Was Shanahan wrong in DC?

When Mike Shanahan (HC) and Bruce Allen (GM) took over in Washington, it didn't take long to quiet the Jason Campbell debate. After dodging questions concerning the QB all off season, and bringing in a highly respected Donovan McNabb, Campbell was traded to the Oakland Raiders on draft day. For whatever reason, Shanahan and Allen did not see enough in Campbell, although he had progressed statistically in his 5 seasons as a Redskin (under 4 different Offensive Coordinators). He was traded for the cheap cost of a 2012 4th Rd pick.

Honestly, I couldn't blame Shanahan for wanting to bring in a QB with the track record of McNabb. I've always liked McNabb and respected his game. He never fully got the credit he deserved in Philly. It was tough to see Campbell shipped off to the, yes, pun intended, Black Hole of the NFL. I was expecting to see Carolina or a Minnesota make a move for Campbell. Both of which I thought, would have given him more of a chance to develop into the first round pick Joe Gibbs felt he was, in 2005.

Week 1 Raiders v Titans. Campbell's first outing as a Raider. 

It's now Week 16 in the NFL, two games left to play and Jason Campbell is this unquestioned starter in Oakland. The unquestioned part could be arguable, but with Tom Cable's love affair (Gradkowski) currently on IR, who else does he really have to turn to, St. Pierre? As the Raiders starter, Campbell has a record of 6-4. If you consider the first Chargers game where in came in early to replace the injured Gradkowski, you can argue Campbell is 7-4. Meanwhile, Tom Cable's "Coaches Pet" is a dismal 0-3 as the starter. This debate is whole other topic, so I'll stop with all that here. 

CONTINUED AFTER THE JUMP

For now, I want the people in DC to know that Shanahan made a mistake when it came to bringing in McNabb and running Campbell out of town. As a Redskin, Campbell overall was average. One week he'd show signs of greatness, the next fans are calling for his head. Through all the adversity of learning a new offense every season, to 2 years of rumors that the front office was looking to trade him, he managed to improve in every statistical category there is for a QB. 

Sure Campbell has his faults, loopy throwing motion (nothing like Byron "slow pitch" Leftwich though), slow decision making, can't read a defense, not "firey" enough, etc... Here's my argument though, let me see Peyton Manning or Tom Brady play behind a poor O-Line, new offense every season, banged up running backs, rumors of being traded and no real go-to receiver. Sure you can say that both of those guys have done a great job with minimal talent around them. The difference though, they've always had quality o-line play and CONSISTENCY in coaching and the playbook, two things Campbell has never had. Don't mistake what I'm saying here, Campbell is no Manning or Brady but he is also no Akili Smith. Give Campbell time in the pocket and watch him deliver strike after strike. Roll Campbell out on the bootleg and watch him move the chains with his arm or his stellar pump fake and run. Give Campbell a healthy, solid running game and watch him perform the play-action offense to near perfection. At one point or another, Campbell has shown he can do these things, given the right tools, supporting cast and coaching. 

Even so, McNabb has the NFC East titles, a NFC Championship and a trip to the Super Bowl. Campbell has never played in a playoff game. So all along from 2006-2009, Campbell has been the problem in Washington, he is the one piece that was holding such a great Redskins squad back...right? 

Enter McNabb. The Redskins are now 5-9 and the savior of the Redskins is now riding the pine, for none other than Rex "The Sex" Grossman. So I ask, how was Campbell the issue in DC? When a Pro Bowl, NFC Champion, 11yr vet QB couldn't get the job done in DC. Why? For the same reasons Campbell was so "unsuccessful"; A poor offensive line, lack of confidence from his coaches, banged up running backs, no go to receiver and consistently running for his life or playing from his back. No QB can win under those circumstances. We've even seen the great Peyton Manning struggle when a defense can actually pressure him this season.

Maybe Shanahan had good intentions when he dumped Campbell and picked up McNabb. Yet Shanahan failed to see the big picture of what is really wrong in DC. While McNabb is riding the pine, Campbell has been a major factor in the resurgence that is the Oakland Raiders. A team that is now playing meaningful games in December for the first time in 7 seasons. A team that is currently 5-0 in division play and clearly on the rise for seasons to come. 

So Mike Shanahan, how do you feel now?