THE COMMANDERS FILE
Home field: FedEx Field
Coach: Ron Rivera
Offensive star: QB Taylor Heinicke and QB Terry McLaurin
Defensive star: DE Chase Young
2021 Season: Didn’t make playoffs
Super Bowls: 1982, 1987, 1991
Greatest Player: DB Darrell Green
Factoid: Hail to the Commanders Fight Song was bought by rival Dallas GM
It’s been hard on Commanders fans.
Put aside for a moment that the team hasn’t won a Super Bowl since George H. W. Bush was in the Oval Office (we had to go with a political reference since this is Washington D.C. we’re talking about).
The franchise has been the favorite target of the woke movement because it refused to relinquish the nickname Redskins for obvious offensive reason. Owner Dan Snyder finally relented. The franchise spent a year known as the Washington Football Team before announcing earlier this year it would be known as the Commanders, a change that pleased no one.
Snyder’s tenure has been marked by losing and allegations that he has fostered a hostile workplace for female employees. The team was fined $10 million and Snyder transferred day-to-day control of the team to his wife. Washington has made the playoffs just six times since 1999 and has won two playoff games since Snyder became owner.
Isn’t there a statute against such dysfunction?
There’s little reason for optimism in 2022. The Commanders are taking a flyer on QB Carson Wentz who has already worn out his welcome in Philadelphia and Indianapolis. Coach Ron Rivera (14-19) faces a pivotal season. And Snyder remains a person of interest by the Washington Post and other news outlets that have investigated the owner.
If this was any other city it would be an utterly bizarre situation but its Washington, D.C. where adults fight like children and it’s a slow day if someone isn’t being investigated.