It’s a time for Dan Snyder to feel good. Since the offseason, the Redskins have added a future Hall of Fame coach, a Pro Bowl quarterback and drafted a left tackle. And they haven’t lost a game in months.
A culture change has taken place in Ashburn, orchestrated by Snyder.
“It was necessary,” he said. “We were 4-12 and going in the wrong direction and all the changes are to get us going in the right direction. Obviously with the pedigree and success of the people I brought in, you can tell we’re going in the right direction.”
Snyder, speaking after a field dedication at the Edgewood Department of Parks and Recreation Center on Saturday, also was not happy that defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth hasn’t shown up for offseason workouts. Haynesworth is said to be upset about the defensive changes as the Redskins will use a 3-4 defensive front as its base defense. He prefers to play in a four-man line, where he has more ability to make plays.
“Yeah I’m disappointed he’s not here,” Snyder said. “Absolutely. We’re expecting our players to lead by example and we’re expecting our players to understand that they’re Redskins and they need to be there.”
Numerous people at Redskins Park also have spoken about the improved atmosphere in the building since the season ended. They credit a more professional approach by general manager Bruce Allen and coach Mike Shanahan’s arrival and the departure of former vice president of football operations Vinny Cerrato. The trade for quarterback Donovan McNabb also has created a buzz.
“You can feel the energy,” Snyder said. “It’s restored our confidence. … It’s been a couple years.”
Snyder also said he’s not necessarily more hands-off than in the past, saying reports of his prior input was less than reported. But there’s no doubt a change has occurred. He is not a focal point at major press conferences, often sitting in the back row or standing off to the side.
“The biggest change is the people now,” he said. “We had the great Joe Gibbs for quite some time and we got close a few times and I feel good about those days, and then we had a couple bad years. Now we have to get those behind us and move on and that’s what we’re doing.”
