Have the Washington Redskins Become a Legitimate Franchise?

The implosion of the Washington Redskins seemed too perfect to believe. After a season of highs and lows, the Redskins said goodbye to coach-for-life Joe Gibbs and hello to maroon and black uniforms courtesy of Jim Zorn. The hire was the most shocking turn of events in Washington since D.C. native Maury Povich decided to give paternity tests on his show, and the door to league obscurity appeared to have flown off of its hinges.

But Redskins fans, the patient lot they are, decided not explode on Daniel Snyder and the Washington Redskins organization completely. No, their team had experienced the heartbreaking loss of Sean Taylor, ill-fated timeouts, the season-ending injury of Jason Campbell, and still managed to fight their way to a post-season appearance. They would not abandon team paraphernalia purchases, and would not succumb to what many others viewed as shoddy management and disarray at the executive levels of their squad. They would wait for the draft before giving up.

And wouldn’t you know it, their patience was rewarded.

The team made a significant play for a player they desperately needed in Chad Johnson. Although rebuffed, the Redskins were resilient. They did not go the sub-prime route on their draft picks, and instead turned their slots into what appears to be solid players for the future. Sure, they are a defensive lineman short of winning the NFC East, but they are more than what they were. And based on past personnel decisions, they are more than what they should be.

No reports have surfaced of a discontent Daniel Snyder, sending his henchmen out to secure star players at any cost. There are no players demanding trades or publicly expressing concern with the direction of the franchise. Everyone seems happy, everyone seems confident.

So are the Redskins legitimate again?

That remains to be seen, as history predicts that injuries and under achievement will reign supreme over Washington when its all said and done. The Washington Redskins are young and deep at key skill positions. They have a loyal fan base. Most of all, no one outside of Washington is checking for their success.

Even Maury couldn’t ask for a better set up.