By H. Jose Bosch
Yesterday I showed you a clip of Joe Theismann and John Riggins talking about the state of the Redskins. The big news from that? Joe Theismann criticizing Jim Zorn.
To be more specific, when Riggins asked the former quarterback if Zorn was a real NFL coach, Theismann responded by saying that Zorn makes a good quarterbacks coach.
Not a ringing endorsement.
Well part II of this three part interview was released yesterday and it doesn’t disappoint. Here’s the clip:
They pick up where they left off and Theismann has a beauty of a quote about Zorn: “I wouldn’t say he could not be a head coach”
Um, how many negatives was that exactly?
Theismann later says, “He’s going to have to wear the hat of head coach now.”
I believe that hat is right next to his thinking cap.
If these comments tell you anything it’s that Theismann has no confidence in Zorn whatsoever. That’s not much of a stretch to make considering the man was stripped of his play calling duties. But this was the line that absolutely buried the current coach. Again, Theismann:
“What made you say that that was going to be the guy that would take a sort of veteran football team and be able to lead it?”
Ouch.
If Theismann is saying this, there is no doubt some players feel the same way. Just the thought of that make me want to put Zorn out of his misery. I’m not sure how much it would cost the Redskins to fire Zorn, but it can’t be that much considering the psychological trauma he has to go through now.
OK, I exaggerate a lot. But if this guy is supposedly not good enough to even call plays, he shouldn’t be there at all. I almost feel like Snyder is keeping him around just to ruin his reputation so much so that he can’t get a job anywhere else. But that’s pure speculation on my part.
But enough about Zorn, what about Vinny Cerrato?
During their Cerrato discussion, Albert Heynesworth came up. Heynesworth is having a good year so far, but is he worth the hefty contract required to bring him in? Theismann seems to think so. He says Heynesworth’s presence makes those around him better. I side with Riggins: it was too much money that could’ve been spent elsewhere.
Last season Washington’s defense was in the top ten in points and yards allowed. In 2007 they were the 11th best defense in points allowed and 8th best in yards allowed. Let’s ignore an awful 2006 season. In both 2005 and 2004 the team’s defense was again ranked in the top 10 in the league in points and yards allowed.
Stats don’t mean everything, but those numbers are pretty convincing. Since 2004, with the exception of one year, the Redskins have had a pretty good defense. So, with that in mind, why spend millions and millions on a defensive tackle?
Like Riggins said during the clip, “Who else could you have gotten?” Now I won’t pretend to think that Washington could’ve gotten two top-of-the-line players in place of Heynesworth. But when you consider the lack of depth on the offensive line and at running back, they could’ve easily stocked the shelf with players competent enough to fill in potential holes. At the very least, having some extra cash on hand and maneuvering for a few more draft picks to stock up wouldn’t have been a bad idea.
Instead you have a defensive tackle playing out of his mind on an already great defense; all for nothing.
The players do the playing but that’s a situation where management should be taken to task and I think Riggins is right to call out Cerrato.
The end of the clip is a mix of uncomfortable and intrigue. Of course the conversation moves to Daniel Snyder and watching the two players disagree with each other makes for a good viewing experience.
Riggins clearly hates Snyder and Theismann clearly disagrees with Riggins. The third part of this interview may be the best one based on just the ending of this clip.
I’ll be here tomorrow morning to break that video down.