Giving Credit Where Credit's Due: Offensive Stats Before and After the Sherm Lewis Hire

Per Shefter:

NFL: Oakland Raiders, Cleveland Browns truly offensive - ESPN (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=schefter_adam&id=4668347)

When Washington hired Sherman Lewis to call its plays, he was mocked and criticized. The amount of ridicule was shortsighted and mean-spirited, particularly for a man as accomplished as Smith -- a former offensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions.

Now that Lewis has had three games to call Washington's plays, check out how the Redskins' offensive production compares. In the first six games of the season, the Redskins averaged 12.4 points per game; in the past three games, they have averaged 20.3. In the first six games, the Redskins averaged 16 first downs per game; in the past three games, they have averaged 20. In the first six games, the Redskins averaged 294 yards per game; in the past three, they have averaged 336.

The average rank of the defenses the Redskins played in the first six weeks was 21st; the average rank of the defenses the Redskins played in the past three weeks was 13th. And in the past three weeks the Redskins have been without offensive linemen Chris Samuels and Randy Thomas, tight end Chris Cooley and running back Clinton Portis for one game. So when the Redskins brought aboard Lewis to call plays, there really was one word to describe it -- bingo.

The Good News: Our offense is finally starting to take off

The Bad News: Cerrato's starting to give Snyder reasons not to fire him.

Ok,

So I support Sherm Lewis, but I also am a contrarian at heart. So let me add this thought. When any new structure change comes, both teams have to respond. With Lewis coming to the Redskins at a point of HUGE upheaval, both in the roster due to injuries and coaching staff due to fan unrest, our opponents best guess at designing game plans rested on what Zorn had done. Lewis' playcalling and use of players has seemed much better than Zorn in my opinion, BUT, as we adjust to Lewis, and opponents get film on his tendencies and techniques, the question once again will come down to execution, and that will be the measure of where we finish this season. If Campbell continues his fumblitis, something we thought he had done away with, and his errant long balls, all the playcalling in the world will not make a difference to the teams coming up on our roster.

that said:

Lewis rocks, and I think the offense had NO confidence in Zorn's playcalling, and now between the backups getting chances to prove themselves, and players seeing results on the field, we are gonna continue to see more and more effective offense, something that has been missing around these parts for many years! last week 20+ this week 30+, against the raiders I may go over 40!

:food-smil

Zorn had 0 experience at calling plays. he had a helluva lot on his plate. say what you want about Lewis. but he is an experienced play caller

Good points on the above post and by Schefter.

I think you also have to figure in the simple fact that it took a burden off of Zorn. Of course he's still involved, but given what he's been through, his stubborn determination & the fact that he's a HC & needs to pay attention to a lot of other things, simply giving these duties to someone w/a fresh perspective is worth something. Not taking credit away from Lewis, but to some degree there might've been improvement simply because Zorn is not calling the plays.

It's kinda like when you're writing a long paper or report. After you've worked on for a while it's hard to edit your own material & read it like your audience does. Having a fresh set of eyes can help a lot.

Hey, I know every one and there brother critized the move, but I was happy the first time I heard it. I was tired of watching games were we just made plain stupid calls that probably cost us one or two games.

I want to wait till the end of the season and compare Sherm Lewis' 10 games to Zorn's 22 for a better analysis. Whenever you bring in new blood performance goes up but then settles so let's not call him the savior just yet.

I'm happy to see Lewis having a positive impact

http://www.thewarpath.net/613375-post93.html

But I'm really impressed with the way the whole staff has managed this. With Smith overseeing the running game, and Meidt basically being Lewis' right hand man in calling the plays. Great execution overall by the staff.

Most impressive of all, have there been any delay of games?

I'm happy to see Lewis having a positive impact

http://www.thewarpath.net/613375-post93.html

But I'm really impressed with the way the whole staff has managed this. With Smith overseeing the running game, and Meidt basically being Lewis' right hand man in calling the plays. Great execution overall by the staff.

Most impressive of all, have there been any delay of games?

Very true. I thought there would be some serious mishaps in clock mgmt.

Schefter believes in Lewis, but there is more to it | DC Pro Sports Report (http://dcprosportsreport.com/2009/11/20/schefter-believes-in-lewis-but-there-is-more-to-it.html)

These are our thoughts. I do think Lewis has had an impact. A solid impact. However, I am not convinced that Lewis is THE sole reason for the appearance of some kind of offense in Washington.

I'm going to reserve judgement on Lewis at least until there's something to judge. I have never doubted his credentials because it would have been impossible for him to have survived as long as he did in the league without having something going for him.

The team has been mediocre at best all season, I have never been one to reward mediocrity, and I don't want to detract from Lewis' abilities, but we have some difficult games ahead and a determination may better be made at the conclusion of the season.

For the youngsters that mocked Lewis for returning from seniors bingo, three words "keep on living" bingo may be awaiting you too.