Should Mike Shanahan be fired?

[KLHJ2]

I have not posted in a loooooonnnngggg time, but I just could not resist after seeing this poll.

I know that the NFL is a "win now" league, but seriously? He started with garbage and has put a pretty good product on the field regardless of the current record. The team has so many issues that are out of his control that makes even the thought of his firing absolutely absurd. He took over a team with a so so defense and a terrible offense and has turned it into a team with a terrible defense and a good offense. On top of that the depth is much improved.

Offensively he has put together a pretty decent offensive line. He cleaned house at RB and drafted another 6th round gem. He has brought in a pleathora of recievers that are contributing in many ways. It can still use some work (especially after today), but we all knew that WR was an issue that would have to be addressed next year. Finally and most importantly he drafted the best QB that we have seen in franchise history (no offense to Baugh, Jorgensen, Theisman, or Rypien).

On defense they switched from a 4-3 to a 3-4. They drafted Orakpo and Kerrigan. They put a pretty decent squad together. The problem lies in the fact that we have three major injuries and a suspension that have hampered the defense to this point in the season. Those things are out of his control. I think that barring those things this defense would have looked much different this season. We'll get them back next year. It's no secret that our corners are average at best, but thir weaknesses would have been covered up by a healthy defense at the rest of the positions.

On special teams it seems as if they have finally struck gold at kicker and returner.

Bottom line, the team is much more improved now from when Shannahan took over the team. The team is still in the hunt. They have been in all but 1 game this season. It is realistic that they could finish around .500 or better. I am excited for the rest of the season and I would love to see what additions they make at WR and Corner over the next two years. It is comming together and it is visible, I would love for us to stay patient. I realize that it is a tall order in DC, but I truly believe in the direction that this team is heading.

Edit: I gave them credit for Orakpo and that was incorrect, but I still stand by my statements otherwise.