The Differance Sherm Made

Disclaimer: I know its late for this kind of thing but I was waiting for someone else to write an article about the difference between Jason Campbell under Sherm Lewis and under Jim Zorn, but I couldn't find one I liked. So waiting for the Superbowl I spent the afternoon doing the numbers and expected Campbells numbers to be better under Sherm than Zorn but wasn't quite sure what I would find.

In 6 games under Zorn  Campbell  107* comp. 164* att. 1272* YD 6 TD 6 INT

Campbell averaged 63% 212 YD 1.0 TD 1.0 INT

Project that average in a 16 games season 63% 3392 YD 16.0 TD 16.0 INT 

Which is very similar to his stats the year before 62% 3245 YD 13TD 6INT

Analysis: Slightly more yards, TD passes and INT's because running game wasn't as effective and poor line play. 

In 10 games under Sherm Campbell 220 comp. 344 att. 2421 YD 14 TD 9 INT

Campbell averaged 63% 242.1 YDS 1.4 TD 0.9 INT 

Project that average in a 16 games season 63% 3873 22.4 TD 14.4 INT

Analysis: Campbell under Sherm while not amazingly better he did make a significant measurable difference. 

When we look at the numbers they don't tell the full tale. The first part of the season t featured some pretty bad teams The Chiefs, Lions, Rams Buc's at the time win-less Panthers

The the opposing teams combined passing average against those 5 teams in 16 games was 62% 3758 YD 25 TD 14 INT

Campbell stats were below what they should have been given the competition he was facing. 

The second half of the season every team either made the playoff or was a serious contender the only exception being the woeful Raiders who despite their ineptness had a good secondary.

The the opposing teams combined passing average against those 5 teams in 16 games was 60% 3704 yards 21 TD 16 INT

Campbell did slightly better than average against tougher teams, without Pro-bowl RB Clinton Portis, Pro-bowl TE Chris Cooley and devastation to the offensive line! 

These numbers conclude Zorn was a weak offensive coordinator and Sherm derided for being a bingo caller knew what he was doing. His worst games were roughly equivalent to Zorns best games.

When I disregarded the numbers for the last three game. The team bombed 2 against the Giants and Cowboys distracted by the hiring of a new GM and head coach. The Chargers back-ups played them the last game. 

Campbell turned in 65% 249.8 YD 1.57 TD .6 INT over 7 games, again against the NFL's toughest teams.

Projected on to a 16 game season 65% 3997 yd 25 TD 14 INT

Analysis: QB's have made the Pro-bowl with those kind of stats.

Looking to the future 

I think Shanahan has something to prove, players who are familiar with the system the has the resume and fan anger to keep Dan out of his hair. He does need to address the thin O-line, RB and kicker but he hasn't inherited a mess. The malcontents like Haynesworth and Portis are already facing a backlash for their poor performances and should be easier to handle. If Campbell stays and the team plays anywhere near decent any finish less than 10-6 is a disappointment. They have the players to flip the season and go 12-4. I'm not saying they will but they definitely can and should. They have Pro-bowl caliber players on offense and defense and even though its a tough division its doable and we should demand it. 

Superbowl or bust!

*Note I included some of Todd Collins stats when Campbell was benched so as not to make Zorn look worse than he was.