Washington Redskins Hire Mike Shanahan As President and Coach

The Washington Redskins and Mike Shanahan have finally come to an agreement.  Shanahan signed a five-year deal to become the team’s President of Football Operations and head football coach, according to the Denver Post. 

Although the details of the agreement have not been released, it is believed that Shanahan will hold the highest ranking position with the team outside of owner Daniel Snyder.

If this is the case, Shanahan will be new General Manager Bruce Allen’s boss and have final say over all transactions and football decisions.

Stay tuned for additional information as it is released. 

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Attention, Mike Shanahan: Daniel Snyder’s Desires End with a Fatal Attraction

When I heard the news early this morning that Washington Redskins General Manager Bruce Allen fired Jim Zorn at 4:00 AM Eastern Time upon the team’s arrival at Dulles Airport, I couldn’t help but feel sad for the much maligned former coach.

 

Then, I hear he was escorted from Redskins Park by security as if he were a disgruntled postal worker.  Did you watch how this went down, Mike Shanahan?  Is that how you want to be remembered in what will likely be your last coaching stop?

 

Don’t do it!  Just don’t do it!  I know, Mike, your confidence factor is high and failure never crosses your mind.  Good for you! 

 

The reality of the situation at Redskins Park delves much deeper than football strategy and NFL combine results.  A culture has developed over the last decade, one that resembles the Oakland Raiders organization over the last 25 years.

 

But who am I to tell you about the Raiders and dealing with a dysfunctional franchise?  After all, you lived it with the Los Angeles Raiders for a year and half in 1988-89 before you were fired by Al Davis.

 

Mike, do you really want to live the Al Davis nightmare all over again some 20 years later with the Raiders of the East?

 

I hear you’re in town to meet with Daniel Snyder and Bruce Allen.  I’m sure you guys are having some good laughs and enjoying the Washington nightlife as Snyder attempts to wine and dine you.  Let me tell you a little story about the previous coach in Washington.        

 

I was fortunate enough to observe Jim Zorn on a daily basis at Redskins Park.  Zorn was a strong man internally.  You could tell he had a purpose outside of football.  Beliefs that were stronger than Snyder’s will to win.  He wasn’t going to change who he was or his approach for anyone.  He was going to succeed or fail his way.

 

Believing that professional athletes were not in need of motivation was perhaps his biggest mistake.  It is human nature to become complacent, no matter the success or money you have accumulated. 

 

But Zorn refused to challenge his players, at least publicly.  Maybe he believed he was?  Just because the players liked him, didn’t necessarily mean they respected him. 

 

He ran very soft practices with little or no contact.  Although he claims that is the norm in today’s NFL, I’ve heard from my counterparts with the Ravens and Steelers—two of the most physical teams in the league—that they have some sort of physical/live contact daily whenever the players are in helmets and shoulder pads.

 

Missed tackles and injuries were the results of “Camp Zorn” and his team’s walkthrough practices.  Even at the high school level, coaches understand building mental toughness and training their players’ bodies to absorb bone-crushing blows come from grueling physical practices.

 

Indulge me for a moment, as I try to relatively compare Zorn’s approach to the rough and violent sport of professional football with the survival instincts of a lion roaming the African plains. 

 

When approaching a potential meal, the lion plans and calculates its attack.  Patiently the hunter waits, ever so slowly creeping toward its prey.  It waits for a sign of weakness or a momentary lapse by the unsuspecting prey.  With great violence it pounces on its victim, tackling it to the ground.  Survival is the ultimate motivator.

 

Now you take that same lion, and place him in a created habitat like a zoo.  Feed and provide it shade, maybe throw in a watering hole and a few hundred pounds of meat on a regular basis.

 

Although that lion still maintains the ability to hunt and catch its meals to survive, it no longer utilizes those skills.  The lion becomes slower, weaker, and susceptible to complacency.  Before long, a glazed look ensues, as the once mighty and powerful lion has lost its thirst to follow its instincts and attack.

 

Snyder and Zorn together (and sprinkle in a little Vinny Cerrato) made for a lethal  combination as a franchise killing machine.  Together, they slowly stripped the players of their instinct to perform with an emotional fire.  The hunger to succeed dissipated with every game.  Snyder unwillingly did so by rewarding the players financially, Zorn by taking their natural aggressive behavior away on the practice field. 

 

Honestly, I witnessed tougher practices at the youth league level when compared to what took place at Redskins Park in August.  I understand they have to protect their million dollar investments, but football isn’t a coddle sport. 

 

A change in philosophy going forward must take place by the incoming regime.  They have to add depth to the roster, build toughness through physical practices, and accept and prepare for the fact that players will be injured. 

 

Sound familiar?  That‘s exactly what Marty Schottenheimer brought to this team in 2001.  It was a difficult adjustment for the players at first.  The Redskins started the season 0-5, but the mentally tough coach built an even stronger team.  Refusing to quit, Schottenheimer’s squad would finish the season winning eight of their final 11 games. 

 

Narrowly missing the playoffs despite the 0-5 start, momentum was building heading into the 2002 season.  But Snyder opted to fire Schottenheimer rather than allow him to continue to build. 

 

Some believe Snyder hired Schottenheimer to embarrass him.  After all, Schottenheimer was very outspoken when it came to the Redskins’ young new owner. 

 

On a national NFL pregame show, Schottenheimer was highly critical of Snyder and the way he handled the firing of Norv Turner.  Ironically, Turner would replace Schottenheimer as the San Diego Chargers coach in February of 2007.    

 

So Mike Shanahan, do you miss coaching football that much?  You’re still making $7 million a year through 2011 from Denver Broncos and owner Pat Bowlen. 

 

Daniel Snyder may be fascinated with your coaching record and history with the Broncos, but it’s likely his desire for you will ultimately end with a fatal attraction. Why would you want to be the next guy escorted by security from Redskins Park?  Before your Denver contract expires, it is likely you’ll suffer the same fate as Jim Zorn. 

 

Think about it: Zorn had no head coaching experience two years ago and led this team to an 8-8 record.  What will be the expectations of a coach who has won two Super Bowls?  I would think an NFC Championship appearance by 2011. 

 

Can Shanahan rebuild one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL in two years, while simultaneously upgrading the defensive backs position?  Can he find a quality replacement at running back?  Can he win with Jason Campbell at quarterback, or will he draft a rookie to mold as he did with Jay Cutler? 

 

So many holes to fill, so little time will be afforded to do so.

 

Before you sign that contract Tuesday morning, Mike Shanahan, think long and hard.  Wouldn’t Buffalo be a better place to re-build a franchise, or are you in Washington to scalp Snyder of his money like everyone else?

 

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The NFL White Cornerback, Officially Extinct!

It has been six years since the last of its kind was spotted.  The last reported sighting was on field turf in urban St. Louis. The seldom seen white cornerback remains secluded.  Some would even say the rare species no longer exists.

 

When former NFL cornerback Jason Sehorn retired from the St. Louis Rams in 2003, little did we know it would be the last time professional football fans would witness a white cornerback.

 

Although Sehorn played his final game a few years ago as a safety, he was truly the last full time white cornerback to man the position in a league focused on equality.

 

Equality is something the NFL has strived for in recent years. In 2002, Pittsburgh Steelers owner Dan Rooney spearheaded the NFL Committee for Workplace Diversity.  Designed to promote diversity in coaching and front office positions, the committee instituted a policy that is now known as the “Rooney Rule.” The rule calls for one minority candidate to be interviewed for every vacant coaching or executive position in the NFL.

 

The policy worked as planned, as the number of minority coaches in the NFL jumped from six percent to 22 percent in a five year period.

 

But the word “equality” is often used as a matter of convenience, rather than its true meaning. If the NFL truly wants equality throughout, it has to be a two way street.  The league encouraged (albeit, not publically) teams to give more African-American quarterbacks a chance in the early 1990’s. Today, nearly a third of all starting or reserve quarterbacks in the league are African-American.

 

So when does the push come from the league to encourage teams to give white cornerbacks a shot? 

 

With the exception of a handful of shut down cornerbacks the league has to offer, there are very few who play the position at a high level week after week.

 

The white cornerback is not fast or quick enough. They lack the make-up speed or leaping ability to excel at the position.  Stereotypes college/NFL coaches and general managers have developed over time.

 

It all sounds very similar to the stereotypes which often accompanied budding African-American quarterbacks; they aren’t smart enough, they don’t work hard enough, they aren’t good leaders. 

 

With the cornerback play in the NFL in recent years, one would think half the league’s corners were drafted from college track teams rather than football squads.

 

Give me former Redskins cornerback 5’9” Pat Fischer, over current rookie corner Kevin Barnes any day.  Fischer, who probably ran a 4.7 40-yard dash at best could cover the likes of former Eagles receiver 6’7” Harold Carmichael and former Olympic star turned Cowboy receiver, Bob Hayes.

 

Although speed is an important aspect of the game, a hard-nosed knowledgeable athlete is hard to pass on. One who is willing to stick his helmet in an opponent’s chest, should be preferred over a track star whose ideal method of tackling is to dive at the feet of a receiver.

 

Now this isn’t a cry for the NFL to change its rules or open the flood gates for white cornerbacks in the league, but find a few out of the estimated 50 or 60 million white males between the ages of 20-35 in North America and make equality truly equal.

 

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2010 Washington Redskins To Be Determined In December?

As you read this article, keep in mind the opposite of everything referenced will probably take place. 

 

Since the Washington Redskins defeated the Denver Broncos five weeks ago, something has clicked with this team.

 

Perhaps it is the impact of offensive consultant Sherman Lewis? Could it be all the free agent moves by the much-maligned Vinny Cerrato? Maybe it was the departure of injured running back Clinton Portis?

 

Quite possibly it could be the maturation of quarterback Jason Campbell in the west coast offense? To a certain extent, it could be the chemistry and cohesiveness of a developing offensive line? One could even suggest that it could have been the maturing of the team’s three receivers drafted in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft?

 

The Redskins’ recent transformation is the likely result of all the explanations referenced above. Each share an equal role in the improved play of a team performing the way Redskins’ fans anticipated when the season started.

 

With three games remaining in the Redskins’ “season of discontent”, many have already predicted the firing of Coach Jim Zorn, the hiring of Mike Shanahan as Coach/GM, the release of Clinton Portis, trading free agent to be (possible restricted free agent) Jason Campbell, and drafting a hopeful franchise quarterback in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft.

 

Should the team finish the 2009 season playing at the level they’ve performed at in recent weeks, why would owner Daniel Snyder mess with a formula just starting to gel?

 

If Snyder decides to start over yet again, Redskins fans may have to wait another two or three years before their beloved team will catch a glimpse of the playoffs. 

 

A new coach will bring with him a new philosophy, a new playbook, and a new quarterback. Such a move will cost Snyder millions, and he’ll creatively find a way to pass the expenses onto the 90,000 who fill Fed-Ex Field on Sundays.  

 

Zorn will be paid to vacation in 2010, Shanahan will bring a price tag of $9 million annually, and a quarterback drafted in the top ten will likely demand $30-40 million in salary and bonuses.

 

Is any coach worth $9 million a year? Would Tony Dungy have been labeled a genius without Peyton Manning? Is Jim Caldwell a genius because the Colts team he inherited is 13-0? 

 

Let’s face it, a NFL coach is a high-level spokesman who excels at communicating, is a strong organizer, and can balance egos. Redskins’ Coach Jim Zorn’s strengths are his composure and deflecting the blame away from his players. 

 

Until Sherman Lewis was brought in by Cerrato, Zorn was in over his head. He was trying to be a football coach for an elite sports franchise with a demanding owner. In addition he wore the hats of offensive coordinator, play-caller, and quarterback coach.

 

Although Zorn was receiving input from coaches in the booth, he was ultimately deciding which plays to call from the field. He could never develop a fluent offensive flow with all the chaos that surrounds an NFL sideline. 

 

Lewis has successfully brought a flow to the Redskins’ offense and has utilized all the weapons in the team’s arsenal.     

 

The Redskins would be wise to allow Zorn to finish out his contract if the team continues to improve in 2009, providing momentum and continuity for what should be a promising 2010 season. 

 

He has not lost his players in the locker room and has gained some respect within the Redskins’ community for the way he’s handled himself during a very trying season.

 

I have been a huge supporter of the anti-Vinny Cerrato coalition. Cerrato cannot be held accountable for the major decisions made over the years (i.e. Bruce Smith, Deion Sanders, Adam Archuleta, and Albert Haynesworth), he is basically the fall guy. The big decisions fall on the lap of Snyder, who is trying to turn the Redskins into the Yankees of the NFL. 

What Cerrato can be held liable for is the lack of importance he has placed on drafting linemen and adding pre-season depth to the roster.  But faced with a tremendous amount of adversity this season, as eight starters have been placed on injured reserve, Cerrato has acquired viable talent in OL Levi Jones, RB Quinton Ganther, and K Graham Gano to contribute during the Redskins’ recent run. 

It should also be noted that Cerrato suggested the acquisition of an offensive consultant to lighten Zorn’s load. Zorn wasn’t thrilled with the idea of giving up play-calling duties, but it has paid dividends. Despite the embarrassment of being relieved of play-calling duties during the season, Zorn himself has even acknowledged the team’s improved offensive play.

Also worth mentioning, Cerrato has helped build a team full of strong “character” individuals. With that said, former coach Joe Gibbs should receive a great deal of the credit for the team’s current roster. 

Cerrato has continued to follow Gibbs’ lead, and has added players to the roster who refuse to turn on their coach, point fingers, and most importantly are active in the Washington community and have stayed out of trouble with the law.      

The biggest off-season decision facing the Redskins, should not be whether to replace Zorn, but rather how to handle the Clinton Portis obstacle. Without having to focus the offense around Portis, the Redskins have thrived. 

But Portis is scheduled to make $7 million dollars next season and has a contract that runs through 2013. With next season expected to be “cap-free” it makes sense to unload the hefty contract of a running back on the downside of his career. 

Portis has not been the same free-spirited individual since the passing of his good friend and former Redskin safety, Sean Taylor. He has alienated his offensive line, his fullback, and his teammates by sitting out most practices.

A Snyder favorite, Portis is less than 800 yards from breaking the team’s all-time rushing record. With the owner of that record being John Riggins, who publicly called out Snyder by saying he has a “dark heart”,  Snyder may be willing to allow Portis to stick around long enough to break that record.   

The other big decision facing the Redskins this off-season is whether to continue their relationship with quarterback Jason Campbell. Benched earlier in the season, Campbell has responded with a solid season despite playing behind a make-shift offensive line.  Assuming there is no salary cap next season, Campbell will become an unrestricted free agent.

If Campbell (17 TDs, 12 Ints, 89.0 QB rating) had his way, he’d probably prefer a fresh start elsewhere. After all, the Redskins made it clear last off-season they would rather have the services of Jay Cutler (19 TDs, 22 Ints, 75.2 QB rating) or Mark Sanchez (11 TDs, 17 Ints, 63.7 QB rating). 

Raised in the south, Carolina would be an ideal fit for him. With the Panthers’ strong running game and the scrutiny of the fans and media a tad less antagonizing, Campbell would continue to grow as an NFL quarterback in that environment.

Unfortunately for Campbell, the Redskins hold all the cards (if he is a restricted free agent). As the best free agent quarterback on the market in 2010, the Redskins could demand a first round pick for his services. This would limited the number of teams interested in acquiring the much-maligned quarterback who is showing signs that he is coming of age.

The Redskins will not make Campbell a “franchise” player, as he has not proven he’s worthy of such a lofty contract. Assuming Snyder continues his George Steinbrenner ways, he will allow Campbell to go for a bargain price of a second round pick and draft a rookie quarterback the new coach can build around.

With Samuels likely to retire, the Redskins would be wise to retain Campbell and use their high first round draft pick to select a tackle (options include Russell Okung,Oklahoma State; Trent Williams, Oklahoma; and Charles Brown,USC). 

Current left tackle and former Bengals first round pick Levi Jones, has had some strong moments, but has looked suspect at times. Jones isn’t the answer for the long term.

As for the rest of the offensive line, guard Derrick Dockery has been solid, center Casey Rabach has come on as of late, guard Chad Rinehart (IR) was starting to show improvement, guard Mike Williams seems to have found a home, and tackle Stephon Heyer is not ideal but is serviceable. 

Acquiring a third round pick to replace the selection lost with the acquisition of supplemental pick, defensive end Jeremy Jarmon, would be prudent.  In this position the Redskins can add a second lineman for depth.

Finally, the emergence of the team’s second year receivers has brought energy to the Redskins’ offense.  Receiver Devin Thomas has matured and is over the injuries that plagued him all last season.

His strength and reliable hands are proving to be an asset. A strong, big-bodied receiver who runs past and over smaller defensive backs is an element that has been missed since Art Monk retired. 

Tight end Fred Davis has played close to the level of Chris Cooley since Cooley was lost for the season. Although a fan favorite, Cooley could be expendable should the team try to add draft picks. 

It is likely and recommended that both Cooley and Davis play a part in the Redskins’ offensive plans in 2010. However, if a new coach/GM is brought on board, he/they may chose to unload Cooley’s contract.   

Receiver Malcolm Kelly hasn’t had many opportunities to prove his worth. With only so many passes to go around, Santana Moss, Thomas and Davis have garnered most of Campbell’s attempts. Kelly has the skill set, but is simply restricted by the numbers.

So to recap, assuming the Redskins continue to compete at an impressive level for the remainder of the season, the Redskins would be wise to enter 2010 with:

– Coach Jim Zorn and offensive consultant Sherman Lewis

– Vinny Cerrato continuing his position as Executive VP of Player Personnel

– Jason Campbell as the quarterback

– Clinton Portis and Chris Samuels retired

– A first round draft pick at left tackle

– Their current receivers (including TE Chris Cooley) as they are

 

Note: The Redskins are finally performing the way they were expected to perform when the season started. Although they are still learning how to close games out, they have proven they can hang with the NFL’s best. 

 

Only in the NFL can a coach who is liked and respected by his players be fired (Zorn) and replaced by a coach (at twice the salary) who was fired from his previous post (Shanahan) for losing his players. There is no John Elway in the 2010 NFL Draft! 

 

Five weeks ago, most of what has been discussed in this article wasn’t plausible. Should the team revert back to its lackluster ways during the home stretch of the season, please disregard this article. Welcome to life in Washington!      

 

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Get Down with O.P.B (Orakpo for the Pro Bowl)

Many predicted a grand season from the 2009 Washington Redskins, myself included.  But, with great expectations comes greater dissapointment. 

Why wouldn’t a team that finished 8-8 the previous season improve with the roster additions made during the offseason?

When one touts and praises the potential fortunes of a football team, and ultimately miscalculates, it has a way of messing with your manhood. If there is one lesson to be learned this year, it is to never underestimate the importance of chemistry to the success of a football team.

As much as I was wrong about the Redskins success this season, or lack thereof, I was dead-on about the skills sets and ability rookie linebacker Brian Orakpo would provide for the team this season (Read my article “Washington Redskins Rookie Brian Orakpo is the Real Deal” published Aug. 18, 2009).

Nine games into his rookie season, Orakpo has done very little to disappoint Redskins fans.  With seven sacks, Orakpo not only leads all rookies in this category, he leads all NFL linebackers.  Not to mention, he is quietly closing in on Jevon Kearse’s rookie record of 14.5 set in 1999.

Although he is currently trailing Kearse’s pace, Orakpo has been—for lack of better words—“on the warpath” here of late.  He has registered at least half a sack in each of his last six games.

Orakpo has just scratched the surface of his potential.  Playing for an “old school” defensive coordinator in Greg Blache who loves to lean on veterans, he’d be the first to tell you he’s not a big fan of rookies.  

“I won’t speak to them (rookies) in training camp.  I can’t afford to get too attached.  They may be loading groceries at Wal-mart tomorrow,” Blache said this summer.

Little by little Blache is letting go of the Orakpo harness, and in return he is responding with a stellar rookie season.  As Orakpo continues to impress, it is important for Redskins fans to support and recognize his efforts.  Take the time to submit your NFL Pro Bowl ballot and let the world know about Washington’s newest prized jewel in linebacker Brian Orakpo.

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How the Washington Redskins Can Right the Ship

Needless to say, the 2-3 Redskins have underachieved to this point in the season.  

Game by game, their season is slowly slipping away. They have an anemic and unimaginative offense, their defense has allowed a disappointing 41.2 percent of third-down conversions, and the special teams have been less than special.

With two home games on the horizon, one against the 0-5 Chiefs and the other against division rival Philadelphia on Monday night, the Redskins can circle the wagon one last time to salvage the 2009 season.

But changes need to be made—drastic changes, at that. To date, Redskins coach Jim Zorn’s offensive approach to moving the ball via the West Coast offense has been ineffective and mind-numbing, to say the least.

With LT Chris Samuels out for an unknown amount of time, the Redskins’ offensive line heading in to the Kansas City game now gives new meaning to the description “patchwork.” Outside of LG Derrick Dockery, the remaining linemen would have trouble starting for any other offensive line in the NFL.

At 28, RB Clinton Portis is running the ball like he is 38. This is due in part to the bone spurs on his ankles, which flair up on occasion. Additionally, he is running behind a line incapable of creating enough space for a gazelle to run through.

The result? Through five games the Redskins offense has scored a total of seven touchdowns—three more than San Francisco’s defense has put on the board this season.

With a makeshift line and flustered running back, it is time for change in Washington.  This time, real change!

If Zorn truly wants to save his job, he has to be willing to trash his current offensive approach. It is time to break out the June Jones “Red Gun” offensive attack.

Maybe it is too late in the season to make such a change, but Campbell and the offense have seen their greatest success running the “no-huddle” spread offense.

With weapons like WRs Marko Mitchell, Devin Thomas, Antwaan Randle El, and TE Fred Davis rotting away on the sidelines, Zorn must utilize his entire arsenal. He should let Campbell air it out with a four or five-receiver set.

Campbell’s strength is his ability to hit receivers in motion on short routes. If Zorn were to spread the field, allow WR Santana Moss and TE Chris Cooley to operate against one-on-one coverage, and allow Campbell to connect on short three-step drop routes, the Redskins receivers will only need to break one tackle to pick up huge gains.

The “Red Gun” will allow Campbell to deliver the ball quickly, thus mitigating the impact of an offensive line in shambles.     

Campbell may end up throwing the ball 50-plus times a game, and turnovers are part of the deal. Zorn, however, would add life to an offense already on life support.

Pick plays, slants, curls, and receiver bubble screens are all part of the package in the “Red Gun” offense. It is all about putting pressure on the defense. One missed tackle or an untimely blitz could result in six points. 

Right now, the Redskins’ offense is extremely predictable. Defenses sit back and allow them to shoot themselves in the foot. It is time to turn the tables. It is time to go on the attack.

Statistically, the Redskins’ defense has been one of the best in the league, allowing opponents a mere 290 yards per game.

Statistics do not win football games. 

Several weeks ago, defensive coordinator Greg Blache said he would “take more chances” to get opposing offenses off the field. We have seen very little change to this point. 

LB/DE Brian Orakpo is still dropping back in pass coverage, DT Albert Haynesworth is hurt every other play, and S LaRon Landry still sits 30 yards deep.

The Redskins defense needs to take chances and force turnovers. The bend-but-don’t-break philosophy only works when you have the lead and a productive running game—two things the Redskins haven’t seen much of in 2009.

Orakpo needs to be on the line of scrimmage to chase down quarterbacks and force running backs to the inside. He has Lawrence Taylor size and speed (in no way am I saying he is in the same class as LT), and should be used accordingly. The same mistake was made with Lavar Arrington—do we need to relive it with Orakpo?

Although he has been a force at times, Haynesworth is out of shape and can only play half a game at full speed. Rookie DE Jeremy Jarmon has proved he can move inside on passing downs and apply pressure on the quarterback. Blache needs to use him more.

As for Landry, it is hard for him to be a factor if he assigned to protecting the goal line.  He excels at getting to the quarterback when blitzing from the outside. And when he hits the quarterback, they feel it. Turn him loose!

Finally, the special teams are in need of a facelift in the form of Devin Thomas. Sure, RB Rock Cartwright will get you 25 yards on every return.

But with a struggling offense, big plays in the return game are a must. The same applies to the dependable Randle El returning punts (the team can rely on him for 15 yards a return—horizontally). Put Thomas back on all kick returns and let the kid make some plays.

Of course these solutions are easier said than done, but what does Zorn have to lose at this point? He is a dead man walking, and if he really wants to keep his job, it is time to “kick the tires and light the fires, big daddy!”

(And yes, I just quoted Harry Connick, Jr., from Independence Day.)

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Washington Redskins Hire West Coast Offensive Guru Sherman Lewis

The Washington Redskins just announced the hiring of Sherman Lewis as an Offensive consultant. Lewis has 22-years of coaching experience in the NFL and is the owner of four Super Bowl rings.

“Sherm Lewis is an outstanding coach who has been an instrumental member of four super Bowl championship teams,” Redskins Executive Vice President of Football Operations Vinny Cerrato said.

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No Crossroads in Washington, Redskins’ GPS Heads Straight to Crisis-ville

To say head coach Jim Zorn and his Washington Redskins football team have reached a crossroads is an understatement.  Just three weeks into the season, Zorn is under fire by the media and Washingtonians alike.

 

With a 1-2 start that includes a déjà vu opening game loss to the New York Giants and the thwarting honor of ending the Detroit Lions 19-game losing streak, the Redskins passed the exit leading to the crossroads as their NFL GPS has taken them straight to “Crisis”ville!”  

 

There are those who will create the illusion of a “panic-mode” mentality or convince you that the organization is on the verge of self destructing.  Welcome to Washington, DC where the word steering has nothing to do with controlling a car.   

 

Despite the pressures that come with coaching a billion dollar franchise, Redskins coach Jim Zorn has barely batted an eye during the onslaught of negative media attention hurled his way. 

 

The always medium and somewhat reticent former NFL quarterback from Cal-Poly rarely strays from his surfer-dude approach to life.

 

Zorn showed that despite is relaxed approach to life, the pressure of winning does affect him.  Maybe not like most humans, but the strain was evident during the team’s recent loss to Detroit. 

 

After a game altering face masking flag was incorrectly reversed on a Santana Moss reception in the fourth quarter, killing the Redskins go-ahead drive at midfield, Zorn was livid.

 

Earlier this week Zorn showed a hint of frustration when a reporter asked him after practice, “Given the history of the owner, are you concerned about your job?”  A befuddled Zorn snapped back with a question of his own, “Why would I be concerned about my job three weeks into the season?”  

 

Zorn is correct, he shouldn’t be worried.  He and the Redskins’ players made life harder for themselves by losing to Detroit last week, but they can salvage a sour start to the season by taking care of business over the next three games.

 

To quote one of the most prominent figures Washington, no, the world has ever known:

 

“When written in Chinese the word “crisis” is composed of two characters – one represents danger and the other represents opportunity.”  ~John F. Kennedy, address, 12 April 1959

 

Zorn’s job is in danger and he knows it.  We all know it, thus the reference to “Crisis”ville earlier in the article.  But there is an opportunity for things to get better real fast.

 

The lone win the Redskins have is one more win than their next three opponents have combined.  Tampa Bay, Carolina and Kansas City are all 0-3, and you think things are bad in Washington.  Try being a bad team with little talent and little hope.

 

Talent is one thing the Redskins are not short on.  Continuity, effort, play calling, preparation and accountability are the root of this team’s problems.

 

This week brought some change in the right direction as the team prepares for Tampa Bay. 

 

When asked if he was concerned about Coach Zorn’s job, Clinton Portis responded by saying, “I am worried about my job.  Everyone should be worried about their jobs.” 

 

 

ACCOUNTABILITY

 

“Why would we change what we do best?”  Defensive Coordinator Greg Blache said when asked if he had any plans to rattle Detroit’s rookie quarterback Matt Stafford by blitzing more.  This week he said he will take responsibility for the play of his defense.  “I put the players in bad situations.  It would be different if we did not have talent on this team.  We have the talent so I am responsible for putting the players in a position to succeed.  We will mix some things up this week.” 

 

 

PLAY CALLING & PREPARATION

 

Tight end Chris Cooley addressed the Redskins problems on ESPN earlier in the week saying, “We just can’t make a play when we need it.”  Realizing a problem is one thing, correcting it is another.   There have been no knee-jerk reactions to the slow start.  The coaching staff tells the media they are constantly reviewing game film and attempting to correct minor problems with the player’s performances. 

 

 

PREPARATION & CONTINUITY

 

Translating all these tweaks and adjustments to game day and performing like the veteran laden team that they are will lead to improvement.  However, the one ingredient coaches can’t force out of a player is effort.

 

This will have to come directly from within each and every Redskin player.  Zorn does not believe in hard-hitting physical practices.  Most practices (from what little the media is allowed to see during the season) resemble  walk-throughs and it appears to spill over to game performances.

 

Zorn said he “Will not yell at grown men.”  So it is up to the players to perform like the highly paid professionals they are and with the desire it takes to be a winner in the NFL. 

 

 

EFFORT

 

Zorn’s stay in Washington could end with a loss to Tampa Bay this Sunday, or continue gainfully by winning three of the next four games heading into the bye week.  But you could never tell by watching and listening to him on a daily basis.  Medium is par for Zorn’s course! 

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Redskins vs. Lions: So Many Things Wrong in Washington’s 19-14 Loss

The professional in me wanted to take a day to mull over one of the most embarrassing Redskins’ losses I have ever witnessed in my thirty years of watching the team play.

 

But the fan in me has had enough, and ultimately won out!

 

Not since the 38-9 thumping at the hands of the Raiders in Super Bowl XVIII has a Redskins’ loss been so difficult to watch.   There was so much more at stake in that Raiders loss, thus it will always remain No. 1.  But the performance I observed against Detroit today now ranks as the biggest stinker during the regular season.

 

Please, allow me to point the finger.  It wasn’t the quarterback, or the offensive line, the defense, or even the coaching staff.  This loss is on the entire organization!

 

From Dan Snyder all the way down, everyone is accountable! 

 

Opening the season with two “going through the motion” games, the Redskins would certainly turn things around against a team that had not won since 2007, right?

 

That’s how veteran teams loaded with Pro Bowl players respond, isn’t it?  They beat the teams they are supposed to beat and get on track.

 

After all, the Redskins have the $100 million man (Albert Haynesworth), Clinton Portis, Santana Moss, Chris Cooley, London Fletcher, Carlos Rogers, Chris Samuels, and Andre Carter.

 

And the Lions have…Calvin Johnson.

 

This is an organization-wide loss because:

 

On the offensive side of the ball, the entire team looked completely out of sync. 

 

Balls were snapped high from C Casey Rabach to QB Jason Campbell.  Campbell fumbled the ball on three occasions.  The line has splits on running plays like they are blocking for an extra point.  Portis is slowed by ankle spurs and runs more like a fullback.  The play calling is predictable in most cases, but at times you wonder what Zorn is thinking.   

 

On the defensive side of the ball, they failed to exploit their opponent’s weakness yet again. 

 

Defensive Coordinator Greg Blache said this week, “Why would we change what we do well?”  Maybe you should have thrown in a wrinkle or two since you were playing against a rookie quarterback.  Something like…oh, I don’t know…perhaps a few “all out” blitzes? 

 

And for the life of me, I have no idea why Blache keeps looping LB Brian Orakpo to the inside.  Line the man up on the outside and tell him to go sick the quarterback. 

 

As for the coaches, Jim Zorn needs to turn the play calling over to someone else.  He is the coach, and a young one at that.  He needs to learn to delegate and focus on coaching the team. 

 

Speaking of play calling, why would a coach script his first fifteen plays and announce that he does such?  Wouldn’t it be wise for opposing coaches to just mask their first fifteen defensive looks?  It just seems logical. 

 

Snyder is to blame probably more so than anyone.  For one, he hired Zorn in order to maintain ultimate control.  By hiring a quarterbacks coach who is in over his head, Snyder created a situation where Zorn has no choice but to lean on him.

 

In addition, Snyder has a history of paying an absurd amount of money to veteran players who convince themselves they are playing for the love of the game. 

 

In reality, and possibly subconsciously, these players play to stay healthy in an effort to retain their fat contracts.  They play hard, but not with the reckless abandon of an undrafted free agent playing to keep his job, doing whatever it takes to avoid returning home to work at the local grocery store.  

 

As long as Snyder retains Vinny Cerrato to perform GM duties, the organization will struggle.  Drafting only four offensive linemen—the backbone of any winning organization—in the first three rounds of the NFL Draft during a ten-year span is killing this team.

 

Cerrato also drafted two receivers and a tight end in the second round of the 2008 Draft, and the three of whom have contributed nothing so far.  They may one day, but the team was built to win now. 

 

It is going to be a long season for Redskins’ fans unless things turn around quickly. 

 

How do you fix an organization during the season?

 

Believe it or not, this team can still make a run.  There is a great deal of talent on this Redskins’ roster and they can win eight games in spite themselves.  But until the players (all of them) dig deep within themselves and play like there is no tomorrow, they will continue their losing ways.

 

This article was not meant to take anything away from the Lions’ victory today.  They played hard.  They played for their fans.  They played for their struggling city.  They all played like undrafted free agents, including rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford, the first pick in the 2009 NFL Draft.    

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Redskins Lose to The Giants, 23-17: It’s Déjà Vu All Over Again

For the second straight season the Washington Redskins traveled to New York in a divisional rivalry matchup.  And for the second straight season they left the Big Apple (really New Jersey) with a disappointing loss.

In both opening game losses, the Redskins were in the game heading in to the fourth quarter despite being out played and out coached by the Giants.

Last Sunday’s 23-17 loss was especially disappointing, as Redskins coach Jim Zorn and his staff were a year wiser and confident they would be better prepared for New York.

Yet Redskins’ fans were treated to the same conservative game planning and strategy that led to a dismal performance in Zorn’s first professional game as an NFL head coach.

Although the players are responsible for the execution and performance of the plays called, the Redskins loss to the Giants ultimately came down to game planning and lack of adjustments by the Redskins’ coaching staff.

Heading into the game, the Redskins were well aware the Giants had just three healthy cornerbacks at their disposal. 

Rather than spreading the field with  4- or 5- wide receiver packages, forcing the Giants to cover one of the many talented Redskins’ receivers with a safety or linebacker, Zorn opted to center the offense on Clinton Portis and a conservative passing attack.

Defensively, Greg Blache and his unit accomplished their goal in shutting down Giant running back Brandon Jacobs (46 yards on 16 rushes).  However, the Giants coaching staff planned for the Redskins to take away Jacobs and planned accordingly.

To limit Jacobs’ effectiveness, Blache played his safeties close to the line limiting deep help on pass plays.  To take away something, a defense has to be willing to sacrifice in other areas.

Soft cornerback coverage was the sacrifice Blache and the Redskins had to make to limit Jacobs, Giants quarterback Eli Manning and his receiving corps made the Redskins pay.

The coverage adjustment was not as much of a problem for the Redskins as was the execution on the player’s part following a completed pass. 

Poor open field tackling and bad pursuit angles—the Redskins,who do not tackle in practice for health reasons—allowed the Giants’ receivers to pick-up key first downs on third-and-long situations and on one play a touchdown reception by Giants’ receiver Mario Manningham.  Three Redskins had a chance to knock Manningham out of bounds on his 30-yard reception, but all three players whiffed.

Zorn uses a script in calling the Redskins’ first 15 offensive plays.  Half that script should have included multiple receivers packages, instead he utilized fullback Mike Sellers in front of Portis and two tight ends in an attempt to control the ball.

For Blache, it was evident the Giants were going after cornerback Fred Smoot in passing situations, and he was exposed without safety help.  Mixing up defensive looks would have limited Smoot’s  problems.

Blache also decided to stop rushing linebacker Brian Orakpo on non-passing situations after the first quarter.  Instead, Orakpo was asked to drop back in pass coverage and had little or no impact in the game.

The Redskins have a favorable schedule the next three weeks and should repeat what they accomplished last season, winning three consecutive games after an opening season loss to the Giants. 

A Déjà vu opening game loss to the Giants is one thing.  A repeat season of conservative game planning and in-game adjustments will not be accepted favorably by the Redskins’ faithful or their owner.         

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