Perspective is Reality
by Boo. on Sep 20, 2009 11:13 PM EDT
51 comments
I sweated through this one without the benefit of actually watching it live. Thankfully, the magic of cellphones and old-school VCR recorders allowed me to enjoy the game in full, but perhaps with a little more perspective. Only getting play-by-play text messages from friends when the team was in the red-zone, I experienced only the most depressing aspects of the game while it was live. That sucked.
Then I got in my car to crawl home through beltway traffic on my way home so I could finally watch my recording of the game. I new the outcome, so I listened to the analysis and fans. That sucked too.
When I finally got home I opened Hogs Haven and the ESPN game story, intent on not having any opinion of my own to formulate while watching the game. In the game story, I read this doozie from All-Pro Tight End, and All-Around Awesome Guy, Chris Cooley:
"I understand that they want us to beat the Rams by 40," said Cooley, who led the Redskins with seven catches for 83 yards. "But we still won, and if we continue to win games, that's great. The booing was unnecessary."
Ouch.
So then I decided to actually watch the game. And with a little perspective (namely knowing the ultimate outcome), I came away feeling pretty damn good about a couple of really important things.
#1: This defense had two poor series all game. One that was defined by a huge play by one of the big-time players in the league, and one that was defined by an even bigger play by a future pro-bowler (IMO) in Chris Horton. Apart from those two series, the Defense harassed Bulger, got off the field on third downs, and made gigantic stops when it absolutely had to. That all-or-nothing stand at the end was a thing of beauty; I cheered out loud knowing what had already happened, and I encourage everyone to go back and watch it again if you can because it will tell you a lot about the heart of the D's key pieces. Just as important though, was the stop after the team punted out the shadow of their goal line to give Campbell the ball back. The D improved significantly from last week and I think Blache also called a more creative game. Though we only got one turnover, players were in position for a couple more, and they will come.
#2: Jim Zorn didn't panic. Confronted with a hostile home crowd, whispers of Shanahans in the wind, and frustrating red-zone results, he stuck to a balanced game plan and put the team in a position to win the game. The defense played big when it needed to, but without the offense running 70 plays, rackings up 362 yards of offense, and holding the ball from almost 35 minutes, Stephen Jackson might have made us play. Yes, 0-5 in the redzone is absolutely unnacceptable, and a lot of that falls on Zorn. He needs to give Campbell chances to execute the more conventional red-zone plays, but a couple touchdowns were left off the scoreboard because players didn't execute. However, between the twenties, the offense moved the ball methodically, spreading it around with more variety, taking shots down field, and running between the tackles very well.
If I had been watching live, I would have been screaming at the television when Zorn was calling running plays on first down when we were losing in the the third quarter. Instead, I was applauding he resolve to stick with the run when it was working. He also called a lot of first down pass plays, which worked well. My man Malcolm Kelly also had his biggest game as a pro and did just enough to get my fantasy team a win. You cannot say anything bad about the playcalling or the execution for 80% of the team's offensive snaps. If Zorn had gotten nervous and started chuckin it around, this game could have been even uglier.
So, frustrating? Yes. Time to panic and boo your own team? Hell no. There is no such thing as a must-embarass game in the NFL. We aren't playing to impress for the coaches poll. This was a must-win game. And we won.
Hail to the Redskins. Lets go get Stafford.
Images via a.espncdn.com
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I'll Take It
It was frustrating, but it was a win. I guess it was easy to be dissapointed when we were expecting a go-zillion points.
I didn’t think the play calling was too bad outside of the redzone. I think the main problem was execution.
Zorn surprised me with how many times he decided to pass, and it worked for the most part. Campbell and the receivers put up some decent numbers. The ball was spread around to a number of guys. Campbell was right in the post game interview: When you don’t score TDs and let the Rams stay close, they get hungry and confident and they start playing better.
The O-Line is in a world of hurt. Watch how far they got pushed back on the 4th down try at the end. The entire line gets pushed back 2 yards or so.
by DCtoAustralia on Sep 21, 2009 1:26 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Brilliant fanpost...
one of the more reasoned things I’ve read by a fellow ‘Skins fan online in a good while. I’ve been on Extremeskins far too long >_>
by Facestealer on Sep 21, 2009 3:21 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Less than 24 hours later
The win is important, if the Redskins would have won against the Rams last year then they are a playoff team. Ugly wins are only remembered as wins later in the season so I am very happy with the win and hope continued improvement is made with another win against the Lions.
But I’m still concerned with Zorn’s play calling and thinking, which I think carries over to the players with too much of a stay “medium” feel. The Redskins need to get excited and decide to control the game instead of have the game controlled by the other team.
Over at the Official Redskins signt Larry Weisman talks about the Red zone Blues
But some of Zorn’s quotes are what scares me,
Why did the Redskins not kick another Field Goal late in the game, to force the Rams to score a TD instead of a Field goal to win. Not trust in the defense but fear of the kickoff:
"We’d have to kick off to them and they’re going to get the ball," he said. "In this case, they’re throwing out of their end zone four times."</blockquote>"I felt confident being that far in with them having no time outs," Zorn said. "If they could drive 99 yards or at least 75 to kick a field goal, that would have been a wrong choice, but they didn’t."Decisions have to be made with confidence, not made because of fear.
Every game when he describes the play calling it is based on his impression of what the other team is giving him, this is the NFL teams rarely give the other team anything it needs to be earned. After Campbell hurt his ankle, Zorn again coached out of fear, he stopped calling plays because of a concern with Campbells ankle. If the ankle changes the game plan, then change quarterbacks, don’t call a game out of fear!
I do believe it can be turned around, but Zorn needs to get on a fast track of being himself, someone without the fear to coach based on his feel of the game not his feelings inside.
by dr WNC on Sep 21, 2009 8:00 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I don’t know what state of mind I would be in if I didn’t have this site.
I'm to young to Die Danny...don't make me do it tomorrow....
by Rekka on Sep 21, 2009 9:19 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Boo, nicely done
Way to beat Kevin out of the shoot with your reasoned, calming words. Pour Some Sugar On Me tomorrow will have less work to do thanks to your handiwork here.
by Sugar on Sep 21, 2009 9:34 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
You're a beauty, Boo.
I also didn’t get to watch the game live, but was checking my cellphone every few minutes. I probably will never be able to see it (didn’t make it to crappy Canadian programming), so I enjoyed your takes on it.
by SSBlitz on Sep 21, 2009 9:50 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
This win didn't change much for me one way or the other.
Zorn is still struggling and our passing game is sub par at best.
Lots of teams can move the ball between the 20s, its the redzone that counts.
Unfortunately we’re right where I thought we are, and were all last season: Bad offense. Good defense. Unproven coach.
And now, to quote Jason Reid:
in 18 games under coach and play-caller Jim Zorn, Washington has been among the league’s least-productive teams in that key area. Washington averaged 16.6 points last season, ranking 28th out of 32 teams. Through two games this season, Washington is averaging 13 points.
by smutsboy1 on Sep 21, 2009 9:53 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Zorn may not have panic'd, but does he know how to manage a game?
I feel like 4th down play w/ 2 mins left Zorn went for it ONLY b/c he knew of the lash-back he’d get not scoring a TD against the lowly Rams.
Down 2 points…you HAVE to kick the FG there and force the other team to score a TD.
by KevinE on Sep 21, 2009 10:14 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
I dunno Kev
I think that if the team had shown the capability to convert opportunities successfully I could see more folks looking at this as an example that our head guy on the field does have the cojones. If those TD gimmies weren’t botched by the players earlier, then we already have the game salted away, but in a way, I can see why trying to drive a stake through the heart of the vampire versus leaving the lid cracked would be the way to go. Execution of said plan, mind you, leaves a lot to be desired. People are bemoaning the fact that we were atrocious in the RZ this game, but this game showed that Campbell did a fine job of executing the game plan and moved them up and down the field. The RZ execution was on the players, they left the points on the field, because our guys had their hands on the ball and dropped it, they weren’t stacked up three yards behind the line of scrimmage or watching the ball sail into the stands this time. Everyone says it’s on the coach when the RZ failures occur, last game, I agree, this one, not so much.
I used to be disgusted, now I try to be amused....
by piratedan7 on Sep 21, 2009 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Valid points...
i guess I just don’t understand why if Campbell is doing his part…why would you take the game plan away from him. I realize the Portis throw was only 1 play….but the probability of Campbell making a play is so much higher.
There were five red zone trips with zero TDs…that cant be all on the players. I def agree tho…a lot of callers on the junkies this morning were saying the Redskins lack heart. Not sure about that….but man, not protecting the ball and dropping easy passes is embarassing.
by KevinE on Sep 21, 2009 11:07 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
the only problem with kicking a FG
is that our kickoff kicker sucks, and the Rams may very well have gotten the ball at the 30 or 40.
you miss 4th down and the Rams have to go 60 yards, at minimum for a FG
this was a lose/lose situation. the fact that we were in it in the first place is the biggest deal.
by smutsboy1 on Sep 21, 2009 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not really sure what you’re talking about, I saw our special teams do a damn good job yesterday.
On kickoffs Suisham was putting them in the back corner and on our first two kickoffs they started on the 15 both times, that’s damn good kicking and running down the field to make the tackle.
Looking at the stats on NFL.com they averaged 12 and 14 on their returns and their long was 23, I’m satisfied.
by travisjh86 on Sep 21, 2009 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
On the balance, Suisham blows at kickoffs
He might have had a couple good ones yesterday, but going back to last season, he’s ranked 30th in KO length.
He had at least 1 or 2 yesterday that didn’t get past the 10 yard line in the air.
by smutsboy1 on Sep 21, 2009 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree to a point
If the kicker sucks, then get rid of him.
While decisions need to be made based on reality, it also needs to be made based on confidence the team wants to win and will itself to win.
Kick the field goal, and make your Special teams and defense earn the win instead of making a decision because of being afraid of what might happen.
That is why against the one of best defenses the Redskins can score 17 points and against one of the worse the team can only score 9 or 12…play with the mindset that you are the better team instead of just another team with a weak kicking game, weak coordinator, soft secondary, and a poor line.
by dr WNC on Sep 21, 2009 2:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i disagree entirely. the coach showed confidence in his players and put the game in their hands to seal. we all know the defense is pretty good. this worked and he built some trust and confidence with his offense.
not traditional, but it was still well timed and a high probability move.
good for coach zorn
by les boulez bomber on Sep 21, 2009 4:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Interesting perspective
But a final score of 9-7 against a team that could potentially be picking first in next year’s draft?!?….
by VA_Skin on Sep 21, 2009 11:48 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
do you remember
the “beginning” of the Snyder era? Or at least, the “end” of the Nerv debacle? We lost 9-7 to the Giants, the game that sent our season spiralling, and propelled the G-spots to the Superbowl. That game came down to a terrible judgement call from our HC. (Nerv had 97 year old Eddie Murray try a 52 yarder after Murray said pregame he couldn’t hit past 45)
I FULLY supported Snyder’s decision to can Nervless. I thought it was LONG overdue. But I have to admit, I was half expecting to see similar news about Zorn last night. I’m glad I didn’t.
by CJHutch on Sep 21, 2009 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
ouch
I remember that transition (Snyder/Turner) and I also I remember how terribly they treated Marty Schottenheimer (I’m a Chiefs fan too – a bond I developed with my grandfather) so it hurt even more.
I keep hoping that Zorn will turn things around and I think it’s much too early to give up on him, JC, or the season yet but barely beating the Rams doesn’t fill me with hope.
If Shanahan were brought in as HC would he be stuck with Cerrato?
Is there any hope of something resembling a real FO? I hope so!
by ZakInOmaha on Sep 21, 2009 1:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No.
Is there any hope of something resembling a real FO?
by smutsboy1 on Sep 21, 2009 1:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
other than blind optimism
what reason is there to think Snyder will hire an experienced GM?
by smutsboy1 on Sep 21, 2009 1:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
no offense
but that would be a blind, deaf, AND dumb outlook. That little Napolean wannabe is gonna do it his way for as long as he owns this team.
by CJHutch on Sep 21, 2009 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think you're right
Which is why my hopes only go so high with such an idiotic owner.
by ZakInOmaha on Sep 21, 2009 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It is starting to become painful to root for this team now. It is almost like rooting for the Nationals. You know they are the hometown team, but aren’t blind to the fact that they are poorly run.
They’re good enough to beat horrible teams (and being in the bottom of the NFC East gets them games against the bottom feeders in other NFC divisions), but get schooled by competent teams.
by killianskid34 on Sep 21, 2009 3:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hear the Cowboys have a shiny new stadium
Thank you very much for your opinion… now get the fudge out.
by Boo. on Sep 21, 2009 3:58 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
yes he is
it’s easy to root for this team, it is the Washington Redskins
And I am a Fan! Who is loyal to the team I root for and have for a long time.
Just as Easy as it is to always root against the Cowboys no matter who they are playing, and watching Romo choke again makes it better.
by dr WNC on Sep 21, 2009 4:14 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Do you ever say anything positive?
I was at the game and it wasn’t a painful experience. I had fun with a ton of friends, the weather was awesome, and the Redskins won! So why the hell would I sit here and bitch today and boo yesterday?
Its the NFL. There are no gimmies, these guys are professionals. Yea we dropped some passes and the red zone play calling wasn’t great but why is no one attributing maybe a small portion of this to Spags knowing us so well?
Theres only one score that matters in the NFL and thats Wins-Losses. No one is hammering the Steelers, Ravens, etc. when they routinely put up 10 to 13 points per game.
It shouldn’t matter its your hometwon team, that i love so they are very easy to root for and I look forward to every, single Sunday.
by pas493 on Sep 21, 2009 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
more ad hominem attacks at me?
I thought you were done with those. They’re so petty.
killianskid34 is pained by how mediocre we always are. telling him to go F- off is not a reasonable response by a usually down-to-earth boo.
by smutsboy1 on Sep 21, 2009 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You went to the game, right?
Did you have fun?
Do you know how many people would have loved the opportunity/privilege to go watch their favorite team play? Then add in awesome weather and the fact that your favorite team won. Its senseless why bitch about every little thing? Why take up a seat at FedEx? You did something yesterday that hundreds of thousands of people would have loved to have done and you just here and bitch like a spoiled brat, its draining dude.
by pas493 on Sep 21, 2009 4:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not rehashing this semantic argument
if you want to disagree with any points I make, go for it.
by smutsboy1 on Sep 21, 2009 4:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I couldn't resist my inner Cartman any longer
The Redskins are a more divisive issue than Health Care these days.
I’m 23 and my entire Redskins experience has been defined by the Dan Snyder era and mediocrity. But I also think that there are so many fun and exciting things to root for in the incarnation of this year’s team that I can’t handle all the whining about frustrations and how great this team was in years past and how we will never EVER EVER be good.
Especially since Gibbs came back the organization has improved the manner in which it is run and has put together a pretty talented roster with plenty of upstanding and interesting individuals that are fun to root for every weekend.
I’m not going to tell you that you need to support this team. If you want to pawn your Skins gear and sell your tickets to Steelers fans, I can’t stop you. But if you are going to go the games, you really should support these guys. And if you are going to call yourself a die-hard fan, you really should stop bitching so much.
by Boo. on Sep 21, 2009 5:08 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
The idea that loving the team and hating Snyder are mutually exclusive is false.
I cheer loudly, as I did yesterday beginning at 10 am in a parking lot in Landover, and yet remain in a constant state of criticism at Snyder for not bringing this franchise the greatness (or at least regular playoff appearances) it deserves.
Every comment I make is on topic, every comment I make is NOT negative, and I thoroughly enjoy debating any and all commentary.
But to call my criticism bitching essentially just name-calling. To openly say that if I was a diehard fan, I wouldn’t critique the team so much is disingenuous.
If you only knew a fraction of the time, money, effort and love I give this team, from 300 miles away, you’d probably never make such accusations again.
This is a forum for discussing this team. I stay on topic, and make points I believe are valid and fair. Feel free to prove me wrong. That’s why we’re all here.
by smutsboy1 on Sep 21, 2009 5:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And I appreciate
that your arguments are on-topic and well-reasoned. And I do understand the anti-Snyder feelings that so many in the fanbase have. My statements that you should stop bitching are aimed more at the general malcontented public rather than you, smutsboy1, in particular.
Lets face it, the fact that Chad Dukes and Lavar can have a show in which they complain about the ownership, criticize the team, and solicit calls of the same mindset for four whole hours everyday says a lot about how people feel these days. When it comes down to it, though, the only thing you can do to hurt the ownership is to speak with your wallet.
When people come on to HH and talk about how we SUCK and are going to win 4 games all year, and blast Zorn and Campbell, and, worst of all, boo the team after a victory, I can’t help but feel like I have nothing in common with them. It takes away from my experience, and thats the reason so many of us react so negatively to it.
by Boo. on Sep 21, 2009 5:39 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Damn, I thought I wrote that for a second. (Just b/c I’m 23 also and couldn’t have said it better myself)
by pas493 on Sep 21, 2009 5:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
hmm
that would explain why I tend to agree with the both of you most of the time (22 here)
I'm to young to Die Danny...don't make me do it tomorrow....
by Rekka on Sep 21, 2009 5:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
We might have made a major breakthrough here
I think we need Steinberg to conduct an anthropological study to figure out the root of this Schism.
by Boo. on Sep 21, 2009 5:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Schism? Whoa we teach abstinence in these parts brother
by pas493 on Sep 21, 2009 5:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was right
there with you guys ’til you started talking age. Now I hate you all.
Actually, having grown up in the ‘Glory Days’ of the Skins, I can say that it’s almost like an alternate reality. Jack Kent Cooke was such a different owner than Snyder that it’s not even worth talking about. I knew we were in for it when Dannyboy changed the name of JKC stadium as soon as he could. I STILL have my T-shirt from the very 1t game that says ‘THE HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT.’ While it turns out the stadium kinda sucks, JKC built it as much for the fans as for himself. And he did it with HIS MONEY. Snyder will never measure up to that guy.
Shit. I got so caught up I forgot my original point. Must be the old age.
by CJHutch on Sep 21, 2009 8:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The stadium does suck kinda, but that’s because the design of the stadium was 10-15 years old when they built the thing. While trying to maximize revenue, Snyder added way too many seats to the thing and took away something in the process.
By the way, it is easy to root against Dallas. VERY easy.
by killianskid34 on Sep 21, 2009 10:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
true
but I meant the location as well. I know it’ll be a double-edged sword when the midget gets his way and builds another stadium in D.C. Hopefully it will be as easy to access as RFK, and be in a much better location. Unfortunately, I don’t see little Scrooge footing the bill himself like JKC, which means a lot of controversy. Also, you know he’ll have to outdo Jerry Joan Collins, which means he’ll price even more people out of going to games.
by CJHutch on Sep 22, 2009 6:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Great article by the way,
11 of 15 snaps in the redzone were run? Two drops out of the 4 passes, maybe Zorn didn’t have faith in the receivers and thought we could muscle it in? Other than that I don’t really see why our game plan would change that much from pass happy to run happy after we get past the 20 yard line.
Execution and play calling can be blamed but I’m happy we came away with the W.
I was furious after the game that people were booing, it’s never enough for us fans is it? Year by year I start to dislike some redskins fans more and more. You really start to question people’s football knowledge when in the fourth quarter when we’re going for it on 4 down everyone is cheering. Why the hell are people screaming and yelling when our offense is on the field? I understand there are problems on this team but it IS fixable problems.
Things to improve upon:
Red Zone efficiency (obviously): Play calling and execution need to be better here.
Better run blocking: I’m not seeing a great push off the snap and I’m now more concerned now that Thomas has gone down.
Corners: Need to see something out of them, they definitely played better than they did against the giants but I want to see them making plays, knock down a pass or something.
I don’t know, i’m just spewing out my ass right now but still. HTTR
by travisjh86 on Sep 21, 2009 2:03 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
except
ONE of the throws was by Portis to a receiver, which tells me he has less faith in JC than in his receivers. Besides, I have no doubt about his confidence in Cooley, Moss, and even ARE. He needs to work on his trust with the other guys. Maybe they should do that “catch me when I fall” exercise. Though I’d be a little wary of doing it with Thomas.
by CJHutch on Sep 21, 2009 2:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wake Up Z-Man Before It's To Late
A win is a win no matter if it’s by 1 or by 31. This was an ugly win no doubt, but it’s a win. I thought Jason Campbell looked really good and made a couple of plays with his legs. The play calling in the redzone was awful in my opinion and the team has to start finishing some of these drives with TD’s. It’s no secret that Jim Zorn is on the hot seat and must produce a playoff berth to remain in charge. He needs to quit trying to please everyone and go back to being himself and calling what he wants to call. If you are going to go down , go down swinging and then you can say you gave it your best! I really think he is letting outside influences cloud his thinking!
by Beltwayboy on Sep 21, 2009 8:06 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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