Before they were cancelled and replaced by "The Rex & Woody Show," the Washington Redskins once were the NFL's leading soap opera.
Redskins owner Daniel Snyder was the star -- a high-profile, hands-on boss who routinely opened up his wallet for big-ticket items and the spotlight that came with it. It was a strategy that brought attention but not much success.
The Redskins are back in the playoffs this season, and -- coincidence or not -- Snyder has been less visible than ever. A recent report from The Washington Post tells the story of an owner who took a step back and saw the positive results that followed.
"He's had growing pains," a person familiar with the Redskins' internal dynamics told The Post. "He wanted instant gratification. He only wanted to win and, 'Why couldn't it happen to me?' I think he got some bad advice along the way. He had some knee-jerk reactions. ... He's the kind of guy who wants it so bad. It comes across the wrong way."
Snyder once was a fixture in the Redskins' day-to-day operation, making many of the team's decisions on player moves. That dynamic gradually has faded since general manager Bruce Allen and coach Mike Shanahan came aboard.
"I haven't talked to him in his office since Bruce and Mike got here. And I don't think anyone really has," Redskins tight end Chris Cooley said. "But he comes to practice. He's part of the team. He's part of what's going on. He knows what's going on. And I think he's excited about it."
So Snyder takes on a less active role with the Redskins, and they morph into winners again. That might make Washington's success somewhat bittersweet for the owner, but it sure beats the bad old days.
Follow Dan Hanzus on Twitter @DanHanzus.
