(Author’s note: I was going to do a vlog for this one, but my daughter is being really uncooperative tonight in terms of being quiet. Besides, this needs to be timely, as the Redskins already fired Jim Zorn and are likely to hire Mike Shanahan any given day now. Also, I’m a crazy Redskins fan who’s had enough, so this will be lengthy.)
Dear Bruce Allen, new GM of the Washington Redskins:
I am a lifelong Redskins fan. My fondest sports memory is watching the Mark Rypien-led Redskins throttle the Buffalo Bills in the 1991 Super Bowl. And what has transpired over not just the past two seasons, but the entire 10 year Dan Snyder tenure here in Washington is painful for us diehard Redskins fans.
I know you’re an outsider to the organization, but it’s important that you understand that the city is always behind the Redskins. The fans will always be there, through thick and thin. All it takes is smart decision making and a clear vision for the team–something this team has lacked for 10 years.
I respect your credentials and the teams you built in Tampa and Oakland, so I have faith that you’ll make the right decisions. But rather than take you through the emotional toll this team takes on me each and every Sunday (even the wins this year were horrible), I’m going to give you a fan’s perspective on how this new team should be built.
The Biggest Obstacle: Daniel Snyder.
Daniel Snyder has run the Redskins into the ground on the field because he has insisted on being involved in player selection from day one. The problem with that decision is that he picks his players like he’s running his own fantasy team. He wants big names, not “company guys.”
As you know, a successful football team is not made of big names, but rather a series of players who do their jobs and do them well. Big names want cash and notoriety and tend not to care about their jobs.
I suggest you make sure Snyder does nothing but sign checks and bring Alan Greenspan to his executive suite. That will be your first key to success in running this fine organization.
No One is Sacred.
This should be your mantra. Just like how solid marketing is based on the numbers, so should be the analysis of the team. That means making tough decisions. Here’s specifically who I recommend you get rid of from the team:
- Albert Haynesworth. I know we owe him $48 million+ over the next 6 years, but he did not play up to his mammoth contract, and he’s a malcontent to boot. You need “company guys” on this team, not Haynesworth. Bite the bullet or see if you can trade him (though you may have to agree to eat part of the contract).
- Carlos Rogers. If there was a corner who was beat on every single play, it was Rogers. He can’t catch interceptions, he can’t cover anyone, and he’s not a good tackler. How is he still playing corner? I don’t see it.
- Antwan Randle-El. I’ll be the first to admit I liked to signing originally. But clearly he has not panned out. And the biggest value he brought to the team–Punt Returns–have REALLY not panned out.
- Clinton Portis. If the end of the season showed us anything, it’s that Portis was NOT the best runner on this team. Get rid of him and sign Ganther and Mason, let it be a four RB platoon of Betts, Ganther, Mason, and Cartwright. Allow the coach to play the hot hand. If it’s Shanahan who gets the coaching job, we know he’ll get good yardage out of whoever is back there.
- Casey Rabach. He’s old, slow, can’t snap the ball and can’t block anybody. And he’s the center. Perfect, right? Wrong. Axe him. Seriously.
- Chris Samuels. I love Chris Samuels. But Stenosis is scary stuff, man. Encourage him to retire.
Specific moves to make with the roster and the draft
The offensive line MUST be your first priority. And your second priority. Your third priority is the secondary, followed by the receiving corps. Here are eight steps I’d recommend you take:
1. Spend your first round draft pick on a Left Tackle. You’ll have the 4th pick it looks like, so you’ll have the pick of the litter on the O-Line. Spend it wisely.
2. Spend your 2nd round pick on a RG and let him learn from Randy Thomas (who is actually pretty good if he can stay healthy).
3. See if you can trade Haynesworth. If the contract wasn’t so inflated, you could probably get a 2, a 3, and a 5 for him, and possibly even a reserve DT.
4. Spend your new 2nd round pick on another O-Lineman, probably a Center.
5. Spend your new 3rd rounder on a tall WR. This will allow you to platoon Santana Moss and DeAngelo Hall (who has acquitted himself nicely this year) at Punt Returner while allowing you to take a real chance on Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly (or Marco Mitchell).
6. Spend your 4th round pick on a CB. This way you can drop Carlos Rogers. Please. You need to replace Rogers. Ever since his knee was shredded, he’s been awful.
7. Spend your 5th round pick on a Free Safety so Laron Landry can move back to his natural Strong Safety position. He’s a horrible FS and has cost the defense many yards and points in the past couple of years. (Note: If this doesn’t work for you, force him to spend a summer with John Lynch or Ronnie Lott so he can learn how to play with strength and precision.)
8. Use your 6th and 7th round picks to round out the defense or grab a QB late.
9. Give Jason Campbell a two-year contract and give him the team. I know not many people are on his side, but I am. No QB would perform well with that offensive line. His performance this year reminds me a lot of David Carr in Houston. So many sacks and so much pressure can really change a QB.
I would give Campbell the two-year contract, encourage Todd Collins to retire, and drop Colt Brennan. Draft a QB or sign a veteran backup who could actually run the offense if Campbell goes down and can teach Campbell how to be a QB. Jeff Garcia would be an interesting name to bring in. Just sayin’.
10. Bring London Fletcher into the decision-making about who stays and who goes on the defensive side of the ball. That guy plays hard and with heart. He’s a “company guy” through and through, and smart to boot. Take advantage of his veteran presence and build the team around his personality.
I call this an open letter because I hope Redskins fans will chime in with their ideas. Maybe they’ll disagree with me. Maybe they’ll add some more. The bottom line is we’re a fan base that cares deeply about this team and wants to see you succeed.
I hope you take my (our) thoughts into consideration as you begin to mold this new team in the future.
Thanks,
Scott
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