Redskins Work Out JaMarcus Russell

Added on Nov 02, 2010 by Scott in

NFL

As bizarre as matters are in Minnesota, the situation in Redskins camp is getting weirder by the hour. Two days after benching Donovan McNabb for either being unfamiliar with the offense, out of shape or both, Mike Shanahan brought in the definition of quarterbacking futility, JaMarcus Russell, for a work out on Tuesday. Which begs the question, “What the hell is going on in D.C?” And no, I’m not talking about the midterm elections.

Either Mike Shanahan is a mad genius, or he’s certifiably insane. Replacing McNabb during a two-minute drive with Rex Grossman is one thing, but taking a look at JaMarcus Russell is ridiculous. The guy was jettisoned from Oakland for being fat, lazy and displaying little to no work ethic.

McNabb may have cardiovascular issues, but Russell is 270 pounds of human waste. But ‘Skin’s offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan apparently seems willing to ignore everything that happened with the Raiders:

“I don’t really know that personally, but if he [Russell] looks like he’s in good shape out here and he’s working, and that’s all you can evaluate. Sometimes when guys do get a second opportunity, they can change their stripes.”

Or in Russell’s case, eat their stripes. *rimshot*

Now, the elder Shanahan is famous for playing mind games with players, so maybe the benching and the Russell work out are simply meant to motivate McNabb into getting his act together. Public embarrassment and bruised egos can lead to miraculous wake up calls. Lest we forget, Donovan turned his 2008 season around after Andy Reid sat him down mid-season.

That being said, McNabb has looked average at best through eight games and is clearly struggling to adjust to the offensive scheme. At 33, he’s in the final year of his contract and seems destined to land elsewhere in 2011, with Arizona and Minnesota being likely destinations.

If Shanahan truly believes Rex Grossman and JaMarcus Russell are better options than a six-time Pro Bowler, then he needs to get his head checked. I highly doubt Russell will be signed and still believe Donovan is the starter in Washington. However, once the gauntlet is thrown down, anything is possible.

Source: NFL.com