5 Things Jim Zorn Should Change Right Now

We were thinking last night about what a lot of analysts had to say, particularly player type analysts like Brian Mitchell,

Jim Zorn Crisis Continues

John Riggin, Rodney Harrison, and others you know, guys that see stuff as ex-players, guys that talk to the players honestly, guys that have a unique perspective because they played on the field.  They have players talking to them because they are friends.  Their perspectives are a bit different and often pretty insightful.

Given what I witnessed in that horrific debacle in Detroit and the post-game comments and analysis; I sat down and thought of 5 changes I would make if I were Jim Zorn.  These changes are not the panacea, the panacea is a real General Manager rebuilding the franchise, but these 5 changes would send a signal.  After all, what does Jim Zorn have to lose?  So here they are.  You may disagree and that is cool, let us know by hitting discuss and comment.

1.  Play Marko Mitchell.  Why?  Lets face it, Devin Thomas and Malcom Kelly were non-existent AGAIN.  There were many times Jason Campbell, under pressure, stepped up into the pocket, scanned the field, and found no one open, but Sanatana Moss.  A recurring theme with these two draft picks.  These guys ARE NOT rookies anymore.  There are rookies and second year receivers all over the NFL that are PRODUCING.  These two are not.  It’s that simple.  AGAIN, they were a non-factor.  They remind me of, ummmm, Taylor Jacobs.  How many weeks will Redskins Nation say, maybe Kelly will step up this week?  Maybe Thomas will bring his game this week?  Marko Mitchell produced during preseason.  Yes, it was against back ups.  But he produced  — something Kelly and Thomas did not do, even against back ups.  Mitchell is a tall 6’4″ and gives the Redskins size.  My point is, see what the kid can do.  What does this pathetic passing game have to lose?   If he cant get open or drops the ball, we are no worse off than what we have right now.  But, could he be another Mario Mannignham or Steve Smith?  We don’t know until we try.  Ready to give up on Kelly and Thomas?  No.  BUT, the best of all, it will send one helluva signal to Kelly and Thomas.  Make the move Jim.

2.  Play Kevin Barnes.  I have said this before.  Even if he does not understand the defense fully, can he really be worse than Fred Smoot?  Does Fred Smoot belong in the NFL?  This guy is horrendous. If we are going to get beat in the air, lets get beat with a third round pick who will get an NFL education that will benefit his pro game for next year.  Nothing like learning on the job.  Is this giving up on the season?  No.  It is called benching a player that deserves it.  Playing a kid who will at least show passion and enthusiasm to show coaches he is ready.  Sometimes having guys on the field that want to be there, that have something to show and prove, will make a world of difference. Why was Kevin Barnes inactive on Sunday? A third round pick ought to be able to get on the field [see Rinehart, Chad] for special teams at least. If Barnes isn’t another Vinny Cerrato dud, play him.

3. Play Jeremy Jarmon.  Time for Phillip Daniels to play a reserve role.  We need to generate pass rush.  Jarmon makes mistakes.  He is young, he is a rookie.  He will make more mistakes and commit some penalties.  But getting a youthful infusion on the Line will edcuate the kid on how to shed tackles, blow blocks, and generate pass rush.  It will also tell us whether we have a future defensive end starter.  Much like Chad Rinehart at offensive guard.

4.  More shot gun, more no huddle offense.  We are beginning to think one of Jason Campbell’s main problem is— he is overcoached.   I half think at times Jim Zorn treats Campbell as a robot. It’s often said that coaches who used to be quarterbacks regard their current quarterbacks as extensions of themselves on the field, but that’s not what they should be. Quarterbacks, like every other NFL player [only moreso] need to use their brains on the field. Let Campbell play quarterback in ways that suit him, such as more shotgun and more no huddle.

5.  Be a head coach Jim.  Meaning, be a head coach.  That means turning offensive play calling over to Sherman Smith or Joe Bugel.  While they are doing that, you can be, well, a head coach.  The play calling sucks.  Zorn is in over his head.  Zorn has never been any higher than a postion coach.  He has never called offensive plays.  Zorn is trying to be a head coach and beat defensive coordinators at the same time, with no previous experience, and it shows.  Time to delegate and be a head coach.  Smith or Bugel?  I don’t care.  Just turn play calling over.  Zorn is way in over his head with too much on his own shoulders.

Honorable Mentions:  Bench Carlos Rogers and play Justin Tryon or Byron Westbrook.  At least declare the job wide open.  Move Brian Orakpo where he should be, at defensive end.  End the strong side linebacker experiment.  Orakpo can be a prolific pass rusher if you let him.

Again, these are not the panaceas to fixing the Redskins.  The Redskins are broke and it starts at the top.  The very top.  But these subtle changes could make a little difference and send big signals.

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