Much of the Washington Commanders’ fall from the NFL’s elite has been blamed on owner Daniel Snyder. While that is true, Washington’s fall began before Snyder bought the team in 1999.
Washington last won a Super Bowl in the 1991 season after going 14-2. That team should be considered one of the best in NFL history. The then-Redskins made the playoffs again the following season, but legendary coach Joe Gibbs retired in March 1993, and the franchise was never the same.
Over the next six seasons before Snyder bought the team, Washington won an average of six games per season and missed the playoffs each year. Under Snyder, things have gotten worse, much worse, for various reasons.
In looking back at that 1991 season, The 33rd Team posted a graphic Sunday showing just how far Washington has fallen. That 1991 season was the last time Washington won 11 games or more. Even worse, every other NFL franchise has won at least 11 games since then. The team next closest to Washington: the Jacksonville Jaguars, who last won 11 games in 2007.
Which teams are getting to 11 wins this season? pic.twitter.com/CZwC1Ti2os
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) June 11, 2023
Yes, the Detroit Lions, Cleveland Browns, Arizona Cardinals and even the Houston Texans have won 11 games since Washington did it last.
Washington has won at least 10 games three times over the last 32 years [1999, 2005 & 2012]. One of those years [2005], it was Gibbs who led Washington to 10 wins when he came out of retirement for four seasons.
At some point, the Commanders will have to win 11 games again. Remarkably, the franchise never won more than 10 games in Snyder’s 24 seasons as owner.
It’s an embarrassing statistic for fans who’ve continued to support the franchise. But better times should be ahead — and soon.
