Rick Snider » A loss would lead to Redskins rage
By: Rick Snider
Examiner Sports Columnist
September 24, 2009
 |
| Despite a 1-1 start, the Redskins — especially embattled coach Jim Zorn — are facing heat from every direction, writes Examiner columnist Rick Snider. (AP) |
It's a good time to get out of town for the Washington Redskins.
Sports talk is toxic. A rookie linebacker only needed four letters for Twitter responses. Even in-house announcers are taking shots.
I've never seen such a harsh reaction to a victory in 40 years of following the team. Fans don't just want wins, they want style points. But given boos started in the first quarter of the home opener against St. Louis, fans were really venting over a decade of poor ownership by Dan Snyder that promises no end.
If this gets any worse, Snyder might try a barnstorming tour instead of returning to Landover. Indeed, if Washington falls at Detroit, holders of a 19-game losing streak, then the Redskins would be smart to skip the Supreme Court decision and change their name immediately to the Washington Woefuls.
Coach Jim Zorn is getting a friendlier response from non-team media. On his own radio show on the team-owned station, Zorn was asked whether he worried over getting fired if the team loses to Detroit. Seriously -- he gets a point-blank shot on his own show? Zorn said no comment to the blindside hit.
The testy postgame moment with broadcaster Sonny Jurgensen has been overblown, though. The Hall of Fame passer second-guessed a failed gadget play at the goal line, but Jurgensen wasn't being disrespectful. There is no feud between Zorn and Jurgensen. This is where sports talk outsiders show their ignorance.
Meanwhile, Robert Henson's Twitter career ended after a tirade against hard-working Americans. Henson said he was sorry for tweeting he made more than someone at McDonald's despite not earning his checks yet. This from the son-in-law of famed preacher T.D. Jakes. Bet there was a come-to-Jesus phone conversation over that prideful boast.
If you saw the look on Snyder's face in the postgame locker room you'd have thought Washington lost to Dallas by 50. Very glum from someone whose victory celebrations became YouTube fodder. Snyder spoke briefly with players like it was a wake. I've seen that look before and it usually meant somebody was leaving.
It makes one wonder what would happen if the Redskins lose to the Lions. Clinton Portis' radio show might be X-rated. Players will wear helmets in public. FedEx stands will look like a swine flu outbreak.
Just win, baby. Otherwise, the new Redskins rage will come from the stands.
Fear the fans.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more at TheRickSniderReport.com or
e-mail rsnider@washingtonexaminer.com.
