WASHINGTON — As the Redskins wobble through another ugly season, it may be time for fans to ask themselves if their team is worth the emotional commitment.
An intervention may be necessary.
Really, do the Redskins bring you joy? Are they entertaining? Are the 3-to-4 hours spent every week watching them time well spent? Are you getting your money’s worth when you go to the games?
If the answer is no to these questions, it may be time to switch your allegiance to another sport, or at least temper your expectations. Switching NFL teams may be too much to ask, but rooting for the Nationals, Orioles, Capitals, Wizards or DC United might be more rewarding. While they’ve had mixed playoff results, at least they reach the postseason.
Redskins fans only have to look to Baltimore to see how a successful franchise is run, in picking the right talent and coaches. By the way, the Ravens have the longest-tenured coach/manager among the area’s pro sports teams. John Harbaugh was hired on January, 2008. The Redskins are on their third coach since then.
Jay Gruden is finding out what Richie Pettibone, Norv Turner, Terry Robiskie, Marty Schottenheimer, Steve Spurrier, the second go-around of Joe Gibbs, Jim Zorn, and Mike Shanahan all discovered before him: something’s rotten in the water at Redskins Park.
Mixing in Kool-Aid isn’t going to change the flavor. Yet, many people keep drinking it hoping for different results.
While Gruden struggles in his first season, there are two other rookie coaches/managers in town.
Matt Williams just concluded a successful regular season with the Nationals. Three one-run losses in the playoffs will leave a winter of second-guessing, but there’s a lot there to build on.
Now, it’s Barry Trotz’s turn to see what he can do with the Capitals. I believe we’ll see a much-improved team, with the Caps returning to the playoffs.
Which leaves the question: When will the Redskins be a playoff team again? Can they even match last year’s 3-13 record?
It’s a team that doesn’t have any answers. Again.
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