Honeymoon Over For Zorn

[BurgundyNGold]

My latest attempt at writing with words... on the blog.

Read it here (http://www.hailredskins.com/?p=615)

Guff away.

[NCskinsfanatic]

Very good article BNG, and good points on both the absence of Fletcher and the fact that there were times whhen JC was indecisive. I tried to tell anyone that would listen this past week that Dallas' D was good enough to beat us with the way our O has played in the last 5 games. It's not our D that concerns me, even with no pass rush we are technically sound and play well enough to win 9 times out of 10.

JC has to take more risks but if the OL continues to struggle then we may never see him take that next step. It's obvious JC still has a lot to learn, as Zorn pointed out today, but football games are still won and lost in the trenches. We may get by with some DL inadequacies, but we're not going to win many more if the OL continues to play this poorly.

I'm still a believer in Zorn and even if we finish 9-7, which I find likely, I think we've got a leader and a team that can be improved in the offseason. This is not only his first year here, but his first year anywhere, I dont think hes blind to our shortcomings and he will learn from them. I just think the last few weeks have shown us we werent as good as our record indicated and may not have a playoff caliber offense.

[BurgundyNGold]

Very good article BNG, and good points on both the absence of Fletcher and the fact that there were times whhen JC was indecisive. I tried to tell anyone that would listen this past week that Dallas' D was good enough to beat us with the way our O has played in the last 5 games. It's not our D that concerns me, even with no pass rush we are technically sound and play well enough to win 9 times out of 10.

JC has to take more risks but if the OL continues to struggle then we may never see him take that next step. It's obvious JC still has a lot to learn, as Zorn pointed out today, but football games are still won and lost in the trenches. We may get by with some DL inadequacies, but we're not going to win many more if the OL continues to play this poorly.

I'm still a believer in Zorn and even if we finish 9-7, which I find likely, I think we've got a leader and a team that can be improved in the offseason. This is not only his first year here, but his first year anywhere, I dont think hes blind to our shortcomings and he will learn from them. I just think the last few weeks have shown us we werent as good as our record indicated and may not have a playoff caliber offense.
About our DTs, they were atrocious. Golston should not be a starter. Neither should Alexander. And at this point, Griffin probably shouldn't be either. OUr DTs couldn't keep the Dallass OG off of the LBs all game. They got no push and didn't pursue well at all. We lost the battle for the LOS because of our DL.

[SkinsfaninNJ]

About our DTs, they were atrocious. Golston should not be a starter. Neither should Alexander. And at this point, Griffin probably shouldn't be either. OUr DTs couldn't keep the Dallass OG off of the LBs all game. They got no push and didn't pursue well at all. We lost the battle for the LOS because of our DL.

We missed Montgomery. Griffin and Golston are fine if all three are healthy and rotating to keep them fresh. Golston was on roller skates in the fourth.

[NCskinsfanatic]

About our DTs, they were atrocious. Golston should not be a starter. Neither should Alexander. And at this point, Griffin probably shouldn't be either. OUr DTs couldn't keep the Dallass OG off of the LBs all game. They got no push and didn't pursue well at all. We lost the battle for the LOS because of our DL.

I agree and I dont think we'll find the answer in the draft either, just like when we signed Griffin we'll needa stout FA to come in a solidify the interior. I think with a stronger push in the middle, JT and AC get to the qb.

[shally]

My latest attempt at writing with words... on the blog.

Read it here (http://www.hailredskins.com/?p=615)

Guff away.

good points... but here is the deal.. despite the shortcomings of blache's defensive schemes, despite the fact that there was ZERO pressure even when he did blitz. despite the fact that garrett figured out how to get TO free into the secondary by moving..despite all that, dallas scored a whopping 14 points. you simply cannot expect better than that.

the offense lost this game. they had good field position all night and still could muster no TD's after the first drive..that is hugely unacceptable and that lies at the feet of zorn

JC took a pounding all night due to the insuffiencies of the o line and still he couldnt figure a way to burn the cowboys. dallas managed to get a huge TD reception from bennett, who has had a very rough first year,, but is paying dividends because he is being used.. fred davis ? he languishes on the bench. how many times could we have run a slant to kelly and anticipated he could have used his body to convert a third down ? but he was inactive so we could have alexander traipse for 1 yard

are we a running team or a passing team ? right now we appear to be neither. we have no identity or character on offense. that is on zorn

zorn wanted to be aggressive. he was.. for exactly 1 drive. what happened after that ? i can understand it if you are on your 5 yard line, but we had the better of field position all game

and dont get me started on our oline.. we have the oldest average o line in the nfl. last night it showed..

[SkinsfaninNJ]

Good article. If Zorn can just get the offense to avoid costly mistakes, they'll be fine, and he'll be Opie again. Imagine if these few things didn't happen, we win by double digits:

1. Devin Thomas is not called for 12 men in the huddle on 3-6 on the edge of FG territory in the second quarter.

2. Campbell doesn't throw the INT in the third already in FG range.

3. Rabach doesn't give up a Ratliff sack when we have the ball on third down from the 17 leading to a missed FG.

4. Santana Moss catches a pass that hits him in the hands that would have set up first and goal at the 8 yard line.

5. Davin Thomas catches the third down pass that hit him in the hands that would have put the ball at near the Cowboys 30 yard line.

[esmith1790]

Good article. If Zorn can just get the offense to avoid costly mistakes, they'll be fine, and he'll be Opie again. Imagine if these few things didn't happen, we win by double digits:

1. Devin Thomas is not called for 12 men in the huddle on 3-6 on the edge of FG territory in the second quarter.

2. Campbell doesn't throw the INT in the third already in FG range.

3. Rabach doesn't give up a Ratliff sack when we have the ball on third down from the 17 leading to a missed FG.

4. Santana Moss catches a pass that hits him in the hands that would have set up first and goal at the 8 yard line.

5. Davin Thomas catches the third down pass that hit him in the hands that would have put the ball at near the Cowboys 30 yard line.


it cuts both ways, IF Romo did have both turnovers and if we atleast got a FG at the end of the game or even tried for a TD it would/could have been more points for the Boys as well.

We had i believe 2 first downs called back because of penalties, no penalties and the drives continue down the field ever farther eating up more time and wearing out the defense even more.

[saviour]

I wouldnt say the honeymoon is over, but its clearly obvious the book is out on Zorn. Now that teams have an idea of his tendancies our offense does not surprise anyone. To be quite truthful, last night looked like Gibbs conservative offense. Short passes when there was no deep threat, and conservative running. The only difference was the empty backfield sets which Gibbs would never run. And with the way the OL has been performing for the past few games who can blame him.

[NCskinsfanatic]

Good article. If Zorn can just get the offense to avoid costly mistakes, they'll be fine, and he'll be Opie again. Imagine if these few things didn't happen, we win by double digits:

1. Devin Thomas is not called for 12 men in the huddle on 3-6 on the edge of FG territory in the second quarter.

2. Campbell doesn't throw the INT in the third already in FG range.

3. Rabach doesn't give up a Ratliff sack when we have the ball on third down from the 17 leading to a missed FG.

4. Santana Moss catches a pass that hits him in the hands that would have set up first and goal at the 8 yard line.

5. Davin Thomas catches the third down pass that hit him in the hands that would have put the ball at near the Cowboys 30 yard line.

I agree with them all except the last one, Even Zorn said JC rushed that throw and threw it into the ground. That one was on JC, when DT got down to try to catch it is was far left and an inch or two from the turf.

[BurgundyNGold]

Good article. If Zorn can just get the offense to avoid costly mistakes, they'll be fine, and he'll be Opie again. Imagine if these few things didn't happen, we win by double digits:

1. Devin Thomas is not called for 12 men in the huddle on 3-6 on the edge of FG territory in the second quarter.

2. Campbell doesn't throw the INT in the third already in FG range.

3. Rabach doesn't give up a Ratliff sack when we have the ball on third down from the 17 leading to a missed FG.

4. Santana Moss catches a pass that hits him in the hands that would have set up first and goal at the 8 yard line.

5. Davin Thomas catches the third down pass that hit him in the hands that would have put the ball at near the Cowboys 30 yard line.
About Thomas, he had another penalty where he was called for illegal formation, as he did not cover the OT. Given the fact that he has apparently only mastered one route (we saw him targeted 3 times on the same route last night), I'm beginning to think that Thomas might have the mental capacity of a potted plant.

[NCskinsfanatic]

About Thomas, he had another penalty where he was called for illegal formation, as he did not cover the OT. Given the fact that he has apparently only mastered one route (we saw him targeted 3 times on the same route last night), I'm beginning to think that Thomas might have the mental capacity of a potted plant.

Yet another reason we probably dont see Davis and Kelly, unfortunately it appears they are even further behind than DT. Really Blache is no different, Moore has talent but after his gaffe against the Rams forgetting to blitz, hes played sparinbgly other than on teams. Im sure the guys can run the norm but its their inability to adjust at the last second that I believe keeps them on the bench.

[SkinsfaninNJ]

it cuts both ways, IF Romo did have both turnovers and if we atleast got a FG at the end of the game or even tried for a TD it would/could have been more points for the Boys as well.

We had i believe 2 first downs called back because of penalties, no penalties and the drives continue down the field ever farther eating up more time and wearing out the defense even more.

I respect your posts, but I don't really care to discuss missed opportunities for the Cowboys.

[esmith1790]

He had 2 weeks to really come up with a great game plan, new wrinkles, something, roll-outs, flea flicker, anything and it seemed there was nothing installed at all.

I know he told the players to get away and bond together, he is the OC as well, he should have be able to really prepare for the boys and install a quick read, hot route type of fix.

[BurgundyNGold]

Yet another reason we probably dont see Davis and Kelly, unfortunately it appears they are even further behind than DT. Really Blache is no different, Moore has talent but after his gaffe against the Rams forgetting to blitz, hes played sparinbgly other than on teams. Im sure the guys can run the norm but its their inability to adjust at the last second that I believe keeps them on the bench.
Davis played a bit last night but he was worthless as a blocker. I actually think that Kelly might be the guy that bails out Day 1 of this draft class. If he can get healthy, stay healthy and get some targets.

[BurgundyNGold]

it cuts both ways, IF Romo did have both turnovers and if we atleast got a FG at the end of the game or even tried for a TD it would/could have been more points for the Boys as well.

We had i believe 2 first downs called back because of penalties, no penalties and the drives continue down the field ever farther eating up more time and wearing out the defense even more.
I saw no less than 3 blatant holding calls and 2 obvious offsides against Dallass that weren't called. And if Suisham gets another yard on the FG, the Redskins would have only needed a FG to win. We can play this game all night, if you'd like but it would be pointless. Neither team played particularly well and tried to give it to the other team. In the end, the Redskins wanted to give it away more.

[Ibleedburgundy]

Agree the honeymoon is over. How Zorn responds will define the season.

[esmith1790]

I saw no less than 3 blatant holding calls and 2 obvious offsides against Dallass that weren't called. And if Suisham gets another yard on the FG, the Redskins would have only needed a FG to win. We can play this game all night, if you'd like but it would be pointless. Neither team played particularly well and tried to give it to the other team. In the end, the Redskins wanted to give it away more.

Of course it is pointless, just saying it goes both ways, with such a close game and both teams trying to give it away, a play here or there was the difference.

[hail2skins]

I heard a Cowboy fan talking as we were walking back to our parking lot. He seemed a bit over confident in them. I reminded him that even though they got the win, they still looked like crap. Both teams did yesterday. Dallas had some serious confusion on some of their offensive plays early in the game.

He said they would make the playoffs and I reminded him that there are other teams in the NFC to be concerned about.

Believe it or not, as it stands right now we control our destiny for that 6th wildcard spot. There's still a lot of football to play though.

[give_portis_the_rock]

I heard a Cowboy fan talking as we were walking back to our parking lot. He seemed a bit over confident in them. I reminded him that even though they got the win, they still looked like crap. Both teams did yesterday. Dallas had some serious confusion on some of their offensive plays early in the game.

He said they would make the playoffs and I reminded him that there are other teams in the NFC to be concerned about.

Believe it or not, as it stands right now we control our destiny for that 6th wildcard spot. There's still a lot of football to play though.

Exactly, that's what's most demoralizing here. Not the playoff scenarios (even after two straight losses, we control our destiny). The fact that EVERYONE on here has an annoying Cowboy fan friend or co-worker. I went to work today, this dude I work with said "super bowl baby." They're tied for 6th in the NFC, would not make the playoffs if it started today, and theyre starting the "super bowl" talk again. good GOD i hate them... I dont blame Fred Smoot for not talking to them during Dallas week. They are insufferable. And when they lose and you explain to them why they suck, they'll respond "you're just a hater, everyone is jealous of our success."

I dont even wanna think about them, i cant stand them ........(censored)......

[smoak]

Of course it is pointless, just saying it goes both ways, with such a close game and both teams trying to give it away, a play here or there was the difference.

Please stop posting b/c I despise agreeing with a dallass fan. :D

It is silly and pointless to call out a few plays on either side b/c the fact is that just about every play is seconds or inches away from being something different.

I agree with BNG wholeheartedly. The honeymoon is over and unfortunately, I am looking for a marriage councilor.

[Dolla Bill]

Why is it that the offense looks better the beginning of the games, than the end of the games? I know the O looked like crap, but I just notice how more opened up the O is. Then its like a switch gets flipped, and they become disgustingly anemic. Is this because of Zorn, or Smith? If you roast Zorn, Smith needs it as well. What exactly is his role anyway?

[Keino]

About Thomas, he had another penalty where he was called for illegal formation, as he did not cover the OT. Given the fact that he has apparently only mastered one route (we saw him targeted 3 times on the same route last night), I'm beginning to think that Thomas might have the mental capacity of a potted plant.

I thought the 12 men in the huddle was a bad call. The 12th man was never in the huddle and was clearly outside of the huddle.

But I am disturbed that we don't know how to line-up properly.

[RedskinsDave]

I thought the 12 men in the huddle was a bad call. The 12th man was never in the huddle and was clearly outside of the huddle.

But I am disturbed that we don't know how to line-up properly.

I agree. Also, in his defense, it was the coaches who waved him back on once he started off the field. Of course since he always lines up on the wrong side and has to be moved, he doesn't get the benefit of the doubt.

[hail2skins]

Yeah, and the person that shouldn't have been in the huddle was Betts.

[TrueOracle]

Good article. If Zorn can just get the offense to avoid costly mistakes, they'll be fine, and he'll be Opie again. Imagine if these few things didn't happen, we win by double digits:

1. Devin Thomas is not called for 12 men in the huddle on 3-6 on the edge of FG territory in the second quarter.

2. Campbell doesn't throw the INT in the third already in FG range.

3. Rabach doesn't give up a Ratliff sack when we have the ball on third down from the 17 leading to a missed FG.

4. Santana Moss catches a pass that hits him in the hands that would have set up first and goal at the 8 yard line.

5. Davin Thomas catches the third down pass that hit him in the hands that would have put the ball at near the Cowboys 30 yard line.

There's no such thing with Suisham. He's the Rod Gardner of kickers: good ole' 50/50. You never know what you're getting with this dude. Makes me think of the proverbial, "if my aunt had ______, she'd be my uncle."

I'd also like to say imagine if our playcalling in the 1st qtr resembled the aggressiveness of the 4th quarter? Something has happened to Zorn in the aggressiveness category as it's more than suspect.

[hail2skins]

There's no such thing with Suisham. He's the Rod Gardner of kickers: good ole' 50/50. You never know what you're getting with this dude. Makes me think of the proverbial, "if my aunt had ______, she'd be my uncle."

I'd also like to say imagine if our playcalling in the 1st qtr resembled the aggressiveness of the 4th quarter? Something has happened to Zorn in the aggressiveness category as it's more than suspect.
huh?

[skinsfan36]

the 12 men call was weird thomas half ran in then was yelled at by the sidelines and yelled and it was like whoever was supposed to come out ignored him.

[WarEagle]

I heard a Cowboy fan talking as we were walking back to our parking lot. He seemed a bit over confident in them. I reminded him that even though they got the win, they still looked like crap. Both teams did yesterday. Dallas had some serious confusion on some of their offensive plays early in the game.

He said they would make the playoffs and I reminded him that there are other teams in the NFC to be concerned about.

Believe it or not, as it stands right now we control our destiny for that 6th wildcard spot. There's still a lot of football to play though.

Agreed. Maybe the players were lazy because it was the first cold game? I contrast this with the energy and zeal that two more mediocre teams, the Browns and Bills, displayed on MNF. Not a single player gave up until the game was over. Two score changes and almost a third in the final minutes. That's 22 guys on the field with their heads in the game. I didn't see that on Sunday.

How do you coach that? I don't know.