This Is What Happens When You Lose To The Chiefs

Steve Swearengin by Contributor Written on October 19, 2009
LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 18:  Washington Redksins head coach Jim Zorn walks off the field after his team lost to the Kansas Chiefs October 18, 2009 at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland. Chiefs kicker Ryan Succop had 4 field goals as the Chiefs won the game 14-6.  (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

The question is, "What happens when you lose to the Chiefs?"  Well, in the case of the Washington Redskins, it turns your entire season upside down.

Not that the Redskins weren't already aware of their internal issues before Sunday's 14-6 loss to the Chiefs, it's just that losing to an 0-5 team may have sealed head coach Jim Zorn's fate as leader of the troops.
Immediately after the loss on their home field, executive VP of football operations Vinny Cerrato met with Zorn and relieved him of all offensive play calling duties.  
In a press conference following the game, Zorn admitted that, "I've got to be better.  And it really irritates me.  Truly irritates me...."  He continued to say, "and I'm just not going to rest until I get that taken care of."
Not only did Zorn lose a major part of his responsibility to the team, but quarterback Jason Campbell was benched coming out of the half in favor of journeyman Todd Collins.  
Collins immediately came into the game and gave a much needed spark to the offense. However, could not lead the team into the end zone, even with a 78-yard burst into the red zone from Clinton Portis.
It's too early for Zorn to hand-the-torch over to Collins just yet.  I think right now Zorn has a few other things he needs to worry about before making that decision. 
So let's recap, if you lose to the 0-5 Chiefs you may lose your starting job as QB of the team, possibly for ever.  If you lose to the Chiefs you will lose your play calling duties (which is why you got the job in the first place), which ultimately decides whether you win or lose in the game of football.  If you lose to the 0-5 Chiefs you not only lose most of the respect that your players supported you with against the media, but you may have lost your career as coach in the NFL.
The question now is who really needed this victory more, Jim Zorn, who desperately needed a victory at home against what was thought of as a lesser team or Todd Haley, who desperately needed an organization's first win under the new regime?  
My money is on Jim Zorn.
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written on October 19, 2009 Opinion

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