Dumb And Dumber

The hiring of Jim Zorn

Dan and Vinny were like a “monkey f’ing a football” during the entire process of hiring a head coach after Gibbs left. What should have been a swift and efficient process turned into a month long soap opera that ended in a…WTF? Here’s a look back at the decisions that brought Jim Zorn to the Redskins.

Ignoring Gibbs

After Gibbs decided to retire after the season, it was said that he (as well as many players) endorsed Gregg Williams for the head coaching position in a meeting with Dan. Of course Dan let that endorsement from the most influential figure in Redskins history go in 1 ear and out the other. But why would Dan listen to the old man? Well, one good reason would be that Dan was still paying Gibbs his 6 million a year as a “consultant.” Another great reason was the fact that Gibbs just led the Skins to the playoffs 2 out of the last 3 seasons…and knew the team better than anyone. Or maybe because Gibbs won 3 Super Bowls and has forgotten more about football than Dan will ever know. Of course Dan strung Williams along for 10 days or so before not only not hiring him, but giving him his walking papers as the D coordinator as well (although Williams would have never stayed, Dan still has to maintain the power.) Dan was wrong not to hire Gregg Williams as the head coach. Not because he was the right man for the job (I’m not sure that he was and not sure he would have been successful either,) but by not listening to a great football mind like Gibbs…something Dan refuses to do. FAIL #1

Promoting Vinny

The next step to finding a head coach was to take a moment and…promote Vinny to Executive VP/Football Operations. The Redskin’s official press release announced that Vinny “will assume responsibility for all aspects of the team's football organization - including personnel, the team roster, scouting and salary cap management.” This is a great way to lure the “cream of the crop” of head coaches…let them know they’ve got to report to Vinny and defer to him on all personnel decisions. Now that’s got to sound attractive to a Cowher-type doesn’t it. FAIL#2

Meet your staff Coach

Next came the revealing of the “mystery candidate,” Jim Fassell. This would end up being the 2nd time that Dan left Fassell at the altar. Dan and Vinny strung him along while they were supposedly trying to assemble his coaching staff, which would feature Rex Ryan as D coordinator and Jim Zorn as the O coordinator. Ryan never had an interest in joining the Redskins in this capacity, but Zorn was hired as the O coordinator, based upon the fact that Dan and Vinny were “blown away” by his interview. Dan and Vinny then inked up Greg Blache as the D coordinator and now basically have an entire staff for their still unknown head coach. Just a quick recap, the incoming head coach now basically has his entire coaching staff already decided, and must defer all football decisions to Vinny. FAIL#3

Suit it up, Jim

Zorn was not a “hot commodity” for O coordinator positions around the NFL; he had never advanced past QB coach at any level in the NFL. He wasn’t the “young, sexy pick” to be a head coach in the NFL…that would have been Josh McDaniels, whom I believe the Skins never interviewed. Zorn was 54 years old and basically was only know for his “quirky” training methods. He had never called plays; he had never devised a game plan. He was never in charge of more than 3 players. But Dan and Vinny were blown away. And as the candidates began to dwindle…the job was now the equivalent of going out on a first date with a girl who’s 6 months pregnant…Dan and Vinny invited Zorn to interview for the head job. “Suit it up, Jim.” FAIL#4

The rest is now history. Zorn was named HC, OC and QB coach. Severely over his head…and he hasn’t been able to get his head back above water. I’m afraid that he’s close to no longer being able to tread water…and that’s where the Skins are at this point.

Next post will focus on personnel decisions.

Cheers and Hail

Skins Going For The Hat Trick?

When the Redskins drafted Jason Campbell in the 1st round of the 2005 draft, they became the first team in the history of the NFL to draft 2 QB's in the first round within 4 years of each other. Now all signs are pointing to a 3rd 1st rounder spent on a QB within 8 years. I don't have the power to research such information, but I'm going to assume no NFL team has ever done this, or even come close.

When you draft a Quarterback in the 1st round, you are making the assumption that this is your "franchise quarterback." The guy that you're going to hitch your wagon to for the next 10-12 years. It appears as though Dan and Vinny are giving up on Jason Campbell. That in itself is a bad decision. He has only improved every season even though he's had a different system each year. How good can he be this year, actually having a year of experience under his belt? Playing QB in the nations capital is one of the toughest jobs in sports and the fans are the toughest critics. Yet, 81% of the fans don't want Sanchez. Are the people making the decisions at Redskins Park really this blind to the fact that we have gaping holes at other positions. Gaping holes brought on by the fact that the Skins have not drafted a defensive end within the first 5 rounds of the draft during Snyder's tenure? Gaping holes brought on by the fact that they've drafted only 2 offensive lineman in the first 5 rounds of the draft during the same time? Our 1st and 4th rounders for Jason Peters would have been a great move...but why would you want to take care of your weakest position with a Pro Bowl player who is one of the best in the NFL. I mean, it's Jason Peters, he's not "sexy."

After taking all the shit the front office piled on him, JC has finally spoken out, declaring he wants to be traded if the Skins draft Sanchez. My fear is the Skins have tipped their hand too much and the value they would receive for Campbell would be too little (remember giving away Patrick Ramsey for a 6th rounder, 2 years after using a 1st on him?) And if they draft Sanchez and trade Campbell, who's your starting QB for the 2009 season? My other fear is the Skins trade up for Sanchez, throwing away more picks.

Maybe it's all a smokescreen, maybe I just wasted an hour on this post for no reason? Maybe Dan and Vinny are smarter than I think they are? Oh F me, welcome to DC Mr. Sanchez.

Cheers and Hail

Dan and Vinny Are Giving JC The Dirty Sanchez

I'd like to squash that half a motherf&%ker!

It's true...and it's like Ron Jeremy delivered the dirty sanchez. It's ridiculous the way the brain trust of the Skins are treating Jason Campbell. Dan and Vinny have gotten around more the past couple of weeks than Paris Hilton does on a Vegas trip.

A quick recap of the "relationship" that JC is in:

With only one year left on his original contract, the Skins let him know that they will not be offering him a new deal before the season. This is the equivalent of your girlfriend telling you to not buy those airline tickets for both of you to fly to your hometown for Christmas...let's wait and see what happens.

After denying that they have any interest at all in Jay Cutler, they tried to trade JC plus a couple #1's for him. This is the equivalent of your girlfriend denying she's seeing anyone else. Meanwhile, she's texting some "party dude" for a late night booty call. After random dude bangs her out, she comes back apologizing to you.

Dan and Vinny then meet with JC to clear the air, said meeting provides the "we're cool" media responses. Meanwhile, Byron Leftwich is at Redskins Park for a workout. This is the equivalent of your girlfriend saying everything is fine, and you say "no, somethings wrong?" And it goes back and forth with her saying nothings wrong and you just want the bitch to say YES, THIS WHOLE RELATIONSHIP IS FUCKED. But she doesn't, even though she's getting ready to bang out some old bastard.

Now word is that the front office is "smitten" with Mark Sanchez, but of course they deny everything. This is the equivalent of your girlfriend running away with the pool boy who looks like A-Rod. Your thinking WTF? I give up.

JC keeps giving all the right answers and saying all the right things. He's got that same calm, cool look that he has in games. At some point he's got to crack. I hope it's behind closed doors and he gives Dan and Vinny a verbal ass whooping. JC deserves another season in Zorns offense. He's improved every year, there's no reason to believe that he won't this year. My fear is that they are going to trade him on draft day for a 3rd or 4th round pick. I hope I'm wrong.

Cheers and Hail

Danny and Vinny Move In

Danny & Vinny

So I'm working in the yard and hanging out in the garage yesterday when these 2 "love doves" decided to move in. I shooed them away once, but they came right back, so I decided to let them hang for awhile. They seemed cozy on top of the stereo and hanging out in front of the HTTR sign. I'm not sure what they were doing to my Eddie Murray Starting Lineup figurine (seen lying face down and squealing like a pig.)

When looking at the pictures I feel pride in my manly garage. The fishing poles, memorabilia, and tools (hidden porn, why is it all Asian?) work well together. My wife should also feel proud that she has regulated me to putting all my shit in the garage. Congrats honey!

Cheers and Hail

Great News... The Recession Is Over

Just a short couple hours into free agency, vintage Dan Snyder came out swinging. Who needs to hear good words from Obama or Bernanke to feel better about our economy? Obviously Mr. Snyder didn't have his money invested with Bernard Madoff, and the Six Flags stock being in the shitter isn't effecting him either.

By 9am this morning the Skins have inked 2 of the best free agents available. They've retained Deangelo Hall @ $55 million, and added the prize of free agency Albert Haynesworth for another $100 million. But, apparently they are not finished. "Fish on," with Chris Canty, Ray Willis, and Derrick Dockery. As a fan, I'm excited as hell. Haynesworth is a beast. Hall is a difference maker. Dockery was our best offensive lineman 2 years ago. Canty and Willis would be definite upgrades.

As an honest, hard working American struggling thru the hardest economic times I will ever see in my lifetime, I'm confused. I wrote a post the other day in which I went shopping for free agents. I was shopping at Target (tar-j), Mr. Snyder is still shopping at Nieman Marcus (needless markup.) You see, I thought the Redskins were suffering as well. Only 8 million below the cap (I'm assuming big time cuts are coming to cover the spending splurge,) and I was a little thrown off by the firing of nearly 30 (at least) employees in early January. Or maybe it was the second round of layoffs just a couple weeks back.

So while I'm excited as a fan about the product that I will see on the field next fall, I'm not comfortable with the ethics of the organization. 40 employees at an average of 50k per year = 2 million. The teams salary cap for players is $127 million, which by smoke and mirrors the Skins will exceed. Add another 15-20 million for the coaching staff and front office. $155 million committed to just 2 players! It just doesn't add up.

40 employees lives crushed, their spouses and children deeply effected. Is it all worth it? I think not. There is no grey area here, it's black and white, there is a right and a wrong. And...it's just wrong. If the Danny has any integrity he would pick up the phone and personally call the individuals he laid off. He should offer them their jobs back and apologize. But we all know that would never happen.

He's at Morton's wining and dining the next player, ordering off the menu, and dangling million$$ in their faces.

Cheers and Hail

Mr. Snyder, Your Steak Is Ready

I said "keep it medium!"

It seems as though Jim Zorn might be cooking himself right out of a job. Mr. Snyder likes his steak "medium" and Zorn right now is "medium well." If Zorn doesn't win out, he may just be "well-done."
Just 5 weeks ago everything was good. Zorn was just perfect. A coach of the year candidate, the West Coast offense was clicking, and Portis was the league's MVP. Zorn was riding bikes around DC with the President. Since then the Skins have gone 1-4 (including 0-3 at home), and the Offense has disappeared, averaging a mere 10 pts per game. Having a public spat with said MVP candidate was not a good thing. If Zorn was not happy with Portis and his practice participation, it should have been handled in the 40 hours a week they spend together at Redskins Park. It should not have played out on the field of a "must win" game on national TV. Zorn loves to get in front of the media and talk too much about things that should be kept in the locker room, he seems to pride himself on his communication. Is he not communicating like this in the locker room with his players?
Now word is circulating that Zorn needs to win out to save his job. I'm pretty sure that if Mr. Snyder's steak leaves a bad taste in his mouth, he's going to send it back. So we'll have to wait and see if Zorn and Bush ride off into the sunset together.

Maybe do some fishing.

The truth is I hope Zorn is the coach of the Redskins next season (even though I am less than pleased right now). If Zorn is the coach next season, it will have meant the Skins made the Playoffs this year. This is my hope. I'm still medium.

Cheers and Hail