Riggo's Rag
FanSided

Washington Football Team is converting positive culture into team identity

By Tim Meek

Dec 7, 2020; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Washington Football Team head coach Ron Rivera (left) greets his players before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 7, 2020; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Washington Football Team head coach Ron Rivera (left) greets his players before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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LANDOVER, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 13: The helmet of Keith Ismael #60 of the Washington Football Team is shown before their game against the Philadelphia Eagles at FedExField on September 13, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 13: The helmet of Keith Ismael #60 of the Washington Football Team is shown before their game against the Philadelphia Eagles at FedExField on September 13, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

The difference a year makes

When you look at the difference between what the Washington Football Team represents today vs. what it was just one year ago, it’s quite staggering. Last year the team was in the midst of one of their worst seasons of the past 30 years, quite the feat for a team that has the abysmal record they have over that time.

They had just fired their head coach.  They were on the verge of firing the team President.  This once-proud fanbase with a 20-year waiting list for season tickets was having their half-empty stadium taken over by opposing teams fans.  This fan base once considered one of the most loyal and rabid fan bases in the NFL had slowly become apathetic.

But look at this organization now!  Sure, the 6-7 record isn’t overly impressive on the surface, this franchise has been stuck in those types of years for decades.  It’s the substance behind the record that once again has a larger majority of the fan base excited.

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Gone are the days of a seclusive organization.  We’ve entered an era where there is an emphasis on transparency from the front office to the fans. There is recognition of failures, not blatant arrogance.

For the longest time, Washington has not been trusted by agents.  In 2018, the USA Today released a poll of 25 agents that ranked Bruce Allen as the least trusted executive in the NFL.  Now the team is able to orchestrate trades with teams like the 49ers, who would’ve never dealt with the previous regime.

In years past, the team had players questioning the coaches, front office, and training staff.  Now you see players rallying together in support of their coach and each other.

The past few decades have created rather low standards of the team nationally.  Washington, who was once considered a marquee franchise in the NFL had suddenly become irrelevant and worse yet, an embarrassment around the league.

But in less than one year, they are beginning to gain back credibility.  Instead of making headlines for poor decisions and humiliating stories.  They’ve been recognized for incredibly inspiring stories of overcoming horrific injuries and cancer.

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