Where will the 'Skins rank defensively?

[Hogskin]

Well, to each his own, I guess. To me, once some people decide it is OK to boo the guys because THEY think the team is dogging it, it gets a lot easier for them and others to boo them any other time. I saw it happen a lot on TV over the past few years when they were down, and it was very disappointing to me. When I used to go to games (through 1989), it seemed the Redskin fans were a cut above the rest, and virtually always supported our guys. Booing the home team was left to Eagles and Giants fans. But I guess some of that happens everywhere, now. But, hopefully, our fans will never sink to the level of Eagles fans LOL!!!! (We haven't even come close, yet).

Another point about perceived "dogging". If that, indeed, is what is happening on the field, booing is never going to help. In George Allen's tenure, he was very vocal during the week about what he expected from the fans. It started with a long standing ovation during introductions, and continued with undiminished support for the team. I was at the stadium many times when things were not going well, sometimes play looked a bit sluggish, the fans had gotten quiet, and THEN: The fans gradually began cheering or chanting until the stadium was erupting with noise. Several times it did seem to motivate the players. Allen always talked about how much the 12th player meant, and WE all bought into it. It did not ALWAYS work, but teams hated playing here. Nothing motivates a visiting team more than hearing the home team getting booed.

Most of that fan attitude carried into Joe Gibbs' years here. I sure hope it has returned with his return!! I would rather see someone quietly head toward the exits than give our opponents the satisfaction of hearing them boo the Redskins.