Game Girl

OK, it's been a LONG season of semi-misery for Redskin fans. 6-10 was not exactly what we had all envisioned last January when Shanahan took the podium and swore to return our team to greatness, now was it? But let's face it - things could have worse (and certainly have been in the recent past). We could all be Browns fans. Or Texans fans. Or even Dallas fans (aack!) And now that the dust has settled a bit, I'm of the opinion that the Shanahan regime - minus the drama - was definitely an improvement and has set us up nicely for a good run in the years to come.

Yes, I'm optimistic, but that's what fans do, right? We dare to dream...of next season. Of what might be lurking right around the corner. A few good draft picks, a couple of free-agent signings, and we'll be right in the mix next year. It could happen. And it just might.

So why, then, do so many fans of other local teams (this means YOU, Ravens fans), insist on dropping the obnoxious suggestion that "You can always become a Ravens fan". Really?? I can? How do you figure?

Let's see. I've been a Redskin fan my whole life. I grew UP as a Skins fan. I watched my team win 3 Superbowls, the last one while I was a senior in college. I bonded with my team...connected with the community through my team. Came of age with my team. Learned to love the GAME with my team. Supported them through thick and thin.

And yes, these have been the lean years. Obviously. It's been pretty ugly of late - we all get that. But seriously, people, STOP with the crazy "helpful" suggestions that I simply quit on my team, jump ship, and start wearing purple and black. Are you kidding me?

What kind of a fan tries to tell a fan of another team to just give up on his or her team when the going gets tough? And what kind of a COACH (this means YOU, John Harbaugh), suggests something similar? Talking about "coming to DC and taking over" - it's just crazy talk. Stop it. It's too much. You've totally gone over the edge.

LET ME BE CLEAR: Redskins fans KNOW our team has been bad recently. We KNOW our owner can be a jerk. We GET IT that we haven't won a playoff game in ages. OK. Point taken.

But Ravens fans -- STOP TELLING US TO QUIT ON OUR TEAM! I can't be clearer on this point. We're Redskin fans. We always have been, and we always will be. Just like you are Ravens fans. Good for you. Keep your purple pride - you deserve it. But leave us alone. We don't need your help, your suggestions, or an inviation to join your club. We've got our own.

Just remember -- you would have to sedate me to ever, ever get me to wear purple. Believe it.

So