Snarky Posted September 10, 2010 Share Posted September 10, 2010 Dear Mr. Allen, I hope that you don't mind if I call you Bruce. Formality is called for out of respect, but it's because of the family atmosphere that you've restored to the franchise that I wanted to specifically thank you. I can't read the Redskins Blog anymore without bringing a hankie. If it isn't a reunion dinner and a rousing We Want Dallas speech, then it's backroom employees clapping for the team after practice. You've united us, Bruce. You have gone out of your way to be so inclusive, so involving of this entire franchise and fan base. We feel united. We feel restored. While the media chases the bigger stories: Albert Haynesworth, the planning and preparation for Dallas, it needs to be said that we out here in the Redskins universe are noticing -- and so grateful -- for all the little things that you are doing that make us feel so proud. We all want a great season in 2010. But I think we all would agree that having a long-term plan and creating a focus and mission statement for the years ahead supersedes that. We want to know that what was once can be again. That what your father and Joe Gibbs accomplished will rise again with the team that Mike Shanahan now leads onto that field. Players want to be leaders again. Everyone is buying into the plan. Our core values are where they should be: family, love of the game, personal integrity, competitive desire. When those fundamentals are in alignment, hope for the future shines bright. I'm sure you'd be the first to say that the praise needs to be shared. It partially belongs to Mr. Snyder (hey, he's the boss) for taking stock and realizing that cooler heads need to prevail when it comes to personnel. He saw what was necessary and made the right moves at the right time. That took guts. No matter what critics might say about the man, nobody dares fault him for lack of caring. He learns. He tries. There's nothing he wouldn't do to restore this franchise that he loves. And then there's the stellar coaching team that's been assembled. From Mike and his son to Jim Haslett and the core of guys that are teaching our troops a new scheme from the inside out. It's quality and discipline and a chain of command that leaves no questions about accountability at the start and end of each day. We have no idea yet about the wins and losses, the outcomes that will judge this season and take precedence in the minds of all when the games have been played and the tallies are taken. So I want to say this now, when optimism is in the air and nobody can hold up a win/loss record to proclaim otherwise: we are proud, we are strong, and we are restored because of who you are, what you've done and the principles you stand for. Please know that we stand fully behind you. And if you beat Dallas on Sunday, well... let's just say that while your brother has had to run for office, the keys to this city are yours. Faithfully, Snarky Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rockfan7224 Posted September 10, 2010 Share Posted September 10, 2010 Perfectly put. :2drunks: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Demarqo Posted September 10, 2010 Share Posted September 10, 2010 I love this Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gibbs Hog Heaven Posted September 10, 2010 Share Posted September 10, 2010 Awww shoot Snarky man, you stole my thunder. I had a similar piece planned, but I was going to go one step further and go against the grain by giving the owner his props for finally doing what we've so craved for so long and handing over FULL control of the football side to proper, respected, football guys. Nice open letter man. One of which I'm sure everyone will concur with wholeheartedly. :applause: Hail Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ucfSKINS Posted September 10, 2010 Share Posted September 10, 2010 :applause: Well done sir, well done. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rick7423 Posted September 10, 2010 Share Posted September 10, 2010 I agree 100%. It may take a few years to get to the promised land, but at least we have a strong captain and navigator guiding us there. As for Danial Snyder: well sir, you deserve as much credit for this new direction as anyone. Thank you also. I truly hope that you get that trophy soon. HTTR! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kappaluvacee Posted September 10, 2010 Share Posted September 10, 2010 You said it best here bro! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merlin Emrys Posted September 10, 2010 Share Posted September 10, 2010 Shouldn't we save the applause until the team gains some respect on the field? He's hardly proven anything yet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popeman38 Posted September 10, 2010 Share Posted September 10, 2010 Shouldn't we save the applause until the team gains some respect on the field? He's hardly proven anything yet. The first step to on field success is getting your house in order off field. Those steps have been taken. We have a genuine GM. We have a respected coach. We have a respected OC. We have a respected DC. We have restored a connection between the current team and alumni. Now we need to water these seeds. From these seeds will grow a great product that players around the league will want to be a part of, and not just for a paycheck to get fat and happy off of. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merlin Emrys Posted September 10, 2010 Share Posted September 10, 2010 The first step to on field success is getting your house in order off field. Those steps have been taken. We have a genuine GM. We have a respected coach. We have a respected OC. We have a respected DC. We have restored a connection between the current team and alumni. Now we need to water these seeds. From these seeds will grow a great product that players around the league will want to be a part of, and not just for a paycheck to get fat and happy off of. Sounds great, and I hope it's the case, but it's really too early to make any judgements. We heard all the same things during Gibbs 2.0. It still didn't make the Redskins a consistent winner. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ahmayzin Posted September 10, 2010 Share Posted September 10, 2010 I like it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blitzpackage Posted September 10, 2010 Share Posted September 10, 2010 I approve this message. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popeman38 Posted September 10, 2010 Share Posted September 10, 2010 Sounds great, and I hope it's the case, but it's really too early to make any judgements. We heard all the same things during Gibbs 2.0. It still didn't make the Redskins a consistent winner.Gibbs 2.0 never had this connection to the past. Yeah, old players came by the Park every now and them. But there weren't any alumni days or events featuring them. Everything about this team has changed since the close of 2009. The stadium has been upgraded, events are being held, amenities are being offered to customers (fan vision for premium membersfree). The PR and marketing arm got upgraded. Dan Snyder's image has been reworked. Hell, he was in a commercial! He has done multiple candid interviews. Plus, Vinny got the boot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrypticVillain Posted September 10, 2010 Share Posted September 10, 2010 Sounds great, and I hope it's the case, but it's really too early to make any judgements. We heard all the same things during Gibbs 2.0. It still didn't make the Redskins a consistent winner. A lot of people keep on comparing this to Gibbs 2.0. I think this is different. When Gibbs came back he was out of the league for 12 years. A lot of things changed during that time span, so it took him a year just to get back on par with things. Yeah, Shanahan was out for a year, but during that year, he was still studying football with coaches that are currently on this staff. But Bruce Allen is the difference. He is the person that makes Dan Snyder leave the football team to the football people. When Gibbs came back, Snyder and Cerrato had their hands in the cookie jar. I don't know how anybody can't sense that this time it is different. I am not saying we are to be world beaters, but I will say that this will be a respectable organization again and we won't see any plays like swing gate anymore. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TK Posted September 10, 2010 Share Posted September 10, 2010 Another great thing about Bruce is you'll never hear him ask "Are you talking about sacks n stuff?". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merlin Emrys Posted September 10, 2010 Share Posted September 10, 2010 Gibbs 2.0 never had this connection to the past. Yeah, old players came by the Park every now and them. But there weren't any alumni days or events featuring them. Everything about this team has changed since the close of 2009. The stadium has been upgraded, events are being held, amenities are being offered to customers (fan vision for premium membersfree). The PR and marketing arm got upgraded. Dan Snyder's image has been reworked. Hell, he was in a commercial! He has done multiple candid interviews. Plus, Vinny got the boot. A lot of people keep on comparing this to Gibbs 2.0. I think this is different. When Gibbs came back he was out of the league for 12 years. A lot of things changed during that time span, so it took him a year just to get back on par with things. Yeah, Shanahan was out for a year, but during that year, he was still studying football with coaches that are currently on this staff.But Bruce Allen is the difference. He is the person that makes Dan Snyder leave the football team to the football people. When Gibbs came back, Snyder and Cerrato had their hands in the cookie jar. I don't know how anybody can't sense that this time it is different. I am not saying we are to be world beaters, but I will say that this will be a respectable organization again and we won't see any plays like swing gate anymore. All I'm saying is that until the product on the field becomes a consistent winner, I'm with holding judgement. Snyder always changes things to keep us, but in the past they've never worked. I really hope they do. However, based on this franchise's body of evidence over the last 20 years, all these changes do not change the fact that we've become the Arizona Cardinals of the 80's and 90's. Proving it is what matters. We won't really be a well run organization until we win consistently. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeueRedskinWelle Posted September 11, 2010 Share Posted September 11, 2010 Please know that we stand fully behind you. And if you beat Dallas on Sunday, well... let's just say that while your brother has had to run for office, the keys to this city are yours. Quote for truth. Very well said all around. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Homercles82 Posted September 11, 2010 Share Posted September 11, 2010 amenities are being offered to customers (fan vision for premium membersfree). I have premium seats and did not know about this. Is this confirmed? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coker Posted September 11, 2010 Share Posted September 11, 2010 Well said....great job! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snarky Posted September 11, 2010 Author Share Posted September 11, 2010 All I'm saying is that until the product on the field becomes a consistent winner, I'm with holding judgement. Snyder always changes things to keep us, but in the past they've never worked. I really hope they do. However, based on this franchise's body of evidence over the last 20 years, all these changes do not change the fact that we've become the Arizona Cardinals of the 80's and 90's. Proving it is what matters. We won't really be a well run organization until we win consistently. Um, if you read the letter, I explain this. I understand that nobody will give Bruce, Mike or Dan any credit for changing the culture if the results are the same. Nevertheless, I wanted to thank him/them for doing the little things that HAVE meant a lot to many: welcoming back into the fold the older veteran players who have felt neglected during previous administrations, building the team camaraderie and work ethic that has Clinton Portis(!) wanting to be a team captain, valuing veteran leadership by going after Donovan McNabb, creating an environment in which even the office workers wear We Want Dallas shirts and cheer for the players after practice (see the blog for details). Winning will always be the bottom line. But as a member of the Redskins family, I wanted Bruce to know that win or lose, I applaud him for the direction in which he, Dan and Mike (among others) are guiding the team back to the spirit of its former glory. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GoDeep81 Posted September 11, 2010 Share Posted September 11, 2010 Great post!! This organization has indeed undergone a complete trasformation!! The future is bright!! to Merlin: If your waiting for a dominant onfield presence to give cudos, you may be waiting a while.. You rebuild in steps, and this is a definite step in the right direction! :point2sky Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chipwhich Posted September 11, 2010 Share Posted September 11, 2010 All I'm saying is that until the product on the field becomes a consistent winner, I'm with holding judgement. Snyder always changes things to keep us, but in the past they've never worked. I really hope they do. However, based on this franchise's body of evidence over the last 20 years, all these changes do not change the fact that we've become the Arizona Cardinals of the 80's and 90's. Proving it is what matters. We won't really be a well run organization until we win consistently. Amen. We still have the Haynesworth saga. Same ****, different day. I will withhold my praise until I see the product on the field. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VPromuto65 Posted September 11, 2010 Share Posted September 11, 2010 Amen and well said. Feels like we are getting closer to home. I loved his dad and now he is showing a similar integrity and purpose. Love it! HTTR! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merlin Emrys Posted September 11, 2010 Share Posted September 11, 2010 Um, if you read the letter, I explain this. I understand that nobody will give Bruce, Mike or Dan any credit for changing the culture if the results are the same. Oh I read it. If you understand this, then why give them credit for these changes in the first place? At this point, they don't mean much. Don't get me wrong, firing Vinny was the best thing that's happend to this organization in years, but it doesn't necessarily make everything better. Many of the things for which you originally heaped praise upon Bruce and Dan are just marketing tactics designed to re-establish trust in the fanbase. They obvioulsy seem to be working, but they don't have much to do with football. The other areas you mentioned relate to the team, but they're not accomplishments. There's no evidence yet that these tactics are any better than past regimes. I just fail to see the importance of these comments before a single season is complete, much less the first snap. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AzSkinsFan63 Posted September 11, 2010 Share Posted September 11, 2010 Welcome aboard Bruce..and I'm glad I got to tell you that in Arizona at the game. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.