Redskins president Bruce Allen sidesteps reality in press conference

An inability to recognize reality

Bruce Allen was asked this question at his press conference.

“Why is it so hard [for you] to set a culture that leads to winning?”

Bruce Allen said this.

“You know, I don’t necessarily agree with the premise that [we’ve never set that culture]. Last year at this time, we’re in first place, and we’re doing well. So [the culture] was working pretty damn good. Unfortunately, our quarterback got injured.”

“The pieces are here for a winning football team. We have to put them in the right place, believe in each other, and keep fighting for our goal. There’s only one way you win. You have to work. You have to get better and beat your opponent. And that’s what we have to do. And I believe that these players and these coaches will do that.”

In this answer, Allen, perhaps unwittingly, concedes that he at least refuses, and at most is incapable, of recognizing reality in Redskins Park. In his dialogue, he seems well-meaning; he wants to win. But there is a depth to building a winning team that Allen doesn’t seem to grasp.

At every juncture, Allen has clung to this fantastical reality; that the Redskins can win right now, always. And even after an 0-5 start in 2019, a coach firing, and an almost total erosion of a fan base, he still believes this.

It is human nature that humans can learn over time, and through experience. But Allen might be literally incapable of processing the bigger picture in Ashburn. And for a team president, that might be even more dangerous than willful ignorance.