Skins bring in consultant
By: John Keim
Examiner Staff Writer
October 7, 2009
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| Redskins coach Jim Zorn agreed with the team's decision to bring in Sherman Lewis as an offensive consultant. (Getty Images) |
Lewis has extensive experience working in West Coast system
He portrayed the move as a simple one, asking Jim Zorn on Monday if he wanted another set of eyes to help with the offense. Zorn told executive vice president Vinny Cerrato that he would. If, that is, it's the right person.
Apparently, Sherman Lewis is the right person. In an unusual move, the Redskins hired him as an offensive consultant. Their offense ranks 17th overall and 29th in scoring and has yet to score 30 points in 20 games under Zorn.
Looking Ahead » Three
questions facing the Redskins
1. Who is the No. 3 corner? » Actually, based on playing time vs. Tampa Bay, that answer appears obvious: Justin Tryon. That means Fred Smoot would be the No. 4. Is that how it will continue to be? The Redskins aren’t saying. But one reason Tryon played so much vs. the Bucs is because of how they used their receivers. They kept their top receivers on the outside, allowing the Redskins to keep DeAngelo Hall outside as well. If Hall had needed to cover inside, Smoot likely would have played more. But Tryon is better in the slot so he played the entire game as the third corner.
2. How much will Hunter Smith be missed? » Possibly a lot. Smith was off to a terrific start and had helped the defense, never putting them in a bad spot, save for one bad punt in the opener. Coaches want their returners to gain at least 10 yards so they get a “first down” on the return. Only one of his 13 punts was returned for more than nine yards. His hangtime enables the coverage units to surround the returner. Eight of his punts were either fair caught, touchbacks or downed inside the 20. His consistency is welcomed by two inconsistent units. The Redskins signed punter Glenn Pakulak to the practice squad and cut receiver Trent Shelton Tuesday (he’ll likely return at some point) in case Smith can’t punt Sunday.
3. Why is the run defense struggling? » This has to be solved because the Redskins won’t win much more this season if it isn’t. The odd thing is, they did a decent job vs. the New York Giants in the opener. But in the past three games, here’s what the opposition’s primary running back has averaged per carry vs. them: 6.1 yards (St. Louis’ Steven Jackson), 6.3 (Detroit’s Kevin Smith) and 4.8 (Tampa Bay’s Cadillac Williams). Teams have targeted the edge and often run away from defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth. That way they can double Cornelius Griffin and perhaps create an opening by letting Haynesworth get upfield with some interference. But too often success has come off the edge.
"All we're doing is adding a set of eyes," Cerrato said.
But former Redskins general manager Charley Casserly, now a CBS analyst, said what it means for Zorn is this: "It's over."
One NFL general manager said, "It's either that he's prepping for a move that he'll make once Lewis has a handle on the offense or he just thinks [Zorn] is in over his head and needs help."
Lewis was around the West Coast offense for 22 years during his coaching career, with stops in San Francisco, Detroit, Green Bay and Minnesota. He has not coached in the NFL since 2004, but both he and Zorn have worked for Mike Holmgren.
Cerrato said no message is being sent about Zorn's job security. Zorn lacks an assistant with an extensive background in the West Coast offense.
"It sends the message that we're bringing in a guy who has a ton of experience in the West Coast offense," Cerrato said. "We've had struggles scoring."
It's uncertain what Lewis' role will be, or whether he'll be in the coaches booth or on the sidelines during games. Cerrato said he's not sure how familiar Lewis is with the Redskins personnel.
Lewis attended the Redskins' 19-14 loss to Detroit, though Cerrato said the team did not discuss a job at that time. And, Cerrato said, owner Dan Snyder did not know about the plans until after it was discussed by Cerrato and Zorn. Snyder, though, often is heavily involved in transactions.
In a statement, Zorn said, "We're happy to have Sherm's set of eyes and voice to help us as we continue to find ways to create success on offense. I ... welcome his input."
Cerrato and Snyder hired a consultant during the 1999 season, bringing Bill Arnsparger in to help embattled defensive coordinator Mike Nolan.
At the time, numerous players said Arnsparger, a one-time defensive guru, had no impact and offered little in meetings. Nolan was still fired after the season, the last one in which the Redskins won the NFC East.
Cerrato also pointed out that Bill Walsh, who won three Super Bowls, returned to San Francisco as a consultant in 1996. The Niners went 12-4, but, according to a story in the San Francisco Chronicle, Walsh clashed with management and the coaches and soon left.
"I've been around where it's happened a couple of times and both times were very successful," Cerrato said. "[Lewis] has had a tremendous amount of success ... He knows the [West Coast offense] from the ground up."
One Redskins offensive player said, "Sometimes people get biased to what they're doing. You can have another person telling you your tendencies and that can help you out.
