Fan Appreciation

I’ve always liked Bruce Allen. This article from the Washington Post by Dan Steinberg further cements my opinion of him.
It’s amazing to me that somebody as bad as Dan Snyder could make such a good personnel decision in hiring him. Hopefully he will learn a thing or two from his GM.
This article talks about how two young passionate fans wrote a letter about their experience(s) at Fedex Field and asked that nothing be changed.

Here is my edited version of the article.

Jeremy Root and his childhood friend, Brennan Wergley, now 25, bought the upper-level tickets they were offered, realizing they were pretty upper, even as upper-level tickets go. But when they finally showed up to their first game as season-ticket holders, they realized that they were actually in the very last row of the stadium.
Trying to recall those emotions from that day, I think we enjoyed the fact our seats were in the last row–we told ourselves the best fans sit up high, Root wrote in a recent letter he sent to Dan Snyder at Redskins Park.  We soon realized that the huge FedEx Field sign immediately behind us could be of great use to make noise while the Skins were on defense. And as the game and the later the season progressed, we banged away with all our might on the FedEx Field sign…In fact we became so well known in our section that people would turn up to us and encourage us to start banging to help get our section all fired up.
Throughout the season we came to realize we had the best seats in all of FedEx Field. We had no one behind us, we could stand the whole game, we were in the aisle, and most importantly we had an amazing sign to bang on to make noise. We felt as dedicated as any Skins fans in the stadium.

They noticed that the sign had been banged on so consistently that there were indentations in the paint from their fists, and were concerned that some eager staff member would paint over the marks to make it new and fresh again.

As diehard fans we are not asking for much in return, they wrote to Snyder.  Paraphernalia, autographs or even a seat upgrade to dream seats for one game would be the treat of a lifetime, but what is most important to us is that if possible you do not allow your staff to paint over the sign where we sit. We love our seats and the markings into our sign could not be a better example of our ever lasting dedication and devotion to our Washington Redskins.

First of all, I am sure as #$@! glad this letter did not actually make its way to Dan.  What do you suppose good O’ Mr Snyder would do if he had?
Speed dial his lawyer . . .

Bruce Allen on the other hand . . .

First Lon Rosenberg, the team’s vice president of operations, called Root, said he loved the letter and promised that the indentations would not be glossed over. Then, a few days later, a letter arrived from Redskins Park. He couldn’t read the signature at first.
Dude, that’s Bruce Allen! a friend said.
Thank you for your passionate support of the Redskins, Allen had written. I loved your letter & could feel your energy and enthusiasm for the Burgundy & Gold. We will notify the stadium staff of your request.
Root and Wergley — who live together in Ballston — were having a party that night. The letter from Allen went on the refrigerator, and all guests were required to admire it.

Feeling the Heat

Albert:

“I was in a hot tub, felt dizzy, got sick. They told me it was just a headache. Probably wanted to make themselves look good and me bad.”

Them:

“I don’t think it has anything to do with his head.”

Shanahan and Allen have handled the whole Albert situation in such a way as to teach him a lesson.

Obviously he has not learned it.

Can we please do one of the following?

Cut, Trade, or place Albert on IR.

Too bad players who have accrued at least one season under contract can’t be placed on the practice squad.

Imagine tha irony of putting Albert on the practice squad . . .

That would be too funny.

Interesting Moves

LJ signed by the Redskins…

Pros:

He gets to keep his number.
We get him for only $3.5 Million and no draft picks or trades.
I believe he may still have more in the tank than CP.
He has less mileage and hits than CP.
He can take over for CP when CP gets injured (and he will) or gets his bell rung again (and did I mention he will get hurt again).
We now have 4 TE’s and 2 RB’s to block and catch for Campbell.

Cons:

Character issues.
Off field issues.

All in all, I think this is a good business decision for the skins.
IMHO there are no other free agents out there potentially this good for this price.
LJ knows his options are running out and we are willing to give him a chance to prove himself. He will not be expected to be an every down back, nor will CP, which should help both of them stay healthier longer.
LJ gives the skins a chance to not gamble on any one player in the draft and hopefully find and build up a good back through the draft over the next couple years.

And before I hear any more silly talk about LT and Westbrook let me just say this.
Both think they are way too important and carry too big of a price tag.

And from what I hear, Westbrook’s head is even worse than CP’s.

Yes, we still need an OL that can block and protect. But hopefully we should be able to address that through the draft.

LJ is a risk, but a legitimate risk.

Now on to our other free agent pick ups.

Maake Kemoeatu

Ok, we have one beast man on the defence by the name of Albert Haynesworth. We all know that Albert is NOT an every down player and that he tends to get nagging injuries. So, the logical thing to do is find another beast of a man who is not an every down player and also needs to monitor his playing time to be healthy and most effective.
Maake is a risk because he is coming off of a major injury, but he did pass the physical. And, like LJ, we got him at a reasonable price.

Gee, I’m beginning to see a pattern here. Decent veteran talent that can compliment what we already have at a reasonable price.

Artis Hicks

I’ll give you three guesses about how to describe him and the first two don’t count.

Good, versatile, veteran, at a decent price who provide talent and skill anywhere on the OL. Which is exactly what we need.

I really am beginning to like Mike Shanahan and Bruce Allen’s approach to managing an NFL team. It is not splashy, its not $tar $truck, but it is measured, calculating and they stick to the plan.

Of course only time will tell how good they really are but so far this has been a refreshing change.

Then again…

If worse comes to worse, we can always rely on LJ to spin up the twitter and media coverage if things go bad.

Example:

Announcer– Campbell drops back to pass…gets pressure up the middle…SACKED for a loss.

Announcer– Campbell drops back to pass…gets pressure from the outside…scrambles…hit as he throws…INTERCEPTION!

Shanahan– Hey LJ we need you to distract folks from Jason…get folks off his back.

LJ on Twitter– Poor JC, how come the D gets all the running lanes?

LJ on Twitter– The only holes I ever see are when the line … over..

I believe in aliens

And I believe that when they come and visit they “inhabit” one of us.

Trouble is, I can’t decide if, when they “inhabit” somebody, that person becomes irrational or incredible smart. And when they leave that body the person reverts back to the other condition.

This is the only way I can explain Dan Snyder’s behavior over the past 6 months.

Either an alien left Dan Snyder, or one came for a visit.

Either way, I say THANK YOU!

Over the past 6 months, he has not only hired two great football minds to run the Redskins organization, but he is actually stepping back, at least out of the spot light, and allowing them to do so.

And these two minds, Bruce Allen and Mike Shanahan, are showing remarkable poise and reason in this crazy free agency market.

Maybe they are all aliens?

But so far they have cleaned house of players who a couple years from now will be either past their prime and/or too old and expensive to keep on the roster.

They have placed agency tags on those they need to have while setting a price tag not too high so as not to scare away any and all potential offers.

Case in point, Jason Campbell. They tendered an offer of 3.1 million dollars and a first round pick. A worthy salary for a decent QB, which should keep him happy, yet at the same time just low enough to say, hey, maybe we might negotiate for the right opportunity.

Oh, and speaking of QB’s and opportunities, and organizations I am beginning to like more and more.

The Baltimore Ravens and Joe Flacco just got a whole lot better with a good bold move acquiring Anquan Boldin. This too is an organization which is really really smart with the draft and free agency. They tend to be able to find the gems in the draft, know which key players to acquire and keep, while not loosing sight on their goals and sanity.

So far, I am actually liking and enjoying this free agency period and still look forward to the upcoming draft.

Some Things I’d Like to See…

Darrell Green’s 50th Birthday Dash…

Absolutely Amazing !
Happy Belated Birthday Darrell!!!

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Albert Haynesworth practicing Washington Redskins new Strength and Conditioning Coach Ray Wright’s workout routine which includes…

Yoga and Jiu Jitsu classes !

I can’t wait to see those new moves on the field Albert…

Who knows, it could also help prepare for a post football career in the MMA or The Ultimate Fighter competition. see Marcus Jones.

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The Washington Redskins showing restraint during free agency like the Steelers have already announced…

“The Pittsburgh Steelers announced plans to follow a self-imposed salary cap in 2010 and won’t take advantage of the lack of a collective bargaining agreement to add more quality free agents than usual.”

If they did, this would be the first true test and measure of the new Allen and Shanahan era!

Snyder introduces Allen

Here is the out take from the Washington Post and the Insider Blog.

Allen on Coach Jim Zorn: “I met today with Jim Zorn. Told him what we’re going to try to do in the next few weeks. We’re going to have some more meetings and discuss the future.”

Good DC PC Answer! You’ll fit in just fine and handle the press!!!

Allen’s impressions about the Redskins: “From afar, I like their talent. They have a nice core of talent here. That’s attractive. They have some young players whose futures are extremely bright.”

Why do I immediately think of Timbuk 3?

I hope this is not like the JD Power award for “initial quality”? First impression is good but once you get right down to it your Porsche is just another VW…

But I like the shades and bright future reference…

And he is right, there is good talent… What we need is a plan. And some chemistry.

On having the title of general manager, something that hasn’t happened with the Redskins under Snyder: “I really cant speak for what’s occurred in the past. I’m very comfortable with it. The Redskins will have a common goal,” which is bringing in good players and winning.

BINGO! A solid 10 for an answer… To bad Snyder is still living in the Past and plucked another Redskin Family Name to squander…

Snyder interjected that this is something he’s been thinking about for a while.

Thinking and doing are not the same thing Danny Boy…

On the team’s record: “I’ve seen the games, but I obviously haven’t felt the pain that’s been associated with 4-9. Starting today, I feel the pain.”

Hmmm, starting today which I take it means from here on out. I definitely get the impression that he will not be trying to pass off what he inherited as an excuse.

On why he came in now, Allen said he wants to begin to build a plan and get ready for 2010. That’s why coming in now, with three weeks left, was appealing to him, Allen said.

Yeah I know all the conspiracy theory people. These are the same people who said Lewis was only Shanahan’s scout and now they are saying the same thing about Gruden…

Did he mention having a plan? Good.

Snyder: “Obviously this has been a very disappointing season. We disappointed everybody. Ourselves, fans.” With everything that happened, it was time for change.

WE?

On Jon Gruden and replacing Jim Zorn: “We don’t have an opening at that position…Jim Zorn is our coach…give us some time to see our relationship develop.”

God I just love the press. They love to spin the namesake and the conspiracy!

Hey, there is that “chemistry” reference from Mr. Allen himself … You know I think he gets it.

Snyder: Bruce has the authority. When Bruce makes the decision, it’s a Redskins decision.

What? OK I’m glad I was sitting down for this one and on this side of the screen! (helps conceal the laughter and smirks)

Mr. Allen, I hope you are as good at deflecting Dan and his suggestions as you are at handling the press.

If so, then everyone’s future will be bright! Now, where did I put those sunglasses…

Snyder on Vinny Cerrato and whether he was offered a lesser position in the organization: “The best way to put it is it was time for a change.”

No argument there.

Snyder and Allen would not directly address reports about Mike Shanahan being the leading candidate for the head-coaching job; Snyder indicated that a decision about Zorn’s future will be made by Allen. Snyder indicated that the Redskins interviewed several candidates for the GM job.

Two references in the same conference that Mr. Allen is in charge?
Wow, maybe change really has come.

But I reserve judgement until this time next year…