SB Nation User Blog: ZakInOmaha

Jim Zorn Replaced!

ZakInOmaha — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 13:05:50 -0000

Ok, that was just to get your attention.

It's pretty obvious from all the posts that a fair number of people think Zorn should be fired. So who would replace him?

Don't name coaches who already have a job because they're not going to quit during the season.

If your replacement coach is known to be a coach who has a history of GM duties (like Shanahan) then explain how that going to work between Snyder, VC, and the new coach.

I haven't liked what I've seen from Zorn but there's no point in firing him unless there's someone better to replace him with. So who is it?

Good article

ZakInOmaha — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 13:04:49 -0000

The Bleacher Report has a good article on the Redskins today.

While it's not complimentary it's also not a bashing, it just simple states the facts. As the writer points out the Offensive line troubles are just the natural result of ignoring the need to draft OL for years on end. It's a sore point for me because I started following the NFL, and the Redskins in the glory days of the Hogs when if the team didn't have anything else, they had a great offensive line. I was actually envious of the Jaguars this year when they picked up not just 1 high draft round OL but 2 of them. I hope someone who makes draft decisions in the organization will read this article and make rebuilding the line a focus over the next few years.

Where's the cool aid?

ZakInOmaha — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 11:47:48 -0000

Living in the Midwest I ended up with the Steelers vs. Cardinals game so all I could do is wonder why the Redskins couldn't even score a Field Goal.

So what happened? Were the Redskins very bland on offense to avoid showing teams what they're going to do in the real season or what? I'm hoping there's some kind of bright side to 23-0. All 3 QB stats were pretty lame so maybe the cries for starting Colt Brennan will go away.

Coaching future

ZakInOmaha — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 13:56:05 -0000

What does the team need to do for the coach to keep his job?

Does he need to win the division? Does he need to at least win a playoff game? Does he need to win the NFC Championship?

I don't know if the powers that be even know the answer but I think they'll need to see something much better for Childress to keep his job. My guess is that he'll at least have to sin a playoff game to keep his job.

The inetitable 'Should the Redskins trade for Dennis Northcutt' question

ZakInOmaha — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 12:26:16 -0000

I just read that Northcutt is on the trading block (here's a link: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/206066-jacksonville-jaguars-dennis-northcutt-on-the-trade-block) and I know someobody's going to suggest that the Redskins make a play for him. Personally I hope not because I can't believe he has much left to contribute if the Jaguars, who've had an awful receiving corps since Jimmy Smith left, are getting rid of him. Maybe the front office guys won't hear about Northcutt being on the trade block... :P

Redskins outlook on the 2009 Eagles

ZakInOmaha — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 19:50:02 -0000

Redskins outlook on the 2009 Eagles

Strengths

McNabb - He's a very good QB who has never had very many good WR's to work with.

DL
The eagles have plenty of quality depth at DL with Abiamiri, Bunkley, Cole, Howard, and Patterson. The linemen acounted for 34.5 sacks last year - yikes. They were also very effective versus the run.

LB
Bradley isn't a big name to a lot of people but he can make a lot of plays both against the run and the pass.

DB
The Eagles pass defense was 1 of the best in the NFL last year and they should be able to repeat that ranking. Asante Samuel is a top quality CB and Brown is solid and smart. If anything they've improved with the signing of Hobbs from New England.

Weaknesses

WRs

The Eagles have few threats at WR with DeSean Jackson as their only real threat. It's rare when a rookie WR makes an impact in his first year so I don't expect that much out of Maclin this year. But Jackson was a rookie last year and he produced so it's not preposterous that Maclin will make an impact as a rookie. If Kevin Curtiss can stay healthy he could have a serious impact as well. Like the Redskins, all the Eagles really need is for someone, anyone, to step up and become a legitimate #2 WR and their passing game could be very good. But based on past performance they have a 1 man show at the moment.

Other Concerns (Neither strengths not weaknesses)

Brian Westbrook is already injured this year. Will he rehab in time to play a full season and will he be the same player? Nobody really knows the answer to those 2 questions and with Westbrook turning 30 it wouldn't be shocking to see his abilities diminish. If Westbrook is healthy he moves into the 'Strength' category but if he's not then McCoy had better step up.

OL Everyone is assuming that Jason Peters and Stacy Andrews are huge upgrades at OT but Peters gave up 11.5 sacks last year so that assumption is not very compelling.

Summary
If the Eagles don't get into the playoffs then they will have grossly under achieved in 2009. They should be in a dog fight with the Giants to win the division. Can they avoid choking in the playoffs?