
 

Good thread. Shock and awe aside, Donovan McNabb is a Washington Redskins, and as such he will have my support. As I've always preached, it's all about the team and right now he is part of that team.

Re: Donovan McNabb: The New Face of The Redskins
 

[quote=SmootSmack;683710]There's definitely an intangible (not found in Football Outsiders) quality that shouldn't be overlooked in all this. McNabb is a proven veteran who has shown for over a decade that he can win and has won in the NFC East and against the rest of the NFL. He has handled the adversity of the Philadelphia fans and media (which should make DC a cake walk), and he's been successful despite-in my opinion-Reid and Morninwheg putting him in ridiculous situations with their propensity to abandon the run at crucial junctures.

Guys like Moss, Thomas, Cooley, etc will have a much easier time showing respect for a guy who has accomplished all that than a rookie like Bradford. Not that Bradford couldn't be successful here. [B]I think he certainly would have been.[/B] Just that the "acclimation curve" is not as steep now.[/quote]

Is this for certain that they aren't looking at a QB in the first round anymore?

Re: Donovan McNabb: The New Face of The Redskins
 

[quote=cdskins26;683692]In 24 hours he has grown on me. I looked at some mcnabb jerseys online but it just doesnt look right in the B&G. A few touchdowns oughta change that and I am glad we made this move.[/quote]

I was actually surprised at how quickly I got excited about seeing him in burgundy and gold. Maybe it's a reflection of the regrettable state of modern day pro sports . . . but I'll leave that to others to elaborate on. Go #5!!!

Re: Donovan McNabb: The New Face of The Redskins
 

For the record I was always a fan of McNabb's and never 'hated' him

Re: Donovan McNabb: The New Face of The Redskins
 

[quote=BaltimoreSkins;683740]Is this for certain that they aren't looking at a QB in the first round anymore?[/quote]

I'd be more surprised by that than I am that we got McNabb, which is the most surprised I've been by a Redskins move in almost 15 years.

Re: Donovan McNabb: The New Face of The Redskins
 

[quote=Longtimefan;683720]I'm interested in seeing how much more effective McNabb can be in a version of the WC offense that places an emphasis on running the ball. Coming from a team that passed the ball 60% of the time he put up great numbers over an eleven year period despite his periods of inacuracy. [B]A solid running game may be the best antidote for him at this stage of his career[/B].[/quote]Great point, look what it did for Elway late in his career.

Re: Donovan McNabb: The New Face of The Redskins
 

I'll say that at seasons end I was halfway on board the bandwagon simply cause Cerrato was out. I was about 75% on board when shanahan was brought in. when we unloaded some of the older guys I was about 90% on board. Basically it boiled down to what we did in FA and the draft. We get younger and pick up youth at all positions as well as a franchise QB and move JC out of here then I'd have been 100% on board. With the mind set that we are trying to get better through youth, health, and speed which might take 2-3 yrs and a mind set of getting to the SB in 3-5 yrs.

I'm tired of this win now attitude. It has not worked in 14 yrs. All through Norv, Marty, Spurrier, Gibbs, Zorn, and now Shanahan. We started picking up aged vets who were released part because of monitary issues and part because the players were not living up to their contracts. Although we did get them somewhat cheap. Now we go out and pick up Grossman (yes he led his team to one SB), and McNabb (who led his team to one SB). Apparently the youth movement has been cancelled. The win now attitude is back.

In any event the steps the team has taken to pull me into buying into this whole mess 100% just took a major set back. If they can move JC I'll be happy and yes I have been one of the people who has said it's time to move on, but although McNabb is somewhat of a better QB, I'm extremely hesitant to call this a knock out.

I feel like I just bought a used car from a dealership. All my friends are excited that I have a car, they like how it looks, I'm excited that I have some actual wheels, but there is a little voice in the back of my head say "hey, how did the dealer get over on you? how did you get screwed this time?" Don't worry I'll be patiently waiting to point it out or say "I told you so" when we as fans finally find out how we got screwed in this deal.

Re: Donovan McNabb: The New Face of The Redskins
 

When will we get the DMcnabb Avatar? He's the face of THEWARPATH Also lol

Re: Donovan McNabb: The New Face of The Redskins
 

[url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/04/05/redskins-will-face-very-tough-decision-if-sam-bradford-is-available-at-no-4/]Redskins will face "very tough decision" if Sam Bradford is available at No. 4 | ProFootballTalk.com[/url]

Re: Donovan McNabb: The New Face of The Redskins
 

[quote=SmootSmack;683710]There's definitely an intangible [B](not found in Football Outsiders)[/B] quality that shouldn't be overlooked in all this. McNabb is a proven veteran who has shown for over a decade that he can win and has won in the NFC East and against the rest of the NFL. He has handled the adversity of the Philadelphia fans and media (which should make DC a cake walk), and he's been successful despite-in my opinion-Reid and Morninwheg putting him in ridiculous situations with their propensity to abandon the run at crucial junctures.

Guys like Moss, Thomas, Cooley, etc will have a much easier time showing respect for a guy who has accomplished all that than a rookie like Bradford. Not that Bradford couldn't be successful here. I think he certainly would have been. Just that the "acclimation curve" is not as steep now.[/quote]

I lol'd. Nice little jab at GTripp's bible. :)

Re: Donovan McNabb: The New Face of The Redskins
 

[QUOTE=SBXVII;683760]I'll say that at seasons end I was halfway on board the bandwagon simply cause Cerrato was out. I was about 75% on board when shanahan was brought in. when we unloaded some of the older guys I was about 90% on board. Basically it boiled down to what we did in FA and the draft. We get younger and pick up youth at all positions as well as a franchise QB and move JC out of here then I'd have been 100% on board. With the mind set that we are trying to get better through youth, health, and speed which might take 2-3 yrs and a mind set of getting to the SB in 3-5 yrs.

In any event the steps the team has taken to pull me into buying into this whole mess 100% just took a major set back. If they can move JC I'll be happy and yes I have been one of the people who has said it's time to move on, but although McNabb is somewhat of a better QB,[B] I'm extremely hesitant to call this a knock out.[/B]


Hold on brother!
If this was the move to end all moves I would have to agree 100%. But, I truly believe Mcnabb is not thought of as the "Knock Out" I believe he is just part of the evolution to get the team where it needs to be.

I will say this. With Mcnabb at QB, I believe we will have the best season we've seen in a Long Time!

I also believe Mcnabb will inspire the Skins to play at the next level.

With this said, I totally get what you are saying.

Re: Donovan McNabb: The New Face of The Redskins
 

[quote=SmootSmack;683756][B]I'd be more surprised by that than I am that we got McNabb,[/B] which is the most surprised I've been by a Redskins move in almost 15 years.[/quote]

Wait, you'd be surprised if the Skins are or are not looking for a QB in the first round?

Re: Donovan McNabb: The New Face of The Redskins
 

McNabb has a few years left. Philly let him go because they could afford it. They have Kolb and Vick. McNabb used his no trade clause on Oakland,Buffalo, and whoever else they tried to make a deal with. Ried is going to spin it and make it look like it was out of respect for McNabb. He is where he wants to be now, so thats a good thing atleast he is not coming here disgruntle.

Re: Donovan McNabb: The New Face of The Redskins
 

[quote=GMScud;683777]Wait, you'd be surprised if the Skins are or are not looking for a QB in the first round?[/quote]

Surprised if they take a QB at #4

Re: Donovan McNabb: The New Face of The Redskins
 

[quote=warpaint;683778]McNabb has a few years left. Philly let him go because they could afford it. [B]They have Kolb and Vick. [/B]McNabb used his no trade clause on Oakland,Buffalo, and whoever else they tried to make a deal with. Ried is going to spin it and make it look like it was out of respect for McNabb. He is where he wants to be now, so thats a good thing atleast he is not coming here disgruntle.[/quote]

Full disclosure, I think Kolb will end up being a very good player. That said, Reid is taking a pretty big gamble I think. Kolb has barely thrown 100 regular season passes. He may look good in practice and in the film room, but he's very, very unproven. Once teams gather film on Kolb and all his tendencies, it will be interesting to see how defenses adjust, etc.

Truth be told, nobody has any idea how Kolb will pan out as a full time starting NFL QB. And Reid just shipped off the best QB in team history in favor of him.

I think given the circumstances for both teams, it's basically impossible to judge this trade right now.

Re: Donovan McNabb: The New Face of The Redskins
 

[quote=SmootSmack;683782]Surprised if they take a QB at #4[/quote]

Gotcha. Yeah, that's not gonna happen. At this point, I think we'll be able to find a trade partner if we do in fact want to move down. Suh, McCoy, Clausen, Okung, Berry... 3 of those 5 names will be available with at #4. Someone will want to move up, and I'm all about getting more draft picks.

Re: Donovan McNabb: The New Face of The Redskins
 

Part of me keeps waiting for the news report which announces that this was all a joke. That DMac is our QB, a face of our franchise, is still too surreal to embrace. I have a well-practiced habit of rooting for him to fumble or throw a pick every time that he touches the ball. This will take time to sink in.

At least it wasn't Romo.

Re: Donovan McNabb: The New Face of The Redskins
 

[quote=GMScud;683786]Full disclosure, I think Kolb will end up being a very good player. That said, Reid is taking a pretty big gamble I think. Kolb has barely thrown 100 regular season passes. He may look good in practice and in the film room, but he's very, very unproven. [B]Once team's gather film on Kolb and all his tendencies, it will be interesting to see how defenses adjust, etc.[/B]Truth be told, nobody has any idea how Kolb will pan out as a full time starting NFL QB. And Reid just shipped off the best QB in team history in favor of him.

I think given the circumstances for both teams, it's basically impossible to judge this trade right now.[/quote]

I was saying the same thing last night. Thats just like Zorn and Denvers Coach this year they booth went 6-2 but hit a wall once their tendencies were discovered.

Re: Donovan McNabb: The New Face of The Redskins
 

[quote=skinsfaninok;683772][url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/04/05/redskins-will-face-very-tough-decision-if-sam-bradford-is-available-at-no-4/]Redskins will face "very tough decision" if Sam Bradford is available at No. 4 | ProFootballTalk.com[/url][/quote]

It would be stunning to see him slip past both the Rams and the Bucs. But just imagine draft picks being sent over by the truckload from Cleveland, Seattle, or Buffalo for the chance at Bradford.

On the other hand, 25 years from now, I don't want to see the 2010 Redskins on some NFL Network "Worst Trade Blunders of the Century" picking some nobody while passing on the 5-time Super Bowl MVP Sam Bradford.

Re: Donovan McNabb: The New Face of The Redskins
 

[quote=warpaint;683778]McNabb has a few years left. Philly let him go because they could afford it. They have Kolb and Vick. McNabb used his no trade clause on Oakland,Buffalo, and whoever else they tried to make a deal with. Ried is going to spin it and make it look like it was out of respect for McNabb. He is where he wants to be now, so thats a good thing atleast he is not coming here disgruntle.[/quote]

Well as Reids side of the story is one extreme I find yours to be the other.

Picture your self in McNabbs shoes. The team is ready to move on and make Kolbe the starter which means your relegated to back up. You feel your a starter so..... the team wants to move you on to another team, and you want to be a starter so moving on makes sense. Except the only teams who are looking at you are garbage. Then out of the blue the Skins show interest.

So let me ask you? Do you tell the Eagles to trade you for the best possible trade value with a crappy team, stay with the Ealgles and become an expensive backup, or do you take the job with the Skins knowing Shanahan is an awsome QB and will have the team in the hunt for a SB soon and you could be a part of it?

Basically McNabb is not stupid. He took the best of the choices given him. It's not like he was offered to go to the Saints also, or the Colts, or any title winning team. We were the best of the worst, we had the best chance with the best HC. It's really not a hard choice.

Re: Donovan McNabb: The New Face of The Redskins
 

[quote=skinsfaninok;683772][url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/04/05/redskins-will-face-very-tough-decision-if-sam-bradford-is-available-at-no-4/]Redskins will face "very tough decision" if Sam Bradford is available at No. 4 | ProFootballTalk.com[/url][/quote]

The Rams have no starting QB, they are taking Bradford. However, if this were to happen, Cleveland, Seattle, Buffalo, and Jax will be tripping over each other to get the Skins pick. Hell, we could gain our 2nd rounder back, get our first round tackle and then some.

Re: Donovan McNabb: The New Face of The Redskins
 

[quote=SBXVII;683795]Well as Reids side of the story is one extreme I find yours to be the other.

Picture your self in McNabbs shoes. The team is ready to move on and make Kolbe the starter which means your relegated to back up. You feel your a starter so..... the team wants to move you on to another team, and you want to be a starter so moving on makes sense. Except the only teams who are looking at you are garbage. Then out of the blue the Skins show interest.

So let me ask you? Do you tell the Eagles to trade you for the best possible trade value with a crappy team, stay with the Ealgles and become an expensive backup, or do you take the job with the Skins knowing Shanahan is an awsome QB and will have the team in the hunt for a SB soon and you could be a part of it?

Basically McNabb is not stupid. He took the best of the choices given him. It's not like he was offered to go to the Saints also, or the Colts, or any title winning team. We were the best of the worst, we had the best chance with the best HC. It's really not a hard choice.[/quote]

I would also add the chance to play the Eagles twice a year was pretty attractive to him. Just as Favre wanted to sign with Minnesota after leaving Green Bay.

Re: Donovan McNabb: The New Face of The Redskins
 

[quote=SBXVII;683795]Well as Reids side of the story is one extreme I find yours to be the other.

Picture your self in McNabbs shoes. The team is ready to move on and make Kolbe the starter which means your relegated to back up. You feel your a starter so..... the team wants to move you on to another team, and you want to be a starter so moving on makes sense. Except the only teams who are looking at you are garbage. Then out of the blue the Skins show interest.

[B]So let me ask you? Do you tell the Eagles to trade you for the best possible trade value with a crappy team, stay with the Ealgles and become an expensive backup, or do you take the job with the Skins knowing Shanahan is an awsome QB and will have the team in the hunt for a SB soon and you could be a part of it?
[/B]
Basically McNabb is not stupid. He took the best of the choices given him. It's not like he was offered to go to the Saints also, or the Colts, or any title winning team. We were the best of the worst, we had the best chance with the best HC. It's really not a hard choice.[/quote]

It was my understanding he had a no trade clause, and that there were better offers for him but he invoked it. If there wasnt a no trade clause I believe he would have been sent to St.Louis. This is just my take on it. But Im going with the best option to play and win and we are it.

Re: Donovan McNabb: The New Face of The Redskins
 

I like Donovan for sure, but I think it is funny how much praise in here he is getting now he is a Skin. Last season he didn't garner as much positive feedback as an Eagle. I wouldn't get all gogo eyed yet. Donovan's WR corp and line at Philly was markedly superior to ours. I would take Maclin and Avante over Thomas and Kelly anyday. Who knows how the line will shape up in 2010. Still, everyone is right, he is a huge improvement over JC and if the WRs do come of age we should do some heavy damage soon!!!! That is of course if our new line does pan out.

Re: Donovan McNabb: The New Face of The Redskins
 

[quote=SmootSmack;683710]There's definitely an intangible (not found in Football Outsiders) [/quote]

I seriously just had a drop of pee come out :laughing2

Re: Donovan McNabb: The New Face of The Redskins
 

While I'm still on the fence over this deal, I'm leaning toward acceptance and a wary sense of relief over our QB situation. However, McNabb will not be the lone savior for this team as many of you seem to think he will be. There are still way too many other positions (i.e-O-line, DB, WR, RB, etc., etc.) that need to be addressed before we anoint DMc our liberator and miracle man. If we don't shore up the O-line via the draft or elsewhere soon, I see McNabb being carted off on a stretcher. We won't truly know what type of "face" McNabb will be wearing until the final game of next season.

Re: Donovan McNabb: The New Face of The Redskins
 

McNabb is not and will never be the face of the Redskins. He may play for the Skins but he will always be the face of the Eagles.

Re: Donovan McNabb: The New Face of The Redskins
 

[quote=SmootSmack;683710]There's definitely an intangible (not found in Football Outsiders) quality that shouldn't be overlooked in all this. McNabb is a proven veteran who has shown for over a decade that he can win and has won in the NFC East and against the rest of the NFL. He has handled the adversity of the Philadelphia fans and media (which should make DC a cake walk), and he's been successful despite-in my opinion-Reid and Morninwheg putting him in ridiculous situations with their propensity to abandon the run at crucial junctures.

Guys like Moss, Thomas, Cooley, etc will have a much easier time showing respect for a guy who has accomplished all that than a rookie like Bradford. Not that Bradford couldn't be successful here. I think he certainly would have been. Just that the "acclimation curve" is not as steep now.[/quote]


It isn't by accident that Rabach came out and said what he said. JC is not the right guy for our team, bottom line.

McNabb brings a lot more than just stats, that is why he has actually finished some game winning drives and won some big games.