Rick Snider: The smart fans stayed home
By: Rick Snider
Examiner Sports Columnist
October 19, 2009
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| The upper deck at FedEx Field looked more like a midweek Nationals game in late September, writes Washington Examiner columnist Rick Snider. The lower deck, behind embattled coach Jim Zorn, didn't look much better. (Getty Images) |
There were blackouts, boo-birds and the invisible man.
The official attendance was 79,572 at FedEx Field for the Redskins' 14-6 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. What a joke. The upper deck looked 10 percent filled. The lower deck was one-fourth empty. Lines were short and the revamped parking system finally worked -- probably because the lots seemed empty.
Brother, can you spare a calculator?
It seemed the smallest regular-season crowd in FedEx Field's 12-year history. The boos weren't so intense because there were 20,000-plus no-shows. That the Redskins conceded attendance for the 91,000 venue was less than 80,000 was telling.
Then again, what can you expect on a cold, rainy day? Oh wait, I remember when RFK Stadium was filled twice in worse weather during the 1991 NFC playoffs while the team was en route to its third Super Bowl championship under Joe Gibbs.
Seriously, the upper deck looked like a midweek Nationals game in late September.
There were multiple scenarios ongoing in the stands. Some groups called for a boycott, which is rather stupid when you've already paid for the tickets. Think Dan Snyder truly cares that no shows don't buy hot dogs and beers? Not really. Not enough to change anything.
There was a movement of wearing black to show displeasure with the owner. The blackout was noticeable. Maybe 20 percent of the crowd, which was impressive.
The boos were surprisingly limited. Three times early and not an all-out hating as the team exited the first half despite trailing 3-0 to the winless Chiefs. Starting quarterback Todd Collins in the third quarter lightened the mood. Fans have been calling for the backup since his late 2007 streak of four straight wins.
Indeed, it was a surprise ending for the crowd. They briefly discovered their passion. It was a smaller gathering, sure. A poor reflection of what this franchise once was. But they were into it -- standing and cheering for late defensive stands until Kansas City plowed ahead, 9-6.
And then fans took to the highway. With 3:36 remaining, many had little faith the Redskins could rally. They were right.
The Redskins now face visiting Philadelphia on Monday Night Football. FedEx will again be filled -- only it could be mostly Eagles fans. At least they won't bring Terrible Towels like Pittsburgh fans last season to prove they were there.
After all, the Redskins are already counting them present.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more at TheRickSniderReport.com or e-mail rsnider@washingtonexaminer.com.
