Kevin Sheehan was in attendance at FedEx Field to witness the Washington Commanders' 20-16 win over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 and his observation: "It really was an energetic atmosphere. It was really nice to feel some of that again, it's been a while."
Sheehan said that for those who know what a "true, loud raucous NFL stadium in D.C. sounds like, it wasn't that, but it was good." It wasn't louder than the playoff game or the season finale against the Cowboys in 2012, or the playoff game against the Packers, in Sheehan's opinion.
But with pretty much only Washington fans "it felt different" despite not being the loudest ever, nor even comparable to the great atmospheres from the RFK Stadium days, Sheehan noted.
Having said all that, Sheehan added that Sunday "was really good, it really was. And it was highlighted by the fans filling up the stadium – there were a few spots in the upper deck, a few spots in the club level, that's typical for almost any NFL sellout – but what a difference a departing owner makes.
"The fans were there early... and there was a buzz and it did get loud at times and that was great to hear, especially on defense... it was impactful in the game. And there was a lot of pomp and circumstances around this event yesterday as well."
For Sheehan, and some of the old salts in the fan base, the pep rally atmosphere from over the last month with the new ownership re-engaging with the new fan base has been good and deserves "kudos" for them to do that and bring out the alumni and engage with media, but "I kinda felt like it's time for football now. The product on the field matters now because the season is here and the games count."
Overall, "The day yesterday was a celebration for sure, there were anti-Snyder chants, there were some pro-Redskins chants throughout, but a celebration of a new day for – once again proving yesterday – THE sports team in town that matters the most.
"It's not even close people. Even during these horrific years, it always has been and always will be the needle mover in town."
Traffic was heavy early in the morning, he added, "It was easy to get in and easy to get out, I think they did a great job overall in that experience."
"But it was a really, really cool, and I think, the way to describe it was a celebratory environment, however, that celebration was at risk of ending with a loss throughout the entire game."
Plus, Sheehan told the story of interacting with a fan in the parking lot tailgating with Brian from Rockville who said it was his first game back in ten years and that he had not watched a game from start to finish in at least four years. Make sure to hear that story by listening on the audio player above!