http://livingstories.googlelabs.com/lsps/Redskins <div style="margin-bottom: 10px; float: right; margin-left: 10px;"><img src="http://media3.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/photo/2010/01/03/PH2010010301512.jpg" border="0" height="250px"><br> <p style="margin-top: 2px; font-family: arial; color: rgb(85, 85, 85); font-size: 11px;">Redskins wrap up a 4-12 season</p></div> <p><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 17px; font-weight: bold;">Overview:</span> The Washington Redskins, historically one of the most successful franchises in the National Football League, have just completed one of the most difficult seasons in the team's history. On the field, an offense decimated by injuries had trouble scoring points and the head coach was relieved of play-calling duties mid-season, before being fired after the last regular-season game. The owner apologized to fans for the quality of play. Off the field, the team was revealed to be suing ticket-holders hurt by the recession and continues to face criticism from people who feel its name is demeaning to Native Americans. </p> <p>Vinnie Cerrato, the team's top football executive and a confidant of owner Dan Snyder, resigned Dec. 17, saying the team needs "someone different" in his position. The team immediately announced his replacement: Bruce Allen, a former executive with the teams in Tampa and Oakland and the son of former Redskins coach George Allen.</p> <!--lsp:break--> <p>The team ended the dismal season with a last-minute 23-20 loss to the San Diego Chargers in Jim Zorn's last game as head coach. In addition to replacing Zorn, the team brain trust also must decide whether to keep starting quarterback Jason Campbell or start over with a new on-field leader. Once expected to contend for a playoff spot, the Redskins finished 4-12 and lost all six of their division games for the first time since 1994.</p><p>Now the team is beginning to rebuild under Allen and new head coach Mike Shanahan, who have assembled a coaching staff and are talking to players about next year.</p>Win or lose, the team is one of the few things that unites a metropolitan area spread across two states and the District of Columbia. When the Redskins play, traffic is noticeably lighter and stores less crowded. But questions have arisen about whether the team's abysmal play is affecting fan loyalty, including the demand for once-prized tickets.