There is a climate of desperation here in Washington. Even before the Redskins 14-6 loss to winless Kansas City, you could feel the tension on the sideline. Fans are becoming increasingly disgruntled and are opting to stay away from Fed Ex Field, instead choosing to keep their expletives within the confines of their own home. The Redskin loyalists though continue to attend the dreadful displays of offensive ineptitude in person. Even when a dysfunctional franchise discovers even more ways to become dysfunctional the heart of the true and loyal Redskins fan will keep the team in D.C. and Dan Snyder’s pockets happy. The bottom line however is that attending a home game has become quite simple these days as ticket sellers increase and buyers decrease easing the financial burden of attending a “professional” football game in D.C.
I figured my last visit ever to Fed Ex would have been last year, when I witnessed in person a horrible debacle on Monday night football. As the Redskins were receiving a beat down in the second half at the hands of the Pittsburgh Steelers, I found myself completely surrounded by Pittsburgh Steelers fans amidst waving yellow urine soaked towels unable to tell if I was at Fed Ex or Heinz Field. So when the opportunity arose in which I was able to obtain a parking pass and a front row seat for less than one hundred dollars I realized that this would be the perfect opportunity to erase those memories and replace them with slightly more colorful inebriated ones.
I watched some of the players stroll into the stadium wondering what was going through their minds, whether they were going to show up and play or just merely earn another paycheck. My favorite was Redskins Wide Receiver Devin Thomas who rode in on a black Mustang with tinted windows and the word “Showtime” scrolled across the side.
“Showtime” was held without a catch against the NFL’s worst defense, unable to add to his grand total of four receptions so far this year. Despite the irony displayed across Devin Thomas’ vehicle Redskins fans are never too quick to judge. As long as Thomas remains with the team, we will continue to cheer and support and believe in Devin and hope that he is soon to have a breakout game, preferably against the Dallas Cowboys where “Showtime” comes to life.
Redskins Fans struggle within themselves to rationalize why they continue to self deprecate and torture themselves by forking over large amounts of money to Dan Snyder to witness the Skins lose to another winless opponent. Many are just insane and are enjoying every minute of it. In a town where Emperor Snyder is vilified in every way you can imagine there are still people like this young man, the lucky beneficiary of an in person autograph from Mr. Snyder. Unfortunately he spontaneously combusted into flames just seconds after these photo’s were taken.
Is that Sherman Lewis there attached to Snyder’s Hip? Bingo!!!!
Here is the lucky recipient of Dan Snyder’s Autograph on an old school Redskins mini pennant. The crowd quickly disbursed when they realized what had just taken place. Oddly enough, the pennant was in fact signed upside down. Was it on purpose? You decide!
Instead of just succumbing to complete insanity, those of us left with some form of understanding relative to the world around us, cope with our Redskins loyalty in other ways. The most popular form of therapy is a new form of behavior modification molded into a form of competition. It is more commonly referred to as Beer Pong. Beer Pong combined with tailgating support groups is the fabric which holds us together in these trying times. Even Superhero’s need help because just like us, they are Redskins Fans too.
The unfortunate thing about the game was having to watch head coach Jim Zorn on the sidelines. He had that look on his face of a defeated man, yet a defeated man that would not go down easy. Well aware of his status as a dead man walking in Washington coach Zorn is doing his best to focus on the game at hand. It can’t be easy though when the experience is being rubbed in your face to the point of humiliation. This is the most telling photo of all. Here is our genius decision maker Dan Snyder conferring with newly hired offensive consultant Sherman Lewis during pre game warm-ups. Coach Zorn is left out of the cool group all by himself on the right. Something tells me the decision to turn over play calling duties’ to Lewis was made well before the loss to the Chiefs.
Jim Zorn may be soon to be out of a job in Washington but he has come out on top as clearly the better man. He has maintained his integrity throughout while Dan Snyder continues to be exposed as perhaps the worst owner in the National Football League. What has become unfathomable to most is Snyder’s seemingly oblivious knowledge of public perception. Contrary to the common assumption though, Snyder is a man who cares very deeply what people think about him. The problem Snyder has is his inability to understand his own limitations and his general lack of social skills necessary to run a successful NFL franchise. The Redskins fans remain loyal though. We have the same hope that we have in Devin Thomas, in Dan Snyder. We hope he will one day delve out of his pit of insecurity and learn from his mistakes. His Redskin revenge on those who have wronged him continues to backfire but a determined and hardened man will not yield to anyone he considers not smart enough to understand him.
Finally I am showing you this picture, just because I can. Despite the terrible play on the field, A great seat always has its benefits.
