Playcalling the Key to Success for the Washington Redskins' Offense

By week five of the 2008 regular season, the Washington Redskins offense was firing on all cylinders. Gone was the typical vanilla playcalling and squandered scoring chances.

Jim Zorn had the ball in his court and he wasn’t mishandling it. Opposing defenses were back on their heels as the offense used the short to intermediate passing game to set up downfield strikes to Santana Moss.

In particular, the Redskins displayed their newfound offensive prowess against the Cowboys in week four. They won the game 26-24 and Jim Zorn showed fans what his West Coast offense is supposed to look like.

Moss caught several deep balls in the first half to set the ‘Skins up in the red zone and from there, Campbell put his hot hand to use.

From inside the ten, Washington lined up with two receivers, twins left. James Thrash went in motion to the right and flared out into the right flat. Campbell saw that he had a step on his man and delivered a perfect strike for the score.

The WR flare out is the bread-and-butter of the New England Patriots' do-everything receiver, Wes Welker. They employ the play with a lot of success and it is a great example of the West Coast offense.

The motion by Thrash is a big key. Most of the Redskins receivers are small and struggle to break bump and run coverage. Motion allows them to get some early separation from their defenders.

The ‘Skins built up some momentum after the score and drove into the red zone again.

Campbell lined up with two receivers on the left and one on the right. Antwaan Randle El, operating from the slot on the left, ran over the middle and then cut back left across the back of the end zone. The receiver on the right ran an out while the running back swung out to the right. All three were open.

Campbell stepped up to avoid the rush and hit Randle El for a touchdown. Another West Coast look and another score.

The play illustrates the need to keep Randle El in the slot. Randle El is a shifty receiver who creates matchup problems in the slot. He doesn’t have the strength to get open consistently out wide against top corners, but he can be a nightmare in the slot because linebackers aren't quick enough to defend him.

For Randle El to move to the slot, second-year WR Devin Thomas will need to step up. Thomas struggled to adapt to the pro game last season, but has looked good thus far during the offseason.

Thomas has the size and speed to make an impact out wide. His development would go along way to making life easier for the offense.

However, rhythm is the most important element for Washington. Rhythm opens up Jim Zorn’s playbook and allows it to branch out. Rhythm gives Campbell the confidence to make plays with his arm; something they sorely need this season.

Strangely, the Redskins lost their rhythm shortly after the Dallas game. They quickly broke down and reverted to their usual blandness. They were one-dimensional, relying solely on Clinton Portis to carry the load.

There was plenty of blame to go around. Receivers couldn’t get open, Campbell began to lock in on one receiver and hold the ball for too long, and the offensive line suffered some injuries.

All of this forced Zorn to simplify the playbook, and as a result the West Coast look disappeared. Now, with a year in the system, the offense should be ready to perform more consistently.

They upgraded the left guard position with Derrick Dockery and added some depth along the interior with the likes of Mike Williams and Jeremy Bridges. If the blocking improves, expect Campbell to become more consistent and decisive with the football.

Zorn needs Campbell to play with more aggression. That will allow him to reopen the playbook and tinker with matchups.

Too often in the second half of the season, Washington played conservative football and seemed afraid to throw the ball on first and second down.

The short and intermediate passing game is Campbell’s strong suit when he gets into a rhythm and it’s also the perfect way to move the chains. Zorn needs to see that his line is blocking and from there he can let Campbell work.

Playcalling played an important part in the victory over Dallas. Washington gameplanned well for the Cowboys and gave them new looks that Zorn hadn’t tried before. The offense came out aggressively, and by the time they had the Cowboys reeling, a heavy dose of Clinton Portis provided the knockout.

Zorn must rediscover that magic if he wants to see success in 2009. Using the pass to set up the run worked wonders in DC last season. The ‘Skins are better equipped to do that this year.

Now they simply need to get the ball rolling. Rhythm and consistency in that rhythm will help Zorn achieve playcalling perfection.

Easier said than done.