Redskins players come to coach Shanahan's defense

ASHBURN, Va. (AP) Mike Shanahan's players are supporting their coach after he seemingly wrote off the Washington Redskins' season and then said his comments had been misinterpreted.

Washington co-captain London Fletcher said Tuesday that Shanahan is "a proven winner, a two-time Super Bowl-winning head coach. He's not a person who gives up on a season."

Shanahan has been widely criticized for his comments. But no matter what he said or meant, Washington faces an uphill challenge to salvage its season.

After three straight defeats, the Redskins are 3-6 and back in last place in the NFC East for a fifth straight season heading into a five-day break during their bye week.

Redskins tight end Chris Cooley said when the Redskins return, "Hopefully we have a chance to make games important in November and December."