The Method to Zorn’s Madness

By John D. McKinnon, Jr.




Back in the mid-eighties a movie was created called “The Karate Kid.” This heart-warming tale involved an old Okinawan man that took a young, gangly kid under his wing. The young man, Daniel, was frequently tormented by his schoolmates and used the older gentleman as a refuge. Daniel’s elderly buddy, affectionately known as Mr. Miyagi, shared his extensive knowledge of the martial arts with his newly acquired friend. Mr. Miyagi shared lots of wisdom with his surrogate grandson but for me one phrase stood out from the rest. That phrase was simply, “If done correctly, no can defense.” Grammatical flaws notwithstanding, these profound words were in reference to a karate kick that apparently no one wanted to be on the opposite end of.

In certain parts of the movie it appeared that Mr. Miyagi may have been full of something other than wisdom of the ancients. He seemingly enjoyed forcing Daniel to remodel his vacation home, while he went fishing and sampled fine spirits. Daniel became frustrated as he felt he was being used and didn’t see an immediate benefit to these laborious tasks. Could Mr. Miyagi have been using this unsuspecting kid for the sake of not hiring contractors or was this all part of loftier purpose? As it turns out, he was teaching Daniel the technical intricacies of karate all along.

Now enter Washington Redskin’s head coach Jim Zorn (great timing huh, I bet you thought this was a movie review) and rookie Wide Receivers Malcolm Kelly and Devin Thomas. These college phenoms were expected to provide much needed size, and talent to the Redskins receiver corps while simultaneously expanding the offense. However, their seasons have thus far been marred by injuries and / or the inability to “grasp” the offense.

Since Jim Zorn has implemented his version of the West Coast offense he’s had mixed results. Early in the pre-season, Malcolm Kelly and Devin Thomas both suffered from lingering hamstring injuries. As time went on Kelly’s injuries persisted, consequently affecting his playing time and progression. Devin Thomas has shown signs of greatness; however his inability to master his routes has been well documented. Zorn publicly acknowledged their reluctance to come to training camp in shape and has berated and challenged his prospective future All-Pro wide-outs. The two have stated they’ve adhered to Zorn’s words but so far their production has been minimal.


Many sports pundits have questioned whether Zorn should simplify his offense or not. After all, there are plenty of Rookie receivers making a contribution this year around the league. Running precise patterns is imperative to success in Zorn’s offense. Quarterbacks must release the ball quickly to receivers that are running “timing routes,” which requires the respective receiver to be in a certain spot once the ball is released.

In the interim, it would seem logical to utilize the skills of two tall, fast receivers to benefit the team at any cost. A fade pattern in the end zone to Kelly (6’4) or Thomas (6’2) seems more logical than throwing simular passes to Santana Moss (5’8) or Randel-El (5’10). Maybe this is part of Zorn’s overall plan. Perhaps he feels challenging the rookies to maximize their potential will benefit the team in the long term (see Karate Kid reference). Zorn’s methodology of making his young receivers study their playbooks religiously may benefit them more than they realize.

Now of course the flip-side of this coin is the aforementioned rookies will prove to be busts and never become what the team envisioned. If Zorn does have a method to his madness, these two underachieving rookies could make the Redskin’s offense a force to be reckoned with. If those two weapons are utilized correctly, they could turn into something that no one “can defense.”


Hail To The Redskins!

In Defense of a very Offensive Draft

By John D. McKinnon, Jr.

One month after the NFL Draft, some Redskins fans can be left with mixed feelings. Firstly, the Skins front office didn’t bite on any proposed trades and in the eyes of some; they maximized their Draft picks. On the other hand, the Skins seemingly ignored what is arguably their most palpable weakness; their defensive line. The Redskins have added marginal talent to their line in recent years (save Andre Carter) however; their 2008 draft choices may help to quell some of the confusion for Skins fans.

After the 2008 Draft was complete, the Redskins added Devin Thomas (possibly the strongest receiver in the Draft), Malcolm Kelly (one of the most talented receivers available) and Fred Davis (arguably the best Tight End taken). Durant Brooks, the winner of the Ray Guy Award (Awarded to the college football’s top punter) was also taken in the later rounds. These picks addressed the teams need for tall, young receivers and a punter that can help to improve field position. The Skins also added youth and talent to its offensive line and secondary with the acquisitions of OG Chad Rinehart and CB Justin Tyron, respectively. In short, the Skins could have fared a lot worse in the Draft.

“Yeah John but what about the Defensive Line?” Ok, I’m getting to that. With former Defensive Line coach Greg Blatche taking over for the supplanted Greg Williams, the defensive philosophy shouldn’t change that much. For about a decade or longer, the Skins’ greatest weakness has been pass-rushing. Staying true to form the Skins didn’t address this need in the draft; however, they may have other solutions.

Georgetown University’s Alex Buzbee may be a pleasant surprise as a back up defensive end. The Redskins drafted Buzbee last year but kept him on the practice squad in order for him to increase his strength and refine his technique. Perhaps the most intriguing addition to the D-line could be Erasmus James. James was chosen by the Vikings as the 18th overall pick in the 2005 draft. He has shown flashes and has a tremendous upside; however, his career has been marred by serious injuries. James was traded to Washington for a conditional 7th Round pick in 2009. If James doesn’t make the 53 man roster, the Redskins won’t owe the Vikings anything. If he can stay healthy and play up to his potential, he may prove to be a tremendous steal. This move by the front office may indicate the Skins front office is finally moving in the right direction.

Drafting potentially explosive offensive players may allow fans to forgive the Redskins for not going after a talented lineman once again. If the Redskins can maximize their talent potential on defense this season they may be a force to reckon with. If not, their best defense may be their offense.


Hail To The Redskins!

The Return Of Dan Snyder

By John D. McKinnon, Jr.

During this dismal period known as the NFL off-season, many sports fans relish anything that resembles exciting sports news. Any semblance of controversy between February and September seems to serve as a precursor to an electrifying season. For example; try to imagine an owner giving up two first round picks (2008 and 2009) for a wide-receiver that’s thirty years of age. I know, it sounds so ridiculous and unrealistic doesn’t it?

Well guys this nonsensical and obviously absurd proposal actual took place on yesterday. The cast list in this low budget melodrama includes, Redskins Owner Dan Snyder (and trusty sidekick Vinny Cerrato), the Cincinnati Bengals and disgruntled Bengals wide out Chad Johnson.

But wait, wouldn’t everyone like to have Chad Johnson on their team? I couldn’t think of a reason why they wouldn’t, however the primary factor that could create an impasse would be the cost. Chad is one of the top receivers in the league and justifiably demands a hefty contract. The monetary cost for Chad could pose a problem but the long-term ramifications for the Skins could loom even larger. Honestly, how many years can Chad play at a high level? Even if he played for the next four or five years at an All-Pro level for the Skins, would it be worth it? Though many sports pundits claim drafting in the first round can be hit or miss, so can going after an aging free agent. The Redskins need a big, talented wide receiver to complement mighty mites, Randel El and Santana Moss. This receiver could come in the form of James Hardy, Malcolm Kelly, or Limas Sweed. None of these receivers will require as much money as Chad and get this; they’re all in their early twenties. The Redskin’s may decide to wait and draft a receiver in the later rounds but if they trade away their picks, they would forfeit many of their options.

After a quiet offseason, Skins owner Dan Snyder has finally resurfaced. For the first time during his tenure with the Redskins, “Danny” has remained disciplined or at least made an effort to suppress his penchant for overspending and giving away draft picks. After a few months of this uncharacteristic change, Snyder finally appears to have returned to his old form. Of course Vinny Cerrato has a major role in this but Snyder is the CEO of the club and therefore should bear the brunt of the responsibility. If anyone was concerned that the Snyder we knew was no more, they can now be assured he’s back and here to stay. It’s almost as though, he took a sabbatical to brainstorm about what he could do to execute the ultimate “bonehead” move. This time, the Bengals management declined Snyder’s offer, thereby temporarily supplanting Snyder as the worst decision maker in football history. But never fret, Snyder supporters and Redskin’s enemies alike can find solace in the fact that he’s back. It’s highly unlikely the Redskins will make it past Draft Day without executing a trade that most teams would vehemently refuse. It’s like Snyder and Cerrato saw the Redskin’s had nine Draft picks this year (the most since 2002) and decided this is an opportunity to trade for more free-agents.

The names of wide receivers, Anquan Boldin (Arizona) and Roy Williams (Detroit) have been floating around through NFL rumor mills regarding interest from the Redskins. These two receivers are younger than Johnson but might require comparable compensation. So we can expect to hear soon that more teams will toy with Snyder and Cerrato until they receive the deal of their dreams. As a Redskin fan I would love to find out that I’m wrong. But as a Redskin fan (repeated intentionally) I seriously doubt that I will be. None of the aforementioned Wide Receiver’s talent is not in question, only the will to give other teams more than they’re likely to receive in return for them. This is one thing that Snyder will continue to do and that’s a testament that he’s here to stay.


Hail To The Redskins!
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Redskins Fantasy Draft: Fantasy or Reality?

By John D. McKinnon, Jr.


We’re already a week and a half from Draft Day 2008 and I’ve noticed something. There seems to be an eerie stillness in the air that suggests something extraordinary may happen soon. This serene vibe wouldn’t seem too odd under normal circumstances but this one’s a little different. This peaceful tranquility has traveled through Redskins Park and as a result, it remains quiet just under two weeks before Draft day.

What could bring about this unusual practice? Is the Redskin’s front office tired of being burned by making so many compulsive decisions? Or have they learned the habit of trading their Draft picks for players that may never play a down, is utterly ridiculous? Maybe this is all a dream and we’ll all wake up and realize nothing’s changed. The alternative reality would be too extreme to even fathom.

Imagine the Redskin’s addressing their Defensive End, Cornerback and Wide Receiver situation in the first three Rounds. They could use the remaining picks to balance their roster with quality depth. The talent pool seems to be relatively deep at the three aforementioned positions. This could be the year the Washington Redskins could turn everything around. Or this could be another year of poor personnel decisions that leads to an underachieving, talented team.

The Skins may be able to pick up Defensive Ends Calais Campbell, Phillip Merling or Quentin Groves. At receiver, the names James Hardy and Malcolm Kelly have been floating around in conversations regarding Redskin’s first round possibilities. Zach Bowman, Antwaun Molden or Simeon Castille are possible pick ups at the cornerback spot.

Any combination of these young players could have a major impact on the Redskins this year and beyond. Are we talking about the next Dexter Manley, Art Monk and Darrell Green? Maybe or maybe not. What the Washington Redskins do on Draft Day will go a long way in determining their near future and beyond.

The fact the Redskins have so many draft picks going into Draft Day seems so surreal. After April 27, we’ll know whether or not this dream correlates with reality.


Hail To The Redskins!

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Washington Redskins: Draft '08

In a little more than two weeks the Washington Redskins will have added new players to their roster. This annual ritual that we know as the NFL Draft can bring along unexpected gems, busts and plenty of surprises. Most of the time the value of draft picks isn’t revealed until the middle or even the end of the season. Some Draft Day decisions can leave us scratching our heads. This year let’s hope that’s not the case for the Washington Redskins.

Assessing the Skins weaknesses last year, it’s fairly easy to identify their deficiencies. The primary problem has been simply not being able to generate a respectable pass-rush from the Defensive Line. Andre Carter gave the Skins the best individual pass-rusher they’ve had since Dexter Manley last season but when Carter was double teamed, the pass rush was nil since the opposing team only had Carter to worry about. Reserve Defensive End Chris Wilson proved to be very adept at getting to the quarterback on obvious passing downs. Wilson however, is undersized for NFL standards (6’4 240) and as a result is too small to play every down. The Redskins could also use a Defensive Tackle that’s adept against the run and can provide a push in the middle to flush Quarterbacks into the Defensive Ends. Cornelius Griffin could be that guy if he stayed healthy but that’s like saying Porky Pig would be a great spokesperson for Looney Toons if he didn’t stutter. Griffin has been oft-injured since he’s been with the organization. The Skins could use a prospect like Calais Campbell (6’8 280) out of Miami to play opposite of Andre Carter. Campbell along with young overachievers Anthony Montgomery and Kedric Golston could provide a big-boost to an aging line.

The second most pressing issue in my opinion may be the cornerback situation. Overall the safeties are solid and the cornerbacks have the potential to be the best trio in the NFL. However, Shawn Springs is getting older and slower while Carlos Rogers has yet to become the “shut down corner” he was expected to be. Rogers is also coming off of a season ending injury and may not be fully recovered by Week 1. Fred Smoot is tough and plays hard but he’s not the type of corner you want on the opposing team’s top receiver. So what did I just say? If the cornerbacks can start the season healthy and remain that way throughout, this unit could be one of the team’s strongest. Also, a strong pass-rush can mask any weaknesses that may exist in the secondary. However, in case the recent trend of injuries continues the Skins should proactively go after a cornerback as a secondary or primary pick. I think Nebraska’s Zack Bowman or Alabama’s Simeon Castille are two good candidates. Both have good size and are pretty physical. If Springs, Rogers or Smoot are out with injuries, the Skins will have a qualified backup that’s ready to step in. After all they’ll need someone to supplant Springs pretty soon.

The tertiary need has got to be wide-out. A big, tall, fast receiver with good hands can open up the running game and give Jason Campbell more options than Wilt Chamberlain at a bachelor party. Did someone say tall receiver? Ok, well how about James Hardy (6’7 220) out of Indiana. I think Hardy or Limas Sweed would provide the big target for Jason Campbell that will improve his passing percentage and help to move smallish Randle El or Santana Moss into the slot where their speed could prove to be more effective. If Jim Zorn favorite Anthony Mix pans out the Redskins could boast a receiver corps to reckon with.

The remaining picks should be used to shore up depth on the Offensive line and other non-glamorous areas that are essential to a winning team. It appears the Redskins are attempting to buck a recent trend of trading away their Draft picks for nothing in return. Could this be the Draft that turns the Redskins around? After the 2008 Draft we should at least have an idea.


Hail To The Redskins!

The Zorn Identity

By John D. McKinnon, Jr.

These days it seems that sports fans, news mediums and the general populace are in need of legends. We give our favorite athletes and entertainers labels such as “great” or “legendary” sometimes before they’ve proven anything. Let’s be honest, we do this because it adds an element of fun and most of us enjoy tracking the progressions of our heroes. Many of them will fly under the radar and are acknowledged only after years of success. Jim Zorn, the new Head Coach of the Washington Redskins has the opportunity to do just that.


Since Zorn has arrived he’s been active in determining which prospects would be the best fit for the current roster. He’s spoken highly of his predecessor, Joe Gibbs and has become an active participant in accessing player’s skills. Zorn told former Seahawk receiver D.J. Hackett, he’d like to have him for the right price but wouldn’t over-pay for him. He also recently placed a collage of Sean Taylor’s pictures in his office, which shows he’s establishing a connection with Redskin community. He’s even alluded to giving unheralded players like receiver Anthony Mix playing time instead of letting him waste away on the bench. Forgive me if this comes off as premature but Zorn seems to be moving in the right direction and has the preliminary makings of a great coach. There goes that word again, “great”.

I’ve fully taken into account that saying this could make me appear to be either a genius or a goat. However, based on what I’ve seen thus far, it’s certainly worth the risk. Zorn hasn’t had the opportunity to do much at this point of the off-season but the few things he’s had an opportunity to do all seem to be correct. Later this month at the Washington Redskin’s annual draft day party, Zorn will address the fans at Fed Ex Field. It will be interesting to hear what he has to say. Will he try to remain politically correct and say all the right things? Or will he continue the trend he’s already started and speak the truth? I’m positive that the latter scenario would be welcomed by all Redskins’ fans.

Some of my readers may be wondering why we should get excited about Zorn so quickly. What he’s done so far is actually very simplistic, however it’s a-typical of the quandary the Skins have been in since ’93. So with that said, let’s sit back and enjoy watching Zorn’s identity unfold. Zorn may never be a legend but if he ever is, just remember who told you first.


Hail to the Redskins!

Jim Zorn: WIlling To Mix it Up

By John D. McKinnon, Jr.


Art Monk, Terrell Owens, Randy Moss and Larry Fitzgerald have all proven that big and talented receivers can change the entire tone of an offense. In fact, that one player can be the difference in a mediocre offense and one that keeps opposing defensive coordinators up at night. For the past two seasons it’s been evident the Washington Redskins have needed some size at wide-out. Santana Moss, Antwaan Randel-El and others have occasionally made big plays but more often than not, their lack of height and mass have worked against them. Santana Moss, though blazing fast and talented, stands maybe at about 5’8 with Randel El maybe an inch or two taller.

Last year by mid-season, the Redskins were the only NFL Team without one wide out to cross the end-zone for a touchdown. Ironically, on November 11th against the Eagles the Redskins finally managed three touchdown passes to wide outs James Thrash (6’0 200) and Keenan McCardell (6’1 190). It seemed Gibbs and company had figured it out and even acquired former Giant’s receiver Anthony Mix (6’5 235). However, the Gibbs II regime stayed true to form and acquired Mix only to stand on the sidelines and play special teams (i.e. T.J. Duckett, Reche Caldwell and Brandon Lloyd).

When Jim Zorn was hired as an offensive coordinator and eventually (default) Head Coach, I was very critical of the move. In fact, the move supported the theory that Dan Snyder had no clue how to run a football team. A couple of weeks ago, the Redskins brought in free agent wide receiver D.J. Hackett whom Zorn coached during his time as an offensive coordinator in Seattle. Zorn liked Hackett (6’2 200+) but informed him he wouldn’t overpay for his services. A couple of days later Hackett signed on with Carolina for an undisclosed amount. I have to commend Zorn for his honesty and his backbone in the situation. After all, that type of candor has been a- synonymous with Redskin coaches since Gibbs I.

Zorn in a recent interview mentioned Anthony Mix stating, “Wow, he's a big receiver. He's going to get an opportunity.” Zorn spoke of Mix and his size and even alluded to increasing his playing time contingent upon his performance. Mix humbly showed his appreciation for the compliment while accepting the challenge by stating, “It makes me feel great that they've identified me as being someone who has the talent, so that they want to give me a chance.” Mix continued, “I'm not nervous at all about it. I'm excited about it. A lot of people wait for that big break; this might be my big break.” How refreshing is that for Redskin’s fans? To have a guy with potential that’s getting paid a minimum salary and can’t wait to prove himself in conjunction with a coach that’s willing to give him a try and use him to the team’s advantage? Personally, it sounds better than anything I’ve heard in a long time coming from Redskin Park between February and September.

Of course this may not work out at all and Zorn could be a flop. However, if that’s the case, at least the Redskins aren’t overpaying players (so far) and appear to be focused on building through the Draft. So even the worst case scenario should materialize a lot better than it did during the Norv Turner years when “Over The Hill” guys like Deion “Past Prime Time” Sanders and Bruce “If we played one more down I know I’d get a sack” Smith robbed the Skins blind with little production in return.

Zorn appears to be moving this team in the right direction, which may be a testament that the Redskins may be on their way to more championship Seasons. I’m not going to ask Tony Kornheiser to reserve a spot for me on the “Bandwagon” just yet but I can’t resist being cautiously optimistic about the coming season. After all, with Jim Zorn putting guys like Anthony in the Mix (pun intended), how could a true Redskin fan not be excited?

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