Redskins: If You Want To Blame Anybody, Blame "Leadership"

May 1999. That's when Daniel M. Snyder, a prominent businessman, bought the Washington Redskins for $800M following the death of previous owner Jack Kent Cooke. The Redskins had a rich history. They won Super Bowls in 1982, 1987, and 1991. But from 1992 to 1997, they had struggled, going 43-56-1. That's already a bad record in itself, but for a team as proud as the Redskins, that's inexcusable. Snyder took over and said he wanted to make the Redskins a winner again. When asked by Wally Bruckner whether he had a passion for football, the young Snyder had this to say. "Sure. I understand the tradition. First off, the traditiion for the Redskins is winning. And as far as the football, I completely respect that. I'm a team player. I want to propel the Redskins back where they belong."So when's that going to happen? Since Snyder's lucrative purchase, the Redskins are the biggest underachiever in sports. They are 76-86, and that's unbelievable considering how many moves Snyder has made. Let's face it: Snyder is a rich guy. He was a successful businessman growing up, so as an owner of a team, it's natural he'll spend the big bucks. Let's take a look at the moves he's made over the last five years to improve his team - or so he thought.2004: Lured Joe Gibbs out of retirement. Traded Champ Bailey for Clinton Portis, signed Mark Brunell. 2005: Signed Casey Rabach, David Patten, Pierson Prioleau. Traded Laveranues Coles to Jets for Santana Moss. Traded multiple draft picks to pick Jason Campbell 25th overall.2006: Released Ryan Clark. Were reported to be $20M over the cap by the end of the 2005 season. Signed Antwaan Randle El, Brandon Lloyd, Christian Fauria to free agent deals.2007: Signed London Fletcher, Fred Smoot, Ross Tucker to free agent deals. Let Adam Archuleta, Derrick Dockery go.2008: Traded a conditional pick for DE Erasmus James. Traded two picks for DE Jason Taylor. Signed DeAngelo Hall.2009: Signed Albert Haynesworth and re-signed DeAngelo Hall. Released Taylor, thus losing two future draft picks.And this is just free agency. Granted, the Redskins have made a few good decisions. London Fletcher, Fred Smoot, Santana Moss, and Clinton Portis have all worked out. But look at the others. Jason Taylor didn't work out at all, and they foolishly released him instead of keeping him - and two future draft selections. DeAngelo Hall is on the decline and was signed to a six-year, $54M extension, which makes little-to-no sense. Antwaan Randle El has worked out to some extent, but not much. Ryan Clark was let go, and is a good safety for the Steelers. They traded multiple picks for Campbell, who has yet to take the next step and is at odds with management. Should I even go on?During his time in Washington, Snyder hasn't made the next step to make the Skins a winner. Not only that, they've regressed. When you consider the type of players he's brought in, it's downright pathetic to see how bad the Redskins are. Also, they draft terribly. Sure, they made good picks in 1999 (Champ Bailey and Jon Jansen) and 2000 (Lavar Arrington and Chris Samuels), but have been pretty terrible since.2001: Clemson WR Rod Gardner, who retired at 29. 2002: Tulane QB Patrick Ramsey, who fell well short of expectations.2003: They didn't get much at all, with no first, fourth, fifth, or sixth round picks. 2004: Decided to change it up, making some good picks, taking both the late Sean Taylor and Chris Cooley. 2005: They were back, picking Carlos Rogers and Jason Campbell, both guys who haven't lived up to their hype. 2006: Took four guys who have yet to make an impact: Rocky McIntosh, Anthony Montgomery, Reed Doughty, and Kedric Golston.2007: They made one good pick, taking LaRon Landry.2008: Had a chance to take Jordy Nelson or John Carlson. Took Devin Thomas. Had a chance to take DeSean Jackson or Ray Rice. Took Fred Davis. Had a chance to take Rice again, took Malcolm Kelly. Not one, not two, but three bad decisions - in one round.So, Snyder and GM Vinny Cerrato have definitely given the fans the proverbial finger in their time in Washington by not putting the best team on the field. Did the players lose to the pathetic Lions on Sunday afternoon? Sure, they did. After all, when it comes down to it, Snyder can't play on the field. That's the players' job.But they need better leadership. After a close win against the Rams, the second worst team in the league, head coach Jim Zorn had this to say: "I'm pleased with our progress." Oh really? You mean you're pleased you can't punch it in the end zone when you're inside the ten yard line? I would be.The players make the plays. But they need guys to lead them. And quite frankly, they don't have that right now. And that's why they're such an underachieving team.