So the Redskins actually participated in the NFL Draft this year. Is the sky falling?
Not yet anyway. And we may have Joe Gibbs to thank for that. When Dan Snyder was asked what he learned from Gibbs in the past three years, he said “Great patience.” When I heard him say that, it sounded genuine and resolved, as if he had turned a corner.
I think we are seeing good fruit of late, as evidenced in this weekend’s draft, the hiring of young Jim Zorn, and the commitment to Gibbs’ vision of stability on the roster and among existing coaches.
If Snyder really is learning patience, he could end up being a great owner. He is aggressive when he sees a guy he wants, and he gets him. That’s ideal, unless he goes after the wrong guy. With this draft, looks like he is learning how to go after the right guy now (even if he makes multiple bets on the same need).
His ability to make money with the franchise puts the Skins in a competitive position whenever good free agents are available. He can overspend a bit, and still have a secure bottom line. Snyder deserves much credit for this.
Now, to incorporate patience with aggressiveness. To me, the next big key for him is letting Zorn take his lumps as a new coach (like when he called us the Maroon and Black). He will try new things, and some won’t work. Fans and talk show hosts may get mad. Snyder needs to stick with him, unless he sees no future at all with the guy.
With this draft, Zorn’s QB playing & coaching pedigree, a stable roster through the offseason, and the overall composition of the team are all focused on making Jason Campbell very successful. Now it’s on him & Zorn to step up, and it’s on Snyder to be patient and let this hand play itself out. I think Snyder’s patience will be the difference between failure and long-term success.
If it turns out positive, we will have Joe Gibbs to thank for that.
