Dan Snyder bashing
 

I have been a fan of the Redskins ever since I could walk (which, admittedly, has not been very long), but it is only recently that I have noticed such a strong bias in the national media against the Redskins. Why is this the case? Is this because of Dan Snyder? I feel like the national media has latched onto Danny Boy as the poster child for foolish ownership in a way they once did to Jerry Jones, and believe me, I hate that comparison. As a young owner with a lot of enthusiasm and money, Snyder has certainly made his share of mistakes, but I feel like as he gains more experience in the football world, this is the guy you want to have running your team. He's a guy who is not afraid to make a move if one needs to be made, and as the seasons have progressed, I think he's learned from his mistakes. If his instincts and football-sense continue to improve, and he develops some restraint, this is the kind of ownership I'd think you'd want. This year could be the year he finally gets out of the national media doghouse and gains their respect, if the moves he made pan out.

For those of you who have a larger breadth of experience: How long has the national media hated us? Why has it historically been the case? Why is Dan Snyder everyone's demon?

Dan came into the league thinking he could buy a Superbowl. Threw alot of money around on big name players. He overpaid on several contracts upsetting other owners by inflating the market.

Ya... he wanted to win and was willing to spend to do it... that's fine... but didn't surround himself with knowledgeable football people. He thought he could do it by himself.

Because he has made so many stuped moves in the past. And lets face it people like to bash one another, Synder is just an easy target. I've always asked myself why doesn't Synder just be like his predessor the great Mr. Cooke. Willing to spend money (which Synder is) but hiring the best guy in the business to run the show. (ie a G.M.)
As long as Synder is running the show the Redskins will always be at a disadvantage compared to the other teams in the league.

This isnt baseball, spending money isnt a good thing. Every team spends money, but there is a salary cap. There is also a thing called chemistry, which Snyder doesnt seem to understand. He gets in the way and makes rediculous decisions (RE: cutting Brian Mitchell and giving Deion an 8 year contract), and his ego is too big. We need a football mind running the show

This is a recurring theme here and probably in all Redskin chats. You either love Snyder or you hate him, just like all dynamic owners. Before Snyder there was Jerry Jones, before him Al Davis. The new kid on the block who is determined to do things his way, and the rest of the NFL establishment resents it.

I don't like that Snyder is so involved. I like that he's willing to spend to bring in players, but I think the process would be helped out tremendously by having a general manager so that we could mix in a few bargains and steals with the big ticket free agents we are going to bring in. So as an owner I don't have a real problem with Snyder, it is as the GM that I find fault with him. He's learning, but I think we would have been better off with a GM and coach.

The national media has been down on Snyder since 2000 when he brought in all those players that didn't necessarily mesh with Norv Turner's team.

[QUOTE=Bergman14]This isnt baseball, spending money isnt a good thing. Every team spends money, but there is a salary cap. There is also a thing called chemistry, which Snyder doesnt seem to understand. He gets in the way and makes rediculous decisions (RE: cutting Brian Mitchell and giving Deion an 8 year contract), and his ego is too big. We need a football mind running the show[/QUOTE]

I couldn't agree more

I agree with all of the criticism of Snyder, and certainly think that you either love him or hate him. Personally, I hate many of the moves he has made, especially the lack of a GM, but I am not convinced that he hasn't learned at least some lessons after the last couple of seasons. Snyder may always have an "ego" as some of you have put it (which I'm not convinced is a bad thing, necessarily), but an ego has to eventually take a backseat to solid football decisions that result in winning seasons. Until Snyder delivers, we have every right to criticize.

Still, I don't by the "Snyder has challenged the football establishment, and this is why the national media looks on the Redskins with disdain" argument. ESPN is not "the football establishment." ESPN is a network that has loved Mark Cuban since he first came in, and he is certainly not part of "the basketball establishment." Maybe the reason much of the national media has turned on the Redskins is that Snyder has challenged the football establishment and not succeeded.

Whatever the reasoning, I'm sick and tired of reading articles/magazines that bash the Redskins, or hearing an analyst speak of the team with such contempt is own misplaced bias is clear. On a brighter note, I think this year has started to look a little more promising, as Gibbs brings with him an unparalleled respect from the media. I hope it continues.

Speaking of the media and Joe Gibbs, I was only 9 when he left, so maybe i didnt understand how respected he was, but I have been very surprised how much the media is no behind the redskins. It seems that while they have bashed the redskins for the last four years or so, many members of the media are now supporting us. I didnt realize that one man would have this influence on our image

[QUOTE=Bergman14]Speaking of the media and Joe Gibbs, I was only 9 when he left, so maybe i didnt understand how respected he was, but I have been very surprised how much the media is no behind the redskins. It seems that while they have bashed the redskins for the last four years or so, many members of the media are now supporting us. I didnt realize that one man would have this influence on our image[/QUOTE]

Bergman - I was 9 too. Maybe this time around we'll appreciate it more, after having weathered the interim years...

[QUOTE=MonkManiac]I agree with all of the criticism of Snyder, and certainly think that you either love him or hate him. Personally, I hate many of the moves he has made, especially the lack of a GM, but I am not convinced that he hasn't learned at least some lessons after the last couple of seasons. Snyder may always have an "ego" as some of you have put it (which I'm not convinced is a bad thing, necessarily), but an ego has to eventually take a backseat to solid football decisions that result in winning seasons. Until Snyder delivers, we have every right to criticize.

Still, I don't by the "Snyder has challenged the football establishment, and this is why the national media looks on the Redskins with disdain" argument. ESPN is not "the football establishment." ESPN is a network that has loved Mark Cuban since he first came in, and he is certainly not part of "the basketball establishment." Maybe the reason much of the national media has turned on the Redskins is that Snyder has challenged the football establishment and not succeeded.

Whatever the reasoning, I'm sick and tired of reading articles/magazines that bash the Redskins, or hearing an analyst speak of the team with such contempt is own misplaced bias is clear. On a brighter note, I think this year has started to look a little more promising, as Gibbs brings with him an unparalleled respect from the media. I hope it continues.[/QUOTE]


Monk, I feel your pain. Len Paquarelli is probably the best at bashing Snyder, and whatever moves the Redskins make. And he has the right to. The Redskins haven't proved anything yet. Until that happens, expect the same treatment.

It pisses me off just as much...trust me. But until we come out and win some games and finally reach the playoffs again.....the bashing will continue. This year will we see if Gibbs can make Snyder and the Redskins organization earn some respect. I don't think theres anyone more qualified to take that roll than Gibbs.

Oh I agree Redskins_P. I think the worst is when you watch a game on television, either nationally televised or local, and you get a set of announcers who clearly despise the Redskins. Even though criticism of the Redskins under Snyder is warranted, biased reporting (unless op-ed) is never justified.

love him or hate him. EVERYONE agrees Dan Snyder has LEARNED as an owner.

unlike Al Davis, Jerry Jones and the other egomaniacs, Dan is YOUNG, and god knows he's getting better and better each year. he went from Deion and Spurrier, to Coles and Gibbs. too slow for our liking? sure, but maybe slow and steady wins the race.

[QUOTE=illdefined]
unlike Al Davis, Jerry Jones and the other egomaniacs, Dan is YOUNG, and god knows he's getting better and better each year. he went from Deion and Spurrier, to Coles and Gibbs. too slow for our liking? sure, but maybe slow and steady wins the race.[/QUOTE]

There is no way on earth that Dan Snyder nor his however how long tenure with the Redskins can be described as slow and steady. Each year it's a different roller coaster ride, this year it's the threat of being a contender.

Of course he's learning as an owner, but he hasn't learned squat if he doesn't cave and get a GM. I like Gibbs as the president, but two jobs are for two people. We'll see how it works, but I just want Gibbs able to concentrate on coaching without worrying about the GM side. I know he's got Dannyboy and VC to help out, but so far they've been able to get us to 5-11. I still think we need a real GM, but outside of that Snyder is ok.

Maybe someone could tell me what the role of a General Manager is and then tell me how exactly the current front office has not fulfilled that role. Because I ever hear is we need a General Manager but then I never hear why. Is it just to say we have someone with that title? Because there are a lot of teams without General Managers

I have been on Snyders side for quite some time. I remember taking a ton of heat during last season about it. Dan is willing to do whatever it takes to win. Did he make some mistakes? Yes. However everyone bitches we need a GM, we need a GM! Name one player, within our reach, that we haven't gotten. We've had strong drafts under Snyder for the most part, and he brought in one coach with tons of experience and a tradition of winning (who didn't do all so well) and now he's brought another in. I know that if Gibbs comes in and fails horribly people will once again start to bash Snyder even though he's giving Gibbs every chance in the world to win.

About the media being behind the Redskins. They are fairweather fans, hardcore. I remember listening to Elliott tell Spurrier "We're going to the Super Bowl!" and then by the end of the season ran a promo saying "The only morning show with a leader worse than Spurrier." Their alliance changes like the wind. Either way, I would much rather have Snyder who goes out and at least tries to improve the team than owners that sit on their wad of cash and don't do anything for the team.

Snyder spends the money and I can't think of anyone I'd rather have managing my cap (except of course Crazy Cannuck, because he'd give me the dreamteam!)

Snyder is a great owner and his legacy will be equal or the same as Jack Kent Cooke come the end of his reign as owner. I know people will flip out about that last statement, but Danny is extremely motivated and is very, very business savy.

I also hazily remember reading an article about Snyder hiring this savvy media relations women who did a good job at mending fences between Snyder and the media, then he abruptly fired her and pissed some media people off, anyone else remember this?

[QUOTE=NM Redskin]I also hazily remember reading an article about Snyder hiring this savvy media relations women who did a good job at mending fences between Snyder and the media, then he abruptly fired her and pissed some media people off, anyone else remember this?[/QUOTE]
Crisp met her, I believe - Joe?

Well Said!
 

Daseal, that is a great take on LDS! You have to love the guy, even though he has cousin vinnie joined to his rear-end kissing it. Yeah, he's made moves, but all were made with the right intention, and some/many haven't panned out. That doesn't mean he won't hit the jackpot.

[QUOTE=Daseal]I have been on Snyders side for quite some time. I remember taking a ton of heat during last season about it. Dan is willing to do whatever it takes to win. Did he make some mistakes? Yes. However everyone bitches we need a GM, we need a GM! Name one player, within our reach, that we haven't gotten. We've had strong drafts under Snyder for the most part, and he brought in one coach with tons of experience and a tradition of winning (who didn't do all so well) and now he's brought another in. I know that if Gibbs comes in and fails horribly people will once again start to bash Snyder even though he's giving Gibbs every chance in the world to win.

About the media being behind the Redskins. They are fairweather fans, hardcore. I remember listening to Elliott tell Spurrier "We're going to the Super Bowl!" and then by the end of the season ran a promo saying "The only morning show with a leader worse than Spurrier." Their alliance changes like the wind. Either way, I would much rather have Snyder who goes out and at least tries to improve the team than owners that sit on their wad of cash and don't do anything for the team.

Snyder spends the money and I can't think of anyone I'd rather have managing my cap (except of course Crazy Cannuck, because he'd give me the dreamteam!)

Snyder is a great owner and his legacy will be equal or the same as Jack Kent Cooke come the end of his reign as owner. I know people will flip out about that last statement, but Danny is extremely motivated and is very, very business savy.[/QUOTE]
:biggthump

You can't argue that he doesn't care. He loves his team, and his intentions are always good. Patience is his weakness; its gotta be now now now... but I can't fault him at all this offseason... he's had a 4 year crash course in NFL market realities. I believe he's smart and will eventually figure it out, but it helps when you have someone to guide you through the first years and teach you how shit works ;) Isn't that what they do with QBs??

Good post, Daseal. I feel the same way. Elliott has gotten tiresome, especially with his sports coverage. That cackling laugh can only be funny for so long...

I'll say it now: If the Redskins have a big year this year, (10+ wins and playoffs), Dan Snyder will all of a sudden become the league's/media's golden boy. The Mark Cuban of the NFL, though not quite as flamboyant.

cuban doesn't mind being on tv and making fun of himself though, i think danny does care about what people think of him and it shows. So i don't think he'll be as screen friendly as cuban, but i do think there will be a lot more love when wins start stacking up.

[QUOTE=NM Redskin]I also hazily remember reading an article about Snyder hiring this savvy media relations women who did a good job at mending fences between Snyder and the media, then he abruptly fired her and pissed some media people off, anyone else remember this?[/QUOTE]

I definitely remember that. Snyder hired her to replace Karl Swanson, who apparently is a real ass and tends to burn lots of bridges. Her name was Julia Payne and she came from Clinton's press office. She apparently did a great job and mended lots of fences that Swanson had destroyed for years and years. Then Snyder decided that she was getting "too close" to the press and let her go, saying her "contract had ended" and that the were "not going to renew it". Snyder apparently lost a lot of respect from the press as well as internally to the organization for that move.

Here is an article (probably the one you remember) that gives the gory details. I read this too at the time and remember thinking that this woman got shafted hard for no reason...

[url]http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/NFL/NFC/NFC+East/Washington/Features/2003/edholm081503.htm[/url]

[QUOTE=backrow]Daseal, that is a great take on LDS! You have to love the guy, even though he has cousin vinnie joined to his rear-end kissing it. Yeah, he's made moves, but all were made with the right intention, and some/many haven't panned out. That doesn't mean he won't hit the jackpot.


:biggthump[/QUOTE]


:iamwithst

[QUOTE=Dave Butz Baby!]I definitely remember that. Snyder hired her to replace Karl Swanson, who apparently is a real ass and tends to burn lots of bridges. Her name was Julia Payne and she came from Clinton's press office. She apparently did a great job and mended lots of fences that Swanson had destroyed for years and years. Then Snyder decided that she was getting "too close" to the press and let her go, saying her "contract had ended" and that the were "not going to renew it". Snyder apparently lost a lot of respect from the press as well as internally to the organization for that move.

Here is an article (probably the one you remember) that gives the gory details. I read this too at the time and remember thinking that this woman got shafted hard for no reason...

[url="http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/NFL/NFC/NFC+East/Washington/Features/2003/edholm081503.htm"]http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/NFL/NFC/NFC+East/Washington/Features/2003/edholm081503.htm[/url][/QUOTE]
I never actually got to meet Julia while she was working for the Redskins (she had been fired just a day or two before I arrived there for training camp last year), but she went to high school with my older brother and sister, and my sister said Julia was always known as a real sweetheart, just a very friendly and cheerful person. Apparently she's one of those rare people whose bright personalities just rub off on everyone who is in their presence.

I recall things being rather somber around the media room and among the staff that week, but I didn't know why until my sister (who was at camp with me, serving as my photographer) told me she had spoken with one of the staffers and was told of Payne's firing.

I wish I had been around Redskins Park while she was still working there, just so I could see the contrast in the atmosphere between then and now. I can tell you, however, that the relationship between the media that spend a lot of time at Redskins Park, and the Swanson-led PR department is very frigid. Think mid-'80s Cold War... Iron Curtain... Berlin Wall... yep, it's that bad.

[QUOTE=Daseal]I have been on Snyders side for quite some time. I remember taking a ton of heat during last season about it. Dan is willing to do whatever it takes to win. Did he make some mistakes? Yes. However everyone bitches we need a GM, we need a GM! Name one player, within our reach, that we haven't gotten. We've had strong drafts under Snyder for the most part, and he brought in one coach with tons of experience and a tradition of winning (who didn't do all so well) and now he's brought another in. I know that if Gibbs comes in and fails horribly people will once again start to bash Snyder even though he's giving Gibbs every chance in the world to win.


Snyder is a great owner and his legacy will be equal or the same as Jack Kent Cooke come the end of his reign as owner. I know people will flip out about that last statement, but Danny is extremely motivated and is very, very business savy.[/QUOTE]

I agree that Snyder is very business savvy. But he is below average in football matters, the proof is in our 5-11 record last season. I've been on him to hire a GM because an experienced GM could have guided him through all these hiccups we've had the past 5 years.

The simple fact of the matter is that winning franchises have stability. Now Snyder has opted against hiring a GM, instead believing that his "business savvy" and Vinny Cerrato would be the best course for the franchise. Look all the things that Gibbs is supposed to be bringing, leadership, respect, discipline, are not things that only Joe Gibbs has. But amazingly it has taken us four years to find a coach with those traits, why? No GM or alternate voice in the FO to debate with Snyder on Matt Bowen, or Trung Canidate or even Chad Morton.

JKC's legacy is going to be mighty hard for DS to reach. I have no doubt that Gibbs will win with us, he's too good not to. But 5 coaches in 5 years, Spurrier failing miserably, yelling at a coach for 30 minutes after a tough loss, that is Snyders legacy.

And I can't think of a single draft under Snyder that we can call strong. You need a GM to find those late round gems, to negotiate contracts so that everyone doesn't hit the big money years at the same time. Is Snyder learning, yes. But even if they win the Super Bowl this year, I'm still going to believe that we'd be best served by having a GM. That would free Gibbs up to coach football, what he does best, and free Snyder up to make deals, what he does best. I think it's win-win, because right now it's 5-11.

You said it yourself, he can't have stability with only a 5 year tenure. He's feeling things out and has made huge strides if you look at his moves from just 3 years ago and his moves of today. I think Snyder needs adequate time to get into his comfort zone, when he's there we'll see stability.

Maybe not the strongest "drafts" in the world. However Coles is my top first round draft pick, Ramsey was a huge addition, Betts, Royal (who I think has a lot of pass-catching talent), Taylor, Morton, Portis, Hall, Washington, etc. ALl acquired via draft picks. He uses his draft picks to get established players. Sounds like a genius idea to me.