(Washington Times/ Rich Campbell/ May 8, 2013): There’s much love among the Washington Redskins this spring. So much, in fact, that it spreads all the way to Dallas.
Winning has a way of proliferating good vibes. (As do ongoing positive results of a certain quarterback’s knee rehabilitation.) The Redskins finally are realizing that.
This is what owner Daniel Snyder had in mind when he hired general manager Bruce Allen and coach Mike Shanahan little more than three years ago. The process of building the franchise into a winner had to start with a culture change.
The wood was rotted. Also, there were termites behind it. The organization lacked skilled coaching in some areas and competent stewardship from the GM’s office. Player insubordination and dissent occasionally were toxic.
Culture change is difficult to quantify, but eventually it becomes evident in the standings. The Redskins‘ 10 wins last year and their first division championship in 13 seasons indicate the infestation is gone now and new boards are in place.
More proof exists, though; proof that’s as important as wins because it indicates sustainability. The scene Saturday night at Lucky Strike, a bowling alley adjacent to Verizon Center, depicted the core of the Redskins‘ turnaround.