Yahoo Sports’ Jason Fitts looks at the one big thing in Washington’s offseason: the chance to completely reset the Capitals.
video transcript
Jason Fitts: The Super Bowl is in the rearview mirror. That means it’s time to look at the big question facing the Washington Commanders this offseason. And the answer here is simple. It’s about a new culture. Understand that for years, Washington fans have been blaming all of the team’s shortcomings on one man: Dan Snyder. It doesn’t matter on the field. It doesn’t matter if it’s off the field. That’s understandable, given Dan Snyder’s past actions and the way he conducts business. I am aware of that.
But there was a scapegoat. Now we have a new owner, a new coach, and a new GM for him. Everything is new in Washington. And what I have to show you is that it will be transformed into a new organization. Indeed, the No. 2 overall pick would give them a chance to land the second-best quarterback in this draft. If they wanted to be aggressive, they might make a deal with Chicago to make sure they got the guy they fell in love with. And certainly, Commanders fans are excited about the possibility of Kliff Kingsbury reuniting with Caleb Williams.
But I also have to say that it’s better to look at this from Washington’s perspective and open your eyes and be ready right away. Because Commanders fans have lived through a generation of poor ownership. They will become cynical. And what they want is a difference. This roster has talent. There are players on this roster that I think can play. And really, you have to wonder if their roster would be better now if they weren’t so active on the trade market.
But in reality, this doesn’t just mean a fresh start on the field. This is about starting over on the field, in the community, in the perception, in the national public perception around the brand known as the Washington Commanders. Sure, this includes getting the best players, but it also includes something about Dan Quinn. Because the next time this coach takes over in a department he knows incredibly well, he will have expectations that he can quickly turn managers into contenders. Because we have to accept it.
Let’s be honest, the coaching hiring process hasn’t been the smoothest for Washington, and it certainly hasn’t been without controversy. And some insiders say there may have been some mistakes in how the news was handled after it was published. That being said, you need to remember that new ownership means new decisions. That means every move Washington makes moving forward from here isn’t just about brand or results on the field. It comes down to how you view the organization as a whole. This is a truly rare opportunity for a complete reset.
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