NFL Burning Questions: Why Is Jack Del Rio Still Coaching?

Wouldn't it be nice to have Jack Del Rio's job security?

Go to work every day, do a lackluster job at what you do, don't meet job performance requirements, but still keep your highly touted, great-paying job?

Sounds like a bad movie.

For Del Rio and the Jags, it's reality.

In an era where coaches are canned faster than your favorite can of Yellowfin Tuna, it seems unfathomable that a coach with Del Rio's résumé would still be running the team.

After a great start to his coaching career, Del Rio hasn't made much happen since his Jags lost to the New England Patriots in the AFC Divisional Playoffs in 2007.

The best word to describe Del Rio's tenure in Jacksonville would be inconsistent.

Here are his win-loss records in his Jags career:

2003: 5-11

2004: 9-7

2005: 12-4; lost in AFC Wild Card Game to NE

2006: 8-8

2007: 11-5; lost in AFC Divisional Playoff to NE

2008: 5-11

2009: 2-3

His records look something like an amusement park attraction—one year up, the next down. If his pattern continues, the Jags should have a winning season this year.

So far they appear to be a step behind their pace. With a 41-0 loss at the hands of Matt Hasselbeck's Seahawks, his best player has had enough.

Maurice Jones-Drew came out this week and publicly lit a fire under the seat of his Jaguar team, and as usual, Del Rio didn't have much to say for himself or his team.

In a media session this week, Jones-Drew spoke out. Among his scathing comments were the fact he was the second-highest paid "decoy" behind Saints RB Reggie Bush; he also said, "I don't like to be embarrassed, so I do get upset about it."

That was just some of the fire he had behind his scorned tongue for his team.

Del Rio's response?

"He's a supreme competitor, and we really love that about him," Del Rio said.

That's all? What about your lack of identity on offense, or the fact that you have a 90-plus overall RB that has carried the ball half the times you've thrown it? What about your team's overall lack of competitiveness?

Del Rio became known for his toughness as a player and coach, but being shut out by 41? Where was the mental toughness?

Perhaps all is not lost for Del Rio and his Jags, because their next three games are against the Rams, Titans, and Chiefs, all winless squads.

If Del-Rio isn't 5-3 in three weeks, his burn factor on the hot seat may reach bakery oven temperatures.

What other burning questions are giving me migraines this week?

Is this the end for Washington Redskins coach Jim Zorn?

We've been hearing about the tension in Washington since this season started. Everyone knows the mercurial Daniel Snyder and how quickly things can change in D.C.

Often a coach is defined by his choice as his starting QB.

Tony Dungy had Peyton Manning. Bill Belichick has Tom Brady. Mike Tomlin has Ben Roethlisberger.

Conversely, Del Rio has inconsistent David Garrard, Raheem Morris has Byron Leftwich and inexperience, and Zorn has Jason Campbell.

Bottom line, Campbell appears to be a second string QB, and as a result Zorn appears to be a second string coach.

It very well may be the end for Zorn, but I don't believe it's justified. He has the oft-injured Clinton Portis, two receivers who are slot players and are the first two options, and an inconsistent offensive line.

Zorn has gotten the shaft in Washington, and if he is canned this season, hopefully he gets a chance to still coach in some capacity in the NFL, because he wasn't dealt a fair hand.

Should the Buffalo Bills cut their losses and deal Terrell Owens?

Maybe the answer to this question isn't about whether the Bills should deal Owens or not, but whether there will be any suitors giving up anything good in return.

Owens was signed to a one-year deal, meaning it was basically a test drive for both sides.

This particular test has already failed after just five weeks of the season. Buffalo stands at 1-4, and Owens stands as ineffective along with that horrible Bills offense.

To believe that the Bills can recover and finish the season 9-2 to have a chance at the AFC playoffs is a really bad joke, and Owens knows it.

He has been quiet, but the likelihood of his trade is extremely low at best.

The Bills sold many tickets and jerseys off of 81, and any team taking on his one-year deal with an expectation to either give him a new deal or lose him in four or five months won't be offering much in return.

But if T.O. walks away after this season, which is a guarantee, the Bills get nothing but another year of failed expectations and ineptitude.

I guess it's familiar territory for Bills fans.

What's wrong with the Tennessee Titans?

Everything. Next question.

No, honestly, the Titans have the most porous pass defense ever seen by man.

Contrary to conventional football wisdom, this is not Kerry Collins' fault. Of course, the rumbles have started about Vince Young, but this team's problems extend much further than QB.

Tennessee is actually in the top 10 for rushing yards and top 20 for total yards on offense. Those numbers don't usually equal oh-fer.

Being 29th in points given up, 23rd in total yards given up, and 31st in pass defense does.

That's where the Titans' fate lies: inability to stop people and being outscored. They've scored double digits in every game except for the blowout at the hands of Peyton Manning's Colts.

That's why the Titans look like the mere shell of last season's playoff team. In other words, Vince Young, Jeff Fisher, or Peyton Manning couldn't save this team.

I'm not sure if even divine intervention would have a shot.