Rick Snider » Champions of the offseason
By: Rick Snider
Examiner Sports Columnist
March 8, 2009
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| Once again the Redskins have had an active offseason, including signing defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth. (Getty Images) |
The Audacity of Hope II has come to Redskins Park.
Nobody sells a dream better than Redskins owner Dan Snyder. His stimulus plan has Washingtonians believing anything is possible.
It’s not a recession when Snyder spends fans’ money. Remember that when paying $30 for a couple beers and a dog at the next game and more to park than a day at the White Flags theme parks Snyder also runs.
Champions of the offseason — Snyder should hang those banners at Fedx Field because they’re the only ones he earns.
Seriously, name Snyder to a Cabinet post (I assume his taxes are current) because he peddles more optimism than even Hillary can muster. It doesn’t matter that his track record is throwing money without results. Gee, give him Nancy Pelosi’s job already.
The Redskins certainly look better after the free agent spending spree. Defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth signed for either $48 million or $100 million, depending on whose books you’re examining. DeAngelo Hall took $54 million. Guard Derrick Dockery is worth $26.5 million more.
Snyder spent $180.5 million — only slightly more than the cost of Barack Obama’s inauguration — on three players that don’t throw, catch or run the ball. Yet, the Redskins will only go as far as quarterback Jason Campbell takes them next fall on the final year of his contract.
Claiming to have changed his ways, Snyder says he’s getting players in their prime instead of past it. Sure enough, the 20-somethings are set to peak.
But Snyder is also a frontrunner who buys All-Stars instead of investing in prospects. The NFL has proven the best way to win is the draft. Free agency is supposed to supplement, not build, a roster.
It’s just hard to take Snyder seriously. Every offseason brings a new plan. Last year they swore loyalty to the draft and kept 10 picks — one of whom contributed. Now they’re down to four come April and blew the budget on free agents.
The man changes positions more than Michael Steele. He says trust me more than a revival tent preacher passing the plate.
Redskins fans are skeptical. A recent team letter offered eight season tickets — a lofty number for a club that once provided only a few dozen to new patrons each year. After 10 years with Snyder, people are wising up.
Then again, another 6-2 start will have the town believing once more.
After all, Snyder is one audacious owner.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more at TheRickSniderReport.com or e-mail rsnider@dcexaminer.com.
