The Redskins Blog

Shanahan Praises Team Stick-To-It-iveness

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After any tough loss–or tough streak–it’s hard for a coach to find the right things to say to inspire.  Egos get fragile under pressure, and the character and culture of a team can be lost in moments of frustration.

Following yesterday’s loss, head coach Mike Shanahan lamented the results, but praised the effort of his men, who did not give in to expectations or quit before the clock hit zero.

“I was pleased with our guys and how hard they fought,” he recounted to radio broadcasters Larry Michael and Sonny Jurgensen on the post game show.  ”They were going after it for 60 minutes and there was nobody turning anything down.  That’s the sign of a lot of character, but obviously, you want the wins.”

The team doesn’t need to be reminded of the losing streak, and it’s certainly not from carelessness.  Running back Roy Helu was told about his Redskins reception record after the game by analyst Sonny Jurgensen.  He respectfully declined to celebrate in light of the loss, saying, “No, I didn’t even know that.  I don’t really care, to be honest.”

Kicker Graham Gano also booted himself into the Redskins record books with his 59-yarder to put his team on the board.  He similarly declined celebration after the game, saying, “Yeah, it’s exciting, but I think everyone hates losing.  It doesn’t mean as much since we lost.”

In head coach Shanahan’s address to the media on Monday afternoon, he discussed how this team is going to rebound and get back in the win column.

“We approach the season game-by-game,” he said.  ”We got to grow up real quick.  Hopefully, we’ll find a way to win.”

Check out the full locker room coverage below: