Skins fans shouldn’t be thankful for Snyder, Saunders

By Connor Byrne  |   Wednesday, November 22, 2006  |  Comments( 2 )

Washington Redskins
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Thanksgiving is normally a day for people to be grateful for what they have, but it's probably not the case for fans of the Washington Redskins. Originally believed to be a Super Bowl-caliber team entering the 2006 season, Joe Gibbs' team has fallen flat on its proverbial face, with a 3-7 record and virtually zero chance of making a return trip to the postseason.

While there are specific players the Redskins heir fans can be pleased to have on this day, such as young quarterback Jason Campbell, injured running back Clinton Portis and receiver Santana Moss, there are others they undoubtedly don't want on their team. However, today's a good time to take a look at two men largely responsible for the Skins' struggles. For them, it's hardly a happy Thanksgiving.

Daniel Snyder:

The Redskins' young owner, who's done some good things in his tenure with the team, has seen his acquisitions crash and burn this season. The high-priced players Washington brought in during the offseason - Andre Carter, Adam Archuleta, Brandon Lloyd, Antwaan Randle El - have been colossal failures, with none of them making any worthwhile contributions that have helped the team win. Take a look at their lackluster numbers:

Carter, defensive end - 10 games, 16 tackles, two sacks, zero forced fumbles, zero fumble recoveries. Contract: six years, $30 million.

Archuleta, safety - 10 games, 56 tackles, one sack, zero interceptions, one pass defensed, zero forced fumbles, zero fumble recoveries. Contract: six years, $30 million.

Lloyd, wide receiver - 10 games, 17 catches, 261 yards, zero touchdowns. Contract: seven years, $29 million.

Randle El, wide receiver - 10 games, 19 catches, 161 yards, 9.5 Y.P.C., one touchdown. Contract: six years, $31 million.

Thus, on four players, Snyder spent $120 million in total salary over 25 years. Granted, most of those contracts won't be played out fully, but for the players' lack of production, those deals are astronomical.

Meanwhile, the huge-money quarterback Snyder brought in during winter 2004, Mark Brunell, is now on the bench in favor of the abovementioned Campbell. Though Brunell led the Skins to the playoffs last year, he was absolutely terrible this season; the 36-year-old's stats (8 TDs, 4 INTs, 86.5 rating) don't demonstrate his futility.

Al Saunders:

He may not be a player, but Saunders was arguably the Redskins' most-hyped pickup during the offseason. The supposed offensive genius, who guided the Chiefs to No. 1 rankings in total yardage or points scored in four of his five seasons in Kansas City, has taken Washington to 28th and 30th rankings in those two categories, respectively.

When Brunell bickered about having difficulty comprehending Saunders' 700-page playbook back in September, there was trouble in paradise immediately. Joe Gibbs, one of the league's all-time great coaches, clearly out-thought himself by bringing in Saunders and letting him take the offensive reins; Gibbs, a three-time Super Bowl champion, has been calling the plays in Washington for his entire 14-plus-year career in D.C. Perhaps, after the season, he should return to that role and send the overrated Saunders back to the unemployment line.

When watching the hated Cowboys likely improve to 7-4 today against the team you just lost to, the 3-7 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, take heart, Redskins fans. Remind yourself that there's always next year. And if Dan Snyder happens to show up at your house, invite him in. He might offer $6 million for that $50 lamp resting on your table.

--Connor J. Byrne can be reached at cbyrne@realfootball365.com.

Get more on the Washington Redskins at RealFootball365.com.
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