National Football League

McNabb: Shanahans will hinder RG3

Published Mar. 29, 2012 1:00 a.m. ET

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Donovan McNabb took a shot at Redskins coaching tandem Mike and Kyle Shanahan on Thursday, saying their egos would get in the way of star quarterback Robert Griffin III's success in Washington.

McNabb, who endured one of the worst seasons of his career in Washington in 2010, said on ESPN's "First Take" that Griffin would not be a good fit for the Shanahans, who he believes will not cater to the Heisman winner's talents.

"A lot of times ego gets too involved when it comes to being in Washington," said McNabb, who was benched by the Shanahans during his only season in Washington.

The Redskins are expected to select Griffin with the second overall pick in next month's draft after agreeing to a deal with St. Louis to move up the board for the quarterback out of Baylor.

"Here's a guy coming out who's very talented, mobile, strong arm, we've already heard he's intelligent, football mind," McNabb added. "Are you going to cater the offense around his talent, and what he's 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 was referring to Redskins offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan's time in Houston where he worked with Schaub, who is considered more of a traditional, pocket-style quarterback.

McNabb continued his assault, blasting Mike Shanahan's track record with NFL quarterbacks in both Washington and Denver.

"We (Redskins) had John Beck, who was 0-4. Rex Grossman: 6-11," he said.

"Jay Cutler, who was his prize possession: 17-20. Jake Plummer, a guy who had success, led them (Broncos) to the AFC Championship against Pittsburgh, as we know, and then benched him the next year, because he wouldn't do what he wanted him to do. Brian Griese, who was supposed to be the heir apparent to John Elway, hasn't had a lot of success."

McNabb went on to say he was "misused" during his year in Washington, in which he started 13 games, throwing for 14 touchdowns and 15 interceptions with a 77.1 passer rating.

The six-time Pro Bowl quarterback added that the clock was ticking on Mike Shanahan, and that if Griffin was unable to flourish under the coach's tutelage, Shanahan's time in Washington could be up.

"If this doesn't work this year, if we don't see a splash like a Cam Newton splash, this could be it. ... How long does he have with RGIII? The seat is hot right now."

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