Redskins: DL Jonathan Allen is the leader needed to end playoff drought

In the upcoming season, the Washington Redskins are looking to change a losing narrative and end their current playoff drought.  Defensive lineman Jonathan Allen may be the player and leader the team needs most to guide them back to past glory years.

Every year in the National Football League, coaches, players, and executives all have one goal in mind: win the Lombardi Trophy.  This goal is realistic for few, and a distant dream to many.  In fact, some teams are just lucky to make the playoffs in the fight for football’s most precious award.  The Washington Redskins are no different, and are on a quest to show the league that they are a force to be reckoned with.  This quest starts with defensive lineman Jonathan Allen.

When Jonathan Allen speaks, all of those in his presence listen.  The former Alabama star, and current defensive team leader, has a voice that is unwavering and to the point.  This was on display when discussing the team’s history of losing and lack of playoff appearances.

In a press conference on Tuesday at Redskins Training Camp in Richmond, Allen sounded none too pleased when discussing the Redskins lack of success in terms of winning and making the playoffs.  Per Craig Hoffman of 106.7 The Fan, Allen stated “it sucks.  It really ——- sucks.”  He also mentioned that “we’re just trying to win,” and “we’re desperate to win”.  The third-year player grew up a fan of the team and is well aware of the chaos and dysfunction that has surrounded the organization for years.  Allen said he thought the last time the Redskins made the playoffs was when Robert Griffin III was with the team.

The Redskins have not made the playoffs since the Kirk Cousins led team in 2015.  In fact, the organization has only made the playoffs four times since the start of the 2000 season.  This trend of mediocrity is not acceptable, and will not be broken without a sacrifice of blood, sweat, and tears by all involved.

When the 2019 season officially begins, the Redskins will face a daunting task in an attempt to end their current playoff drought.  They will face major obstacles in travelling to Carolina, Miami, Minnesota, and Green Bay, while having to play at home against teams such as Dallas, Detroit, New England, and San Francisco.  Regardless of how the season turns out, this team is finally trying to build a winning culture, and that starts with players like Allen.

The team has arguably added more talent in the offseason, and will attempt to step up to the challenge in starting a successful trend of their own.  It is guaranteed that Jonathan Allen will be sure to have his voice heard in the locker room if things go awry.