While explaining his decision to change starting quarterbacks, Washington coach Mike Shanahan insisted that he isn’t trying to get fired.
“Somebody said I’m going with Kirk because I’m trying to get fired,” said Shanahan, who will be on the hot seat for this game. “If I’m trying to get fired, I’m not going to call up (Redskins owner) Dan Snyder and get an opinion on a player when I don’t have to. And if he says ‘No,’ I’m not going to go that way.”
His decision to sit down Robert Griffin III, a first-round pick, in favor of Kirk Cousins, a fourth-round pick, has been highly scrutinized, jeopardizing his job security because of the close relationship between the Griffin and Snyder.
Shanahan doesn’t plan to change the offense much for Cousins.
“We have a philosophy that we believe in,” Shanahan said. “We try to run a balanced attack and this game will be no different.”
Shanahan believes that teams can find quarterbacks in later rounds. Seattle’s Russell Wilson was selected in the third round last season, ahead of Cousins.
“There is more passing in colleges than there has ever been,” Shanahan said. “They are given opportunities at a younger age to hone their skills as they grow in high school and college.”
Shanahan seems to be managing the circus atmosphere surrounding his team well.
“It’s been unique,” he said. “It’s been bizarre. But that’s part of the football world any time that you’re 3-10 … things are going to happen.”
