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On Zorn Playing His Starters and the Only Redskins Position Battle That Matters
By Jamie Mottram | August 26, 2008
“It sounds like Redskins head coach Jim Zorn is about to break an unwritten — and wise — code in the final game of the preseason: He’s going to try to win.“ — ESPN blogger Matt Mosley
I’m not sure how Mr. Mosley reaches his final verdict, but it is true that Zorn Star may play his starters a bit in Thursday night’s preseason finale at Jacksonsville, with the rationale being that they need to “get back some tempo” after the debacle in Carolina. Doing so certainly doesn’t mean that Zorn’s objective is to beat the Jaguars, rather that he’s trying to prepare for Week 1 and beyond.
Still, it’s a bold approach, and one that’s going to draw criticism from folks such as Mosley. But not so much from me. Probably because I’m a Redskins superfan, but more so because Zorn’s decision is about psychology over physicality. Playing the starters here is the exact opposite of sitting the starters in Week 17 with home-field advantage all locked up, except the two are one in the same. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it blows up in your face. It’s called being a head coach, and we won’t know until the rearview.
In the end, Zorn probably has enough to worry about without sticking his ass out like this by risking needless injury to key players, but I’d rather bend his ear on another subject altogether: who to pick at punter.
On one hand you’ve got incumbent three-year starter Derrick Frost (left), and on the other rookie sixth-rounder Durant Brooks (right). Each has been given two full preseason games to show off his wares, with Frost averaging 45.5 yard per boot and Brooks 44.2. Contrary to what those numbers may lead you to believe, I’m not sure how this isn’t Brooks’ job already.
Frost has averaged 41.1 yards per punt in four full NFL seasons and 41.2 while at Northern Iowa. He posted a 41.0 average in 2007, good for fifth-worst in the league. Then there’s Brooks, who was drafted because he averaged 45.3 at Georgia Tech. That’s a difference of four yards or so worth of field position on every single punt (or 20 yards per game, or 320 yards per season), and field position equals points.
It may not make the press, but Zorn’s decision at punter is every bit as important as whether or not he trots the starters out for a series or two come Thursday. And regardless of how that game goes, he better go with the rookie, especially if, as Mosley says, “he’s going to try to win.”
Topics: ESPN's Finest, Media Bird Doggin', Redskins, Zorn Star | 6 Comments »
August 26th, 2008 at 9:33 AM
Don’t get on Mosley, any fool knows a good blogger simply makes stuff up. Duh.
“Zorn is attempting to get all his players injured in his quest to win his final preseason game AT ALL COSTS! The Potomac River will flow red with the blood of the Redskins’ starters, thanks to Zorn and his thirst for preseason victory!”
August 26th, 2008 at 9:47 AM
All Mosley’s post was missing was a “Thoughts?” at the end.
August 26th, 2008 at 10:09 AM
I’m glad you’ve joined the Durant Brooks bandwagon. He is awesome and will contribute immediately. Look to see him replace Derek Devine on the depth chart next.
August 26th, 2008 at 11:07 AM
I think weather will be the deciding factor. If Fay is dumping rain on the field, no starters will even dress.
Keep Malcom Kelly off the field as well, we dont need to risk his knee anymore.
Just start game planning for NY yesterday.
August 26th, 2008 at 2:00 PM
Just as long as I never ever have to see Devin Thomas returning kicks.
August 26th, 2008 at 6:15 PM
durant brooks kicked a 73 yarder- career