If the Redskins wind up drafting Baylor's Heisman winner, Robert Griffin III, with the No. 2 overall pick in the upcoming draft -- as is widely expected -- Donovan McNabb isn't convinced the coveted quarterback will succeed there.
Not because of Griffin's ability. Because of the coach.
McNabb, on ESPN First Take (via ProFootball Talk) on Thursday, said he believes Griffin is a bad fit for the Redskins because of the system in place -- tailored, of course, by Mike and Kyle Shanahan.
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McNabb was a bust with the 'Skins, benched in his lone season with the team.
I was misused, McNabb said. Absolutely, I was misused.
Which gets us back to Griffin. McNabb believes the Shanahans will ask Griffin to adapt to their system, rather than tailoring it to fit his stregnths -- the strong arm, the mobility.
A lot of times ego gets too involved when it comes to being in Washington, McNabb said.
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He continued.
Heres a guy coming out whos very talented, mobile, strong arm, weve already heard hes intelligent, football mind, McNabb said of Griffin. Are you going to cater the offense around his talent, and what hes able to do, or are you going to bring the Houston offense with Matt Schaub over to him and have him kind of be embedded in that?"
McNabb then noted the lack of success Shanahan's quarterbacks have had since John Elway, with the Broncos.
We talk so much about Mike Shanahan and the things he was able to do in Denver, McNabb said. Well, I have a couple of names for you that Mike Shanahanquarterbacks hes coachedand the lack of success that hes had."
McNabb ran off the list.
We had John Beck, who was 0-4, McNabb said. Rex Grossman: 6-11. Jay Cutler, who was his prize possession: 17-20. Jake Plummer, a guy who had success, led them to the AFC Championship against Pittsburgh, as we know, and then benched him the next year, because he wouldnt do what he wanted him to do. Brian Griese, who was supposed to be the heir apparent to John Elway, hasnt had a lot of success.
Given the mediocrity Shanahan has endured through his brief tenure in Washington, McNabb believes, with Griffin, it could a make-or-break year for the coach.
I dont think its a good fit, McNabb said. If this doesnt work this year, if we dont see a splash like a Cam Newton splash, this could be it. . . . How long does he have with RG3? The seat is hot right now.
Is this a bitter-sounded McNabb or a guy with first-hand insights? Perhaps a little of both.