After three straight losses, the Washington Redskins are entering what has in the past been dangerous territory. Redskins fans likely will arrive at FedEx Field on Sunday expecting the worst against the surprising San Francisco 49ers, who have turned things around in one season under new coach Jim Harbaugh. The Redskins, with Mike Shanahan in his second season, seem buried in a rebuilding process — and never more so than after their embarrassing 23-0 thumping by the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.
The first three-and-out against the 49ers likely will result in an ugly fan reaction, which in the past has set the stage for the Redskins to make moves out of fear and frustration.
But there is a new figure this time around in the Redskins’ drama, and he creates a dynamic that has not been there when power plays have taken place during times of panic.
Now we may find out whether Bruce Allen is a real general manager or simply the director of the alumni association.
Shanahan, the vice president of football operations, reportedly has the final say over all football decisions and not Allen.
But Allen, who has 15 years of experience in NFL front offices in Oakland and Tampa Bay, has to step up and make sure the fear and frustration that could engulf FedEx Field on Sunday don’t result in a foolish move that could set this franchise back yet again.
His presence bears watching because there hasn’t been one like it at Redskins Park during past periods of dysfunction.
In previous occasions — particularly those involving Jim Zorn — it was two against one: owner Dan Snyder and former executive vice president Vinny Cerrato against the coach. Cerrato owed his NFL existence to Snyder.
Not Allen. Whatever you may think of his role here in Washington, Allen is respected throughout the league and is not joined at the hip to the owner.
In fact, it may be just the opposite. Although Snyder hired Allen, it was reported at the time that Shanahan, who had not been hired yet, wanted Allen as his GM at Redskins Park.
So it is reasonable to consider that the Redskins Triangle — which has consumed coaches in the past — may have a different dynamic this time. The coach and GM may be on the same side.
Remember, Allen supposedly put up a stop sign at Snyder’s front door to keep players and others from influencing the owner upon his arrival.
Whether that stop sign is still standing after next weekend may determine how much business truly has changed as Redskins Park.
Examiner columnist Thom Loverro is the co-host of “The Sports Fix” from noon to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday on ESPN980 and espn980.com. Contact him at [email protected].
