Apparently, I'm not the only one that sees a trend among the cellar dwellers.

Are Redskins tanking to draft a quarterback?

Posted by Michael David Smith on December 19, 2010, 10:21 AM EST

Donovan McNabb

The Washington Redskins’ decision this week to bench Donovan McNabb in favor of Rex Grossman has a lot of people asking, What is Mike Shanahan thinking?

Perhaps he’s thinking about drafting a quarterback in 2011 — and thinking that losing the final three games gives him a better chance of acquiring the quarterback he wants.

That was the subject of a discussion this morning on NFL Network, focusing on whether Shanahan is throwing the rest of the season so he can get a high draft pick next year.

“They’re really thinking about drafting a quarterback,” NFL Network reporter Michael Lombardi said. “The move to Rex Grossman, I’ve been told reliably by people in the Washington organization, has nothing to do with him being the quarterback of the future. It’s about them being in position next year to draft a quarterback.”

NFL Network analyst Marshall Faulk also suggested that the Redskins, who are currently 5-8, would rather finish 5-11 than 8-8.

“Those five wins? That’s all they want,” Faulk said. “Five wins and 11 losses, that might put you in the Top 5. . . . If they can get in the Top 5, there’s a lot of good college quarterbacks coming out this year. . . . Is that throwing games? I don’t know. But you understand that Donovan McNabb gives you the best chance to win, and you start Rex, and John Beck is second and Donovan is third? You’re sending a crazy message.”

Warren Sapp was blunt in his assessment: “Right now they’re tanking the season looking for that Top 5 pick.”

So who would Shanahan want to draft with that Top 5 pick? Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck is widely regarded as the best prospect in the 2011 NFL draft. But he’s likely to go first overall, and it’s impossible for the Redskins to get the first overall pick, so tanking games to get Luck wouldn’t be a very smart strategy.

But there are other good quarterbacks Shanahan might covet, including Ryan Mallett of Arkansas and Cam Newton of Auburn. Would Shanahan want to lose the last three games of 2010 so he can draft one of those quarterbacks in 2011?

A team intentionally losing games to get good draft picks would be a terrible thing for the integrity of the National Football League. That the league’s own network is openly discussing the possibility of a team doing just that shows what a bizarre year it’s been in Washington.

@brnfan16 said:

Cleveland Cavs (circa 2002)... trying to get a certain guy who took his talent elsewhere.

Anyone who thinks this doesn't happen is a moron. Anyone who supports doing it is also a moron.

I never said I believed in it. Simply asked a question.

@next2nothing said:

Since 1999 the only decent guy we have gotten with such high picks has been Joe Thomas.

This draft seems to be fairly deep at some of the Browns positions of need: Defensive line, outside linebackers, ROT.

Maybe not so much at WR. If we get a position from 10-15 then I think there will be a quality DL for them to choose from.

@tshirtfan said:

see Panthers at Browns week 12

way to go Panthers!

sorry... couldn't resist.

Also if we lose out it's because NOW we'll be playing good teams and even the Bungholes give us trouble whenever we play them.

I don't want to put in McCoy at 80% and Delhomme is terrible.

Hillis can't be successful if the D knows we aren't going to do anything but run.

I'm sure Wallace sucks too but where's the Wyldcat?

WSS

Once you are eliminated from the play-offs (which the Browns are), the goal is to improve the team.

Fans expect the team to win, especially versus division rivals, more for pride than for logic.

If I were a coach and eliminated from the play-offs, I would be doing everything I could to prepare a team for a play-off run the next year. I would do this by getting my rookies/promising back-ups more playing time. You need to find out what they are made of and what you need to improve on in the off-season (via free agency and the draft). Sticking to conservative play-calling with old washed up vets, whom you will most likely cut just so you can win a game or two for pride is stupid. Getting your future players ready, testing out different philosophies and preparing your team for the next season is smart. If you can do the later and win, the confidence you will build within your team will far outwiegh any small draft positioning gains. If you fail to win, you will still know more about your team and get the consolation prize of higher draft picks.

@hoorta said:

OTOH, once upon a time, the Colts played not to get hurt which cost the Browns a spot in the playoffs a few years back- but that's another critter entirely.

Well Hoorta that was 2007 if my memory serves me right and I can't help but think if we had won that Cincy game we wouldn't have needed to rely on ol' Dungy fileding a stronger team........ But losing to imporve draft status - NO WAY.

I say we have an auto delete featyre on this site for threads like this.

Zombo said:

You play balls out every week until the whistle blows, let draft position fal where it may.

Secondly ... this team needs to learn how to win. We have lost far too many close games this year and winning breeds winning.

Thirdly ... we are playing Cincy, Baltimore and Pittsburgh ... there mere suggestion of even laying down to one of those teams should get someone's balls shot off.

Zombo

Well said Zombo. What dumb azz would ever think of trying to lose a game on the plan that the draft would really turn them around next season. Winning as you stated is the only thing no matter what your win-loss status is. If you really don't understand this get the hell out of this game take up basket weaving. What a sorry ass you must be.

@howiedawg said:

Even thinking this way is a loser's mindset. Three division rivals left to play, possibility of Colt back under centre, a team that has proved it can beat the best and some people think we should give it all up. You should go and wash your mouth out and look in the mirror - there's a possibility you could be a Steelers fan and don't even know it.

Next three games - BROWNS WIN.

That's the only mindset I have.

Howie, you're right- you don't ever, ever play to lose just to improve your draft status.

OTOH, once upon a time, the Colts played not to get hurt which cost the Browns a spot in the playoffs a few years back- but that's another critter entirely.

Even thinking this way is a loser's mindset. Three division rivals left to play, possibility of Colt back under centre, a team that has proved it can beat the best and some people think we should give it all up. You should go and wash your mouth out and look in the mirror - there's a possibility you could be a Steelers fan and don't even know it.

Next three games - BROWNS WIN.

That's the only mindset I have.

I don't eve want to see the team lose...no matter what.

@wrrebel said:

Not with a rookie salary cap in place.

@next2nothing said:

True! But it always means high contracts!

But, at the same time, it's around that time when you start fielding rookies to see if they've got playmaker potential. I'd like to see Carlton Mitchell on the field and actually involved in the offense for the whole game this time.

One time I was playing checkers and was getting crushed, but I played hard to the end..

@loyalty said:

I don't think the Browns will do this just because I think Mangini's system is starting to show some promise and to lose out would almost certainly cost him his job.

Any thoughts?

Umm Carolina has been losing all season but that what happens when you lose your best defesive player (Peppers) and yout top 3 offensive are either hurt (Williams and Stewart)or can't pass to the other (Smith)