Redskins lose to Giants, 23 - 17

Ugh. I blame this one entirely on Zorn. Campbell's two go-to themes all preseason were taking shots downfield and finding a rhythm. Above poster was correct - Campbell didn't even get a chance to play until the end of the first half. The Redskins were apparently so eager to have anyone other than Campbell throw the ball that the first pass play of the season goes to... Randle El.

Zorn really squandered two huge moments of the game by showing a lack of confidence in his quarterback. The first came on the second play, when Portis had just gashed the Giants for a huge gain. The Skins had the opportunity to define their game, to play "Redskins football." Instead, they ran the reverse pass, a desperate call for a non-desperate situation. A play like that has to be set up all day, after watching how the defense reacts to various formations and routes. Why not just have Campbell lead the team down the field? Why does Zorn have to learn the same lesson from Week 1 2008 all over again.

The other huge moment was after D. Hall's interception. The Skins had it at the 11 yard line, and Malcolm Kelly was alone split wide in single coverage. I told my wife that it was going to be a fade to the corner of the endzone, and the Redskins would score. That didn't happen, although the opportunity was there. Instead we got a boatload of Portis and a bit of WR screen trickery that, again, hadn't been set up.

Zorn's biggest problem last year was the inability to use his weapons. We were told that was because the high draft picks weren't ready to play, and maybe that was true. This year, though, we've seen the young skill players do awesome things in the preseason, so we know they can run routes and catch the ball. Let them do it!

Defensively, I place the blame on Blache. Now, to be fair, the defense only gave up 16 points, and gave the offense at least one great opportunity in Giants' territory. Still, they couldn't get off the field. Zorn and the offense didn't have a chance to establish any kind of game plan because, whenever the Giants had the ball, the defense couldn't get it back. Goal line stands are great and all, but you shouldn't need to have four per game. This, even more than the missed tackles on the touchdown, is what really bothers me, because it's a carry over from the end of last season. Early on, the Giants ran at will off tackle, something the Ravens and other teams were able to do last year. The defense still couldn't get close enough to pressure Manning on a consistent basis, again a recurrent theme despite big acquisitions. As the personnel seems to more and more meet the needs of a pass rushing team, this defense still can't get to the QB. At some point, you have to look at the coordinator. Still, the interception did come from a rushed pass, which is the story we've been fed all season.

All in all, I still think this is a good team. The roster is easily playoff caliber. I think the defense is moving (slowly) in the right direction, and there's no reason other than playcalling that the offense shouldn't succeed. We'll see if Zorn is less intimidated next week against the lowly Rams...