5 Things Jim Zorn Should Change Right Now

1. Zorn needs to get more creative in the run game. Wildcat, counters, traps draws
2. Blache needs to get more aggressive
3. Daniels would be on the bench and never see the field again
4. Move Orakpo to DE
5. I'd give JC a few more games but at some point he has to take some of the blame for an offense that can't score. And although his stats look good, he's missed some deep passes, he's held the ball too long and he not getting us in the end zone. He didn't play well yesterday even though the numbers don't reflect that. Maybe trying Collins isn't such a bad idea.

These are good points.

I don't entirely agree with your first solution because I think Zorn need to turn over the play-calling to his OC. Zorn spends the whole game with his nose in that list of plays he carries when he needs to have his head in the game.

I agree that Orakpo needs to be moved to DE. He's more valuable at that position.

Yes, Daniels is finished but what has Carter done to deserve a free pass? He plays next to a man who is double-teamed and he still can't get to the passer. Sit him, too.

Play Orakpo at RDE and Jarmon at LDE. Chris Wilson is supposed to be a SLB now, so let him play the position. If nothing else, those moves should provide improvement in the speed of our defense.

I also agree that Blache needs to call a more aggressive game. If he did, he might be able to cut down on the long drives we're allowing. The defense needs to find a way to get off the field, rest, and give the offense more possessions.

On offense, I think Zorn should give Marko Mitchell and Anthony Alridge a chance to play some. I don't have any idea on what to do with the OL.

Play Orakpo at RDE and Jarmon at LDE. Chris Wilson is supposed to be a SLB now, so let him play the position. If nothing else, those moves should provide improvement in the speed of our defense.


Exa-fing-tacly those changes needed to be made in the preseason, Orakpo is a damn good DE but as a LB he can't cover TE's for s

"Sanatana Moss."

"Mario Mannignham"

also, moreso isn't a word

I'm not sure why you mentioned Bugel being a possible playcaller either, what reasoning would you have behind that? Sherman Smith I can follow, but Zorn decided to take it over his first year, if he gives it up now he's writing his own ending.

Jarmon did play some.

5 - WHERE ARE THE PASS INTERFERENCE CALLS? The Lions managed to free up single coverage downfield several times and got a pass interference call and one TD that got called back. Why can't we get a guy downfield in single coverage and put the ball in a place that the Receiver can make an attempt at it??? Not even once in 3 games? We were dead last in pass interference calls last year. Maybe something to work on this year?!?!?!

Exactly, the NFL is very pass friendly and you can easily move the ball 20, 40, 60 yards or what have you on a single call like that, just as good as getting the catch itself. Campbell needs his guys to be about 5 yards open like it's college ball though.

From my limited, but not entirely ignorant, offensive knowledge here are a few things I believe can be done with the current personnel.

1) Bring back the WR screen.

Those of you who are familiar with me on this board know I favor this play. There's a reason. It works.

Santana Moss and ARE are absolutely the perfect kind of receivers to run this play. Even Cooley runs it extremely well. It's a perfect play to add an extra element to the offense. It's a low risk, potentially high yielding play that is proven with the players we have on the roster. They don't take long to develop, and you can add an extra element to defend. Running fake screens can open up doors elsewhere.

2) Encourage Campbell and his receivers to improvise.

We have seen Campbell in the past ad lib plays when things fall apart and he has proven to be effective, especially in the red zone. He needs to use his feet more, bootleg out, call some audibles, scramble. Receivers need to become aware when the play breaks down and get open for Campbell.

Side note: Our route running has been pathetic. It's like when our receivers know they aren't getting the ball they run half speed routes. I'm calling out Stan Hixon for this one. Selling your route, even when your not getting the ball, is crucial in dictating what the defense will do....

3) Stop running trick plays

Like seriously. Just stop. When you run the HB pass every other series, it stops becoming a trick play. It becomes a bad offense. We need settle down on offense. I feel like Zorn isn't sure what the strengths of this team are, so he's putting a little here, a little there... and has not committed to anything. Part of gaining an identity as a team, is to establish that identity. Dictate the tempo on offense. Obviously, either said than done, but I'm sick of wasting drives on these cute little trick plays. They aren't working... use them sparingly.

4) Mike Sellers

4th and 1. Give him the ball. 3rd and 2. Give him the ball. He needs more touches on the ground. The man can get those yards. I don't know why we haven't been utilizing him. Plus it's a great way to set up a stupid play action dump in short yardage. Just saying.

1. Landry to SS and Moore starts at FS.
2. Orakpo to DE and Carter as 3rd down specialist. Wilson to OLB for Orakpo.
3. Portis or Betts (whoever practices ALL WEEK) plays all 3 downs on offense. If you can't practice--you are not playing. That goes for the whole team for that matter.
4. Script the first dozen plays and start the game and second half in the hurry up offense.
5. Thomas and Aldridge on KR and Aldridge on PR

1. Zorn needs to get more creative in the run game. Wildcat, counters, traps draws
2. Blache needs to get more aggressive
3. Daniels would be on the bench and never see the field again
4. Move Orakpo to DE
5. I'd give JC a few more games but at some point he has to take some of the blame for an offense that can't score. And although his stats look good, he's missed some deep passes, he's held the ball too long and he not getting us in the end zone. He didn't play well yesterday even though the numbers don't reflect that. Maybe trying Collins isn't such a bad idea.

I agree with everything except 5. Campbell has a higher passer rating than Tom Brady but it continues to be his fault.

http://dcprosportsreport.com/2009/09/if-i-were-jim-zorn-5-changes-now.html (http://dcprosportsreport.com/2009/09/if-i-were-jim-zorn-5-changes-now.html)

4. More shot gun, more no huddle offense. We are beginning to think one of Jason Campbell's main problem is--- he is overcoached. I half think at times Jim Zorn treats Campbell as a robot. It's often said that coaches who used to be quarterbacks regard their current quarterbacks as extensions of themselves on the field, but that's not what they should be. Quarterbacks, like every other NFL player [only moreso] need to use their brains on the field. Let Campbell play quarterback in ways that suit him, such as more shotgun and more no huddle.

+1

Zorn shouldn't turn over the playcalling we move the ball well form 20 to 20.

Zorn needs to improve the gameplan inside the RZ and especially inside the 10 goal to go.

:twocents:

1. Defense has to be moving around on third down and not be set right in the 4-3, like have our DLman moving around standing up, whose coming who isnt.
2. Corners need to play tighter, and be like a guessing game with the QB, is he pressing is he backing off etc.
3. have WR's run more slants and digs, go's, screens, and less comeback routes
4. more outside running game and lead draws. and screens to portis.
5. more 5 WR sets, and jet sweeps.

oh and play Jarmon at DE more and Orakpo to DE full time aswell