- The Washington Times - Thursday, December 29, 2011

Mike Shanahan has preached the importance of stability since he took over the Washington Redskins almost two years ago. He acknowledged Monday that building them into a winner is taking longer than he anticipated, but he’s confident the required continuity exists, especially with him maintaining his position as head coach.

“There’s no doubt in my mind,” Shanahan said.

Then, to a round of laughter, he added: “Hopefully there’s no doubt in Dan’s mind, too.”

Shanahan’s crack was an ode to past years when owner Daniel Snyder fired coaches with better records than Shanahan’s 11-20 mark. Norv Turner was ousted in 2000 with a 7-6 record the year following a division title. Snyder sacked Marty Schottenheimer the following season after the team finished 8-8.

Snyder has not publicly discussed the team during this season. Shanahan, however, feels assured he’ll have a chance to see his plan through.

A victory over the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday would only equal last season’s win total of six, but Shanahan and several players cite the team’s improvement on defense as meaningful progress.

Major shortcomings still exist on offense, particularly at quarterback, where starter Rex Grossman has turned the ball over a league-high 24 times.

Shanahan has discussed the need for more playmakers, and he expects the opportunity to add more this offseason.

“Like I talked to him about it when I first got here, I said, ’Dan, if you don’t plan on me coaching here five years and doing it the right way, you’re hiring the wrong guy. It’s going to take some time to get it right,’ ” Shanahan said.

Alexander named Good Guy

Linebacker Lorenzo Alexander was voted the Redskins’ 2011 Media Good Guy by reporters who cover the team. Alexander, a five-year veteran, always is generous with his time. During the lockout last summer, he served as a liaison between players and media.

In accepting the plaque with his name on it, Alexander noted how the last two recipients, Andre Carter and Carlos Rogers, were nominated to the Pro Bowl this week, albeit for other teams.

“Hopefully, that means I’ll go to the Pro Bowl next year,” he said.

Alexander wore a burnt orange Texas Longhorns shirt to work Thursday because his California Bears lost to Texas 21-10 in the Holiday Bowl Wednesday night. Alexander lost a bet on the game with Texas product Brian Orakpo.

“I’m going to burn it after I finish wearing it,” Alexander said.

Extra points

• Strong safety LaRon Landry has not finalized plans to have surgery on his left Achilles tendon, Shanahan said.

• Suspended tight end Fred Davis and left tackle Trent Williams have been at Redskins Park last week and this week for workouts.

• Running back Roy Helu (knee/ankle), right tackle Jammal Brown (left groin), linebacker London Fletcher (ankle), receiver Donte Stallworth (ankle) and defensive end Adam Carriker (chest) were limited in practice.

• Rich Campbell can be reached at rcampbell@washingtontimes.com.

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