Thank You, Bruce

[Snarky]

Dear Mr. Allen,

I hope that you don't mind if I call you Bruce. Formality is called for out of respect, but it's because of the family atmosphere that you've restored to the franchise that I wanted to specifically thank you.

I can't read the Redskins Blog anymore without bringing a hankie. If it isn't a reunion dinner and a rousing We Want Dallas speech, then it's backroom employees clapping for the team after practice.

You've united us, Bruce. You have gone out of your way to be so inclusive, so involving of this entire franchise and fan base. We feel united. We feel restored.

While the media chases the bigger stories: Albert Haynesworth, the planning and preparation for Dallas, it needs to be said that we out here in the Redskins universe are noticing -- and so grateful -- for all the little things that you are doing that make us feel so proud.

We all want a great season in 2010. But I think we all would agree that having a long-term plan and creating a focus and mission statement for the years ahead supersedes that. We want to know that what was once can be again. That what your father and Joe Gibbs accomplished will rise again with the team that Mike Shanahan now leads onto that field.

Players want to be leaders again. Everyone is buying into the plan. Our core values are where they should be: family, love of the game, personal integrity, competitive desire. When those fundamentals are in alignment, hope for the future shines bright.

I'm sure you'd be the first to say that the praise needs to be shared. It partially belongs to Mr. Snyder (hey, he's the boss) for taking stock and realizing that cooler heads need to prevail when it comes to personnel. He saw what was necessary and made the right moves at the right time. That took guts. No matter what critics might say about the man, nobody dares fault him for lack of caring. He learns. He tries. There's nothing he wouldn't do to restore this franchise that he loves.

And then there's the stellar coaching team that's been assembled. From Mike and his son to Jim Haslett and the core of guys that are teaching our troops a new scheme from the inside out. It's quality and discipline and a chain of command that leaves no questions about accountability at the start and end of each day.

We have no idea yet about the wins and losses, the outcomes that will judge this season and take precedence in the minds of all when the games have been played and the tallies are taken.

So I want to say this now, when optimism is in the air and nobody can hold up a win/loss record to proclaim otherwise: we are proud, we are strong, and we are restored because of who you are, what you've done and the principles you stand for.

Please know that we stand fully behind you. And if you beat Dallas on Sunday, well... let's just say that while your brother has had to run for office, the keys to this city are yours.

Faithfully,
Snarky

[rockfan7224]

Perfectly put.

[Demarqo]

I love this

[Gibbs Hog Heaven]

Awww shoot Snarky man, you stole my thunder. I had a similar piece planned, but I was going to go one step further and go against the grain by giving the owner his props for finally doing what we've so craved for so long and handing over FULL control of the football side to proper, respected, football guys.

Nice open letter man. One of which I'm sure everyone will concur with wholeheartedly.

Hail

[ucfSKINS]

Well done sir, well done.

[rick7423]

I agree 100%. It may take a few years to get to the promised land, but at least we have a strong captain and navigator guiding us there. As for Danial Snyder: well sir, you deserve as much credit for this new direction as anyone. Thank you also. I truly hope that you get that trophy soon.
HTTR!

[kappaluvacee]

You said it best here bro!

[Merlin Emrys]

Shouldn't we save the applause until the team gains some respect on the field? He's hardly proven anything yet.

[Popeman38]

Shouldn't we save the applause until the team gains some respect on the field? He's hardly proven anything yet.

The first step to on field success is getting your house in order off field. Those steps have been taken. We have a genuine GM. We have a respected coach. We have a respected OC. We have a respected DC. We have restored a connection between the current team and alumni. Now we need to water these seeds. From these seeds will grow a great product that players around the league will want to be a part of, and not just for a paycheck to get fat and happy off of.

[Merlin Emrys]

The first step to on field success is getting your house in order off field. Those steps have been taken. We have a genuine GM. We have a respected coach. We have a respected OC. We have a respected DC. We have restored a connection between the current team and alumni. Now we need to water these seeds. From these seeds will grow a great product that players around the league will want to be a part of, and not just for a paycheck to get fat and happy off of.

Sounds great, and I hope it's the case, but it's really too early to make any judgements. We heard all the same things during Gibbs 2.0. It still didn't make the Redskins a consistent winner.

[Ahmayzin]

I like it!

[blitzpackage]

I approve this message.

[Popeman38]

Sounds great, and I hope it's the case, but it's really too early to make any judgements. We heard all the same things during Gibbs 2.0. It still didn't make the Redskins a consistent winner.

Gibbs 2.0 never had this connection to the past. Yeah, old players came by the Park every now and them. But there weren't any alumni days or events featuring them. Everything about this team has changed since the close of 2009. The stadium has been upgraded, events are being held, amenities are being offered to customers (fan vision for premium membersfree). The PR and marketing arm got upgraded. Dan Snyder's image has been reworked. Hell, he was in a commercial! He has done multiple candid interviews. Plus, Vinny got the boot.

[MLSKINS]

Sounds great, and I hope it's the case, but it's really too early to make any judgements. We heard all the same things during Gibbs 2.0. It still didn't make the Redskins a consistent winner.

A lot of people keep on comparing this to Gibbs 2.0. I think this is different. When Gibbs came back he was out of the league for 12 years. A lot of things changed during that time span, so it took him a year just to get back on par with things. Yeah, Shanahan was out for a year, but during that year, he was still studying football with coaches that are currently on this staff.

But Bruce Allen is the difference. He is the person that makes Dan Snyder leave the football team to the football people. When Gibbs came back, Snyder and Cerrato had their hands in the cookie jar.

I don't know how anybody can't sense that this time it is different. I am not saying we are to be world beaters, but I will say that this will be a respectable organization again and we won't see any plays like swing gate anymore.

[TK]

Another great thing about Bruce is you'll never hear him ask "Are you talking about sacks n stuff?".