Washington Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan insists 2012 season is not over for his team – NFL News
Washington Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan has backtracked form his comments that the team’s playoff chances are nil after dismal 13-21 loss against Carolina Panthers on Sunday, November 04, 2012.
Shanahan spoke to ESPN.com on Monday, November 05, and said that his postgame comments were miss-interpreted in the media and that he is still hopeful that his team can reach the postseason. Shanahan said:
"To insinuate that I was giving up on the season is completely ridiculous, We've got five NFC East games still on the schedule. Any time you have division games, you have a great chance."
Redskins are currently sitting at the bottom of the National Football Conference (NFC) East with 3-6 record.
Shanahan said before Week 9 game that it was a must-win tie for the team to head 4-5 in to bye week.
After getting a beating from Panthers, the coach was asked about his team’s prospects after losing the ‘must-win’ tie.
Shanahan grudgingly replied that such defeat make him think about planning for next season. However, on Monday he gave clarification about that statement and said:
"What I meant by that is, any time you have adversity, now you've got a chance to see all of these guys play every game the rest of the way like it's a playoff game. What you want guys to do when there's adversity is to play harder and play better, and that's
when you see what kind of guys you have in your locker room."
The coach signalled that it is highly unlikely that the team will strengthen the coaching staff in the bye week.
Shanahan also indicated that he will also talk with players about the matter and discuss the reaction given by some of the players to the coach’s comments.
A few players came out in front of the media and showed their disappointment about hearing such comments from Shanahan.
It included six-year veteran Lorenzo Alexander, who said that such remarks would make it harder for the team to get their confidence level back after losing three games in a row.
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