For quarterback Donovan McNabb, the Redskins' first mini-camp of the offseason was all about finding a comfort level.
With his teammates.
With his coaches.
And with himself.
McNabb is still new here--he has been a Redskin since April 4--but he says he can feel a bond developing already.
"The guys are very welcoming and I try to display great work ethic by studying and watching film and also training with these guys," he said. "At this beginning stage, at this first mini-camp, I think it was beneficial for us to get out here, move around and get adjusted to each other.
"We all feel like we're just starting class and learning a new system, but it is fun. It's fun to think that we've shown signs in this camp of a lot of positive plays, both running and passing. It makes it more exciting each time we step out on the field."
McNabb said the adjustment is going to take time.
He used the time in mini-camp to continue to learn the offense and focus on developing chemistry and timing with his new set of receivers.
Communication and patience are integral parts of the Redskins' new offense, McNabb said.
"I've gotten comfortable and settled in," he said. "Everything else will just take its course as this continues on. You've got to be patient and take it one day at a time. I'm just enjoying myself and looking forward to what we really can do in the next couple of camps and training camp."
Head coach Mike Shanahan knew what he was getting when the Redskins acquired McNabb in a trade with Philadelphia.
He is still impressed with the 11-year veteran, though.
"Donovan has done a great job since he has been here," Shanahan said. "It's always a learning situation any time you come in. It's like learning a different language any time you have a different system. Even though some of the terminology is the same, there are a lot of differences in what we do and what Philly has done through the years.
"But he's a worker. He's come out here and he's really thrown the ball well. I'm just looking forward to him getting to know the system a little bit better and feeling more comfortable with the system as we go through these OTAs."
McNabb's leadership skills are evident even as he learns the offense.
"He's a natural leader," Shanahan said. "He's got charisma. He enjoys practicing. There is a sense of urgency. He enjoys the game and I'm looking forward to obviously building our offense around him."
