Jim Zorn: Dan Snyder Team Unity and Identity

Jim Zorn

More media members than usual attended Coach Jim Zorn’s Monday news conference at Redskins Park, which was about what you’d expect. National reporters tend to pop up in bad times, and these are difficult days for Zorn after Washington’s embarrassing 19-14 loss to the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in which the Lions ended a losing streak at 19 games. The heat around Zorn increased after the Redskins’ 9-7 victory over the St. Louis Rams in Week 2, and the situation, obviously, has reached a boiling point.

Predictably, Zorn was asked about his most recent conversations with owner Daniel Snyder, whether he feared losing the team and a variety of questions about the team’s problems. Zorn handled them well – remaining “medium” throughout the 12-minute session.

Zorn anticipates spending significant time with Snyder this week. “Having a loss, and trying to get out of there [Detroit], and all the press, we haven’t spent a lot time,” he said. “I’ll be spending a lot of time with him as we go along this week.”

As of Monday, Snyder had not addressed Zorn’s job status or that of the coaching staff with Zorn, according to league sources. Much of the speculation about Zorn is based on how Snyder has operated in the past, but this coaching situation is unlike others that have occurred in Ashburn.

In addition to calling the plays, Zorn also is heavily involved in coordinating the offense and working with quarterback Jason Campbell. If Snyder made a coaching change in Week 4, he would have to fill several jobs just in replacing Zorn. Of course, it could be done, but that’s a tall order.

Another element in the situation is Zorn’s ability to command respect among players. Tight end Chris Cooley and wide receiver Antwaan Randle El said they are totally behind Zorn, and other players publicly and privately expressed support for Zorn on Sunday night and today at the complex.

The team is unified, Zorn said.

“I would be really surprised” if he “lost” the locker room, Zorn said. “I think we have excellent men in that locker room. I think that we have great captains. They handle a lot of that stuff.

“I think our captains are doing a wonderful job keeping our guys together. And just really keeping the positive things that are coming out of the game and just trying to alleviate some of those negative things.”

Cornerback Carlos Rogers said the Redskins lack an identity on offense and defense. Zorn disagrees.

“We lost a game,” Zorn said. “After a big loss like that … there’s a lot of things that go on through guys’ minds. It is a thought. I don’t have that thought.”

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