Dan Snyder 2.0: A Change of Heart or a Ticking Time Bomb for Redskins Owner?

Speaking at an "owners forum" at The Washington Post on Tuesday, Washington Redskins owner Dan Snyder expressed regret and guilt for the Redskins' struggles over the past decade.

Sitting alongside Ted Leonsis (Capitals, Wizards, Mystics) and Will Chang (DC United), both having seen far more success with their organizations than Snyder, he spoke about some of the mistakes he's made over the years.

He didn't mention any specific situation or person by name, but most would agree he was referring to recent transgressions like signing Albert Haynesworth, hiring and firing Jim Zorn and trading for Donovan McNabb.

You could also reference "blockbuster" deals involving Deion Sanders, Bruce Smith, Brandon Lloyd, Adam Archuleta, T.J. Duckett and many more.

Dan Snyder was born into a Redskins family. He grew up in a suburban Maryland, watching his dad, a writer, cheer and curse his beloved football team. It's safe to say that Snyder is as "diehard" as any Redskins fan around. He's a self-made millionaire with control of his favorite football team.

Since his arrival in 1999, Snyder has gone through coach after coach, making one free agency splash after another. Much like Jerry Jones in Dallas, he's always insisted on being part of all football-related decisions within his organization. This quickly proved to be a poor method of running a football team, as the Redskins have seen very little success ever since.

This year seemed a little different though. He fired the much-maligned Vinny Cerrato and brought in an experienced general manager in Bruce Allen. He also went out and grabbed a no-nonsense, Super Bowl-winning coach in Mike Shanahan.

Throughout the 2010 season, while drama swirled around Redskins Park involving Haynesworth and McNabb, there was one voice that wasn't heard. There was one opinion that didn't make it into any articles or reports. No quotes, no statements. Dan Snyder became a silent partner.

It seems clear that Snyder has made the decision to step back and let the Shanahan/Allen duo run the show. It could be that he finally realizes that the road to the Super Bowl doesn't start in free agency and big contracts. It starts with the draft and player development. Maybe he's decided to conform to the way the Rooneys (Steelers) and Krafts (Patriots) do business. Be seen, not heard. Sign checks, not autographs.

Although 2010's 6-10 finish could never be considered a successful season, it did feel a bit different. The coach isn't on the hot seat. There are no big-time free agents already being reported as potential future Redskins.

The only question is this: How long will this last? Is Snyder really willing to give Shanahan and Allen two, three, five years while he quietly sits behind his desk, patiently observing?

Or are we on the verge of a relapse? Will he lose patience, blow the team up, trade for Michael Vick and go after a Bill Cowher or Jon Gruden?