Zorn with some tough love for the Redskins rookie WRs

[MTK]

Jim Zorn said rookie WR Malcolm Kelly will remain in Florida today after having arthroscopic knee surgery Monday and admitted that the team's diagnosis that he will miss two weeks after getting 'scoped was "ambitious." Kelly and Devin Thomas, who remains out with a hamstring injury, were labeled as a bit brittle in college by some scouts I've spoken to, and Zorn said today that both showed up for camp in less-than-stellar shape.

"He wasn't in condition to go through a training camp like this," Zorn said of Kelly. "He really wasn't."

link: Zorn Jabs Rookie WRs; Wade, Heyer Out 2 Weeks - Redskins Insider

[12thMan]

Yeah, I read that article. I was like, boy, is Zorn a breath of fresh air. He seems to be in charge without being overbearing.

[huntz]

Not the way for these guys to begin their NFL careers. We just have to wait and see and remain optimistic.

[freddyg12]

I almost posted this in a new thread but put the link in the zorn/offense thread. It's worthy of a thread itself if for no other reason to demonstrate the difference between he & Gibbs.

I like it (not that I don't love Joe!), these guys need to be called out & realize that their spot isn't guaranteed. The slower they progress the longer it will take for them to put up the kind of #s that could lead to a long-term deal. Not to mention, they both had a really good chance at starting in week 1 or playing in multiple wr sets.

The injuries are disappointing, though I'm still hoping at least one of them can contribute in week 1. Looks like Davis is on track to get the most pt from the rookie class, along w/Brooks.

[12thMan]

I think the main thing that Zorn is trying to impress upon the rookies is that, look, the NFL is hard enough. Why not be in shape when you get here. On top of that, the lack of conditioning contributes even more to the possibility of getting injured and putting you further behind.

I like his tone.

[724Skinsfan]

I like it. If you don't have time to take care of yourself then we don't have [playing] time for you. Get in shape and let's go.

[Defensewins]

We had a talented WR that had a great college career but was always getting injured...Taylor Jacobs.
I hope these two guys do not follow in his footsteps.

[JGisLordOfTheRings]

Excellent article imo

Zorn sounds like his isnt screwing around but it doesnt sound like he's being an ass either.

I'm a little surprised to hear Kelly and Thomas couldnt pass the physical test.

[JWsleep]

Good stuff from Zorn--he properly called the rooks out, not tearing them down but challenging them. And I like that Zorn still has some of his playing-days confidence. You believe him when he says he'd like to run the wind sprints, just for pride.

But the point is, he's in charge and it's all about getting better as a TEAM. I don't doubt that JG made the same points behind close doors, but Zorn's style is refreshing at this point.

But it's all about wins, and not in the preseason. JG won 3 Lombardis and took us to the playoffs 2 out of 4. Warm-fuzzies mean little in this league without wins. (Not that anyone here is arguing otherwise. And I think Zorn would be the last guy to deny this. But it bears mentioning.)

[MTK]

I like Zorn's candor but let's face it, there are probably a ton of rookies that don't show up ready to face a NFL training camp. Part of the learning curve of the NFL is getting in top physical condition and alot of that involves working on your own during the offseason to ensure that.

[heybigstar]

Ill remain optimistic as well, and give the more than one season as well for the adjustment .. but man, please become game changers Thomas and Kelly, we need you!

[Ruhskins]

The funny thing is that out of the three picks in the second round, the one that people were not crazy about (Davis), turned out to be the better player...so far. I really hope these wideouts get to contribute this season.

[JWsleep]

Well at least they won't have big heads about how great they are--most likely it'll light a fire under them.

In any event, let's take all these injuries SLOW. Just be ready when the real games begin--don't want any of those dreaded "nagging" injuries that seemed constant last year. Ugh!

[skinsfan_nn]

I like the honesty, givem hell, this is the NFL!

Nice to hear Thrash is our #3 guy to start the season, I look for him to make big contributions to this offense and teams!

[MTK]

Some follow up to this story:

Thomas Will Focus on Better Conditioning - Redskins Insider