Comments on The Om Field: 2009 Redskins: One Split-Second Away

I should clarify. When I said "if the offens...

2009-08-12T22:12:05.128-04:00

I should clarify. When I said "if the offense can't block, nothing else will matter," I was referring to both pass and run-blocking. Looking back to when our Oline was healthy last year, around week 5, our run game was very effective and that opened up everything (Portis was even leading the league in rushing for a stretch). If our Oline picks up where it left off at the end of last year though, with little room to run and not much time for JC, then I just don't see how we can win. With a good running game, a QB can help compensate for poor pass protection somewhat (as we resorted to last year by abandoning the 5-step drop), but even a bionic QB couldn't save us. It'll be more of the same as the end of last year if the OL doesn't improve.

I thought the Dockery comeback was a head-scratcher. He's fine in the running game, but can be a liability in pass pro. So, if we're trying to move from a Gibb's offense to the WCO, why bring in him? Shouldn't our line start to look like the undersized but quick-footed Colt's OL?

I like your (qualified) optimism though.

I always felt Campbell moved a bit slow, and I thi...

2009-08-11T10:15:59.817-04:00

I always felt Campbell moved a bit slow, and I think I still feel that way, but ultimately, the bottleneck to his progress is definitely his 'processing speed'. Blame it on lack of confidence, lack of preparation, bad coaching, or just the inability to make decisions that split second faster, but regardless of why, our season will likely reflect whether or not the issue has been resolved.

Thanks for the read and comments. Joe M, I'...

2009-08-11T07:45:43.517-04:00

Thanks for the read and comments.

Joe M,

I'll respectfully disagree that if the OL can't block "nothing else will matter." A QB can help out his OL with quick decision-making as much if not more than an OL can help out its QB with great pass pro. The split second I'm talking about in the piece, and illustrated in particular the two plays in the clips (Collins-to-Betts, Brennan-to-some-guy-off-the-street), is nothing less than the difference between winning and losing in the NFL.

Even with the likely OL problems, I think this Redskins team is solid enough to contend if they that specific king of playmaking from Jason Campbell in 2009---something he has yet to show me.

As to Zorn, it's way too early for me to comment seriously on his future. More will go into Snyder's decision on whether or not to keep him after this season than just the W-L record, the QB play, the OL or any other single thing. The list of potential factors I can think of off the top of myhead would be far too long to list here. Let's save that for another tome down the road a bit.

I think this is all you needed to write: "Tr...

2009-08-10T22:56:47.105-04:00

I think this is all you needed to write:

"Truth is I still see Jason Campbell as miscast in Jim Zorn’s offense. I still think he’s the classic drop-back, downfield play-action passer Joe Gibbs drafted him to be, not the step-and-fire, quick-release surgeon Jim Zorn needs him to be."

That sums it up. Separately, I disagree that JC is key to the season. If our OL can't block, nothing else on the offense will matter.

My question is, if the team bombs because the offense continues to struggle, and they struggle because the OL is poor, then why will there be a call to fire Zorn? I think we're approaching year 2 of the 3 year plan that started after Gibbs up and left. Next year we draft & sign an OL and get JC back cheap (given that he'll struggle behind our current OL and thus won't have bargaining leverage).

Great comments, it is very true that the Redskins ...

2009-08-10T08:00:24.900-04:00

Great comments, it is very true that the Redskins season relies on the QB's ability to quickly process what is happening on the field and make plays. I think JC will incrementally improve, but not dramatically. Zorn and management already realize this. I expect Colt to play a lot this preseason, they are testing him out to see what he can do. In the end if they stick with JC we will be OK, if Colt plays well enough to start we could be great.

Jason Campbell brought us back from the dead in th...

2009-08-09T16:45:27.191-04:00

Jason Campbell brought us back from the dead in the Saints game last year. I was there for that one. I can still feel the thrill of victory down 9 in the the 4th quarter. That broken play to Cooley then the 68 yard floater to Moss. Sweet! The intangibles are there. We just need to see more of that. Zorn needs to unleash the dragon!