Art Monk, Terrell Owens, Randy Moss, and Larry Fitzgerald have all proven that big, 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 that the Washington Redskins need some size at wideout. 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 at about 5-foot-8 with Randel El maybe an inch or two taller.
By mid-season last year the Redskins were the only NFL Team without one wideout to cross the end zone for a touchdown.
Ironically, on Nov. 11 against the Eagles the Redskins finally managed three touchdown passes to wideouts James Thrash (6-foot, 200 lbs) and Keenan McCardell (6-foot-1, 190 lbs). It seemed Gibbs and company figured it out and even acquired former Giant’s receiver Anthony Mix (6-foot-5, 235 lbs).
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, who Zorn coached during his time as an offensive coordinator in Seattle. Zorn liked Hackett (6-foot-2, 200+ lbs) 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 mentioned Anthony Mix in a recent interview. "Wow, he's a big receiver," Zorn said. "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.
"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 said. "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 who’s getting paid a minimum salary and can’t wait to prove himself in conjunction with a coach who’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.
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 might be a testament that the Redskins are 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?
Hail To The Redskins! Fightforalldc.blogspot.com
11 comments Last one added about 1 year ago — Leave a Comment
John Mckinnon about 1 year ago
Great read
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
HELL YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
nice read
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Craig Garrison Sr about 1 year ago
Good job, and I couldn't agree more.
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John Mckinnon about 1 year ago
I think Zorn could really be a tremendous asset to this team.
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Adam Amick about 1 year ago
Good piece... But the best thing that could happen to the Redskins is Little Danny Snyder no longer being owner.
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
Great Read! It's refreshing to hear optimism during this time of the year! I am VERY excited about the upcoming season. While we don't know what kind of success will be achieved, it's great to see our players excited! It's been a while since that has happened!! GO REDSKINS!!!!
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John Mckinnon about 1 year ago
I concur; I can wait for the Draft Party in a few weeks, I hope to see you guys there!
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
Zorn was never the offensive coordinator in Seattle. He was the quarterbacks coach.
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John Mckinnon about 1 year ago
Per Wikipedia............
Offensive coordinator
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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An offensive coordinator typically refers to the coach on a football team in the National Football League or College football who is in charge of the offense. This position aids the head coach by designing and scripting plays, delegating work to offensive position coaches during practices and games, thereby allowing the head coach to focus on overall play and more important issues during games and practice sessions. At lower levels an offensive coordinator may also coach some of these positions, or an assistant coach might be responsible for more than one position. Many offensive coordinators in the NFL call the offensive plays during games, but some head coaches prefer to assume that duty themselves. This often depends on whether the head coach comes from an offensive or defensive background.
Offensive Coaching Positions
Assistant Head Coach - Offense
Offensive Coordinator
Quarterbacks Coach (Thus the reference in the article)
Running Backs Coach
Offensive Line Coach
Wide Receivers Coach
Offensive Assistant Coach
Offensive Quality Control Coach
Offensive coaching positions are based on the needs of the team.
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John Mckinnon about 1 year ago
FIGHTFORALLDC.BLOGSPOT.COM Poll .......How Far Will The Redskins Go This Year? (Playoffs, Superbowl, Neither).........Get on over to Fightforalldc.blogspot.com and vote..........see you there!
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