Communication issues have led to criticism
Jim Zorn helped his cause in the locker room Monday. But, to some, it might not be enough to hear that he was re-evaluating his coaching.
“It was [needed],” one Redskins veteran said. “The statements that have resonated have been, ‘It wasn’t the play, it was the execution.’ It was always pointing the finger.”
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That wore on players; one said he noticed the look of relief on tackle Chris Samuels the day after his season ended.
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“He was a different guy the next day,” the player said.
At the beginning of the season, players praised Zorn, publicly and privately. But as the season has unfolded — and the losses have mounted — more criticism has been heard. A number of players — Clinton Portis, Fred Smoot, Carlos Rogers — have complained about a lack of communication, whether from Zorn or other coaches.
The players aren’t sure if locker room opinion can change.
“I would never say never,” the veteran said. “But there’s been a lot to happen that it would be awfully hard to regain the trust you need from your players. It could be salvageable, but it would be awfully hard. It’s hard to change guys minds.”
The players aren’t unanimous on wanting him in — or out.
“He’s never been a head coach and all he had to do before is get the QB ready,” another veteran said. “There’s a lot on his plate that he wasn’t used to having. You have to give him the benefit of the doubt. … I’m sure it’s in the back of some guys heads; it’s in the back of mine. I hope it doesn’t happen. You just don’t get rid of him like that.”
