Bruce Allen: Redskins culture is ‘actually damn good’

ASHBURN — In a 2014 press conference at the Redskins’ facility, Bruce Allen famously said Washington was “winning off the field” — a soundbite that became fodder for sports talk radio and fans to mock.

Now at his latest press conference to discuss the firing of coach Jay Gruden, the Redskins’ president offered up another statement that’s not likely to sit well with fans.

“The culture is actually damn good,” Allen said.

Come again?

“These people care,” Allen continued. “We have a very young core of players that we have brought in here who are accustomed to winning. If you look at the record of these guys, they are accustomed to winning. They want to win. In free agency, we brought in Landon Collins. A great leader. A great player. Wants to win. We haven’t put it together. We’ve made too many mistakes on game day, but the effort of the players and the rest of this organization is fantastic.”

Since Allen was hired in 2010, the Redskins are just 59-89-1 — with only two playoff appearances in that span.

Washington has also had multiple off-the-field controversies that have led to turmoil and dysfunction surrounding the team.

Asked why is it is so hard to set a proper culture that leads to winning football games, Allen said he didn’t “necessarily agree with the premise.”

“Last year at this time, we’re in first place and we’re doing well,” Allen said. “So it was working pretty damn good. Unfortunately, our quarterback (Alex Smith) got injured. The pieces are here for a winning team. We have to put them in the right place, believe in each other and keep fighting for a goal.

“There’s only one way you win — you have to work. You have to get better and you have to beat your opponent. And that’s what we have to do. I believe these players and these coaches will do that.”