The skinny: Folks have always needed a thick skin to play for Redskins coach Mike Shanahan, and QB Donovan McNabb is no different. Shanahan was obviously trying to shake up McNabb two weeks ago by yanking him from their game at Detroit, which the Redskins lost 37-25.
And notwithstanding the strange explanations from Shanahan in the wake of that decision — performance in the two-minute offense or conditioning, take your pick — players either respond or Shanahan replaces them.
That’s how it always has been and how it will go for McNabb as well, if he doesn’t do things exactly as Shanahan wants them done.
The difference will be: Whether Eagles QB Michael Vick can continue his relatively low- risk play. Vick leads the league in passer rating (105.3) and has not thrown an interception.
The Redskins have surrendered their share of big plays on defense this season, and the Eagles have plenty of speed on offense to stress the Washington secondary deep down the field. The Redskins are coming off a bye, and Shanahan traditionally has put together quality efforts with a little extra time.
The call: Eagles 27-20.
Jeff Legwold, The Denver Post
