5 reasons to hope

Every year, Washington Redskins fans feel things have to get better. After all, what’s worse than a 3-13 season where the defense allowed 31 points or more in half the games, prime time blowouts were common and the stands were filled with opposing fans? When the Detroit Lions outdraw locals at FedEx Field, it’s time to re-evaluate.

- Rick Snider

And, that’s just what the Redskins have done. First off, president Bruce Allen was fired after 10 seasons. It was a good five years longer than anyone who wasn’t the son of one of the franchise’s great coaches would have lasted.

Then there was the hiring of a proven coach, drafting an impact player with the second overall draft pick, watching the rookie quarterback have a good offseason and adding a free agent cornerback. Not a bad offseason despite America shutting down for a deadly virus that still threatens us.

Here are five reasons for hope that 2020 will be a move forward for Washington.

1 New coaches

Let’s be honest – Jay Gruden and staff were dead men walking entering last season. They knew it and sure enough Gruden was fired after an expected 0-5 start. Now everyone would say they’re doing their best, but the bottom line is no one can do their best when knowing it’s for nothing. Players let down knowing the same thing and suddenly it’s a 3-13 season.

Enter the rainmaker – Ron Rivera. The former Carolina coach ran out of steam with the Panthers and also fired midseason last year. But, it gave owner Dan Snyder a running start at a new coach over competitors waiting until season’s end to change. By then, Snyder had Rivera wrapped up and not left standing without a top prospect like 2009 when Jim Zorn was finally hired.

Rivera’s impact was neutralized a little when offseason programs were shuttered as part of the pandemic. He didn’t get a chance to meet players and stamp his new style of accountability on the roster. But, it will come in August. Rivera should be worth a couple wins just by establishing a culture of urgency.