Zorn wants the offense to establish fast tempo
The change of pace ignited the Redskins at times last season, throwing a curve at defenses and allowing Jason Campbell to find a groove.
The Redskins not only need a change of pace — cynics might say they need any pace first — they need Campbell to find any sort of groove. And one way to do that is by using a no-huddle attack, something they did successfully at times last season — and not just at the end of a half or game.
Considering the way Washington’s offense has sputtered of late, it’s a tactic the Redskins at least will ponder. The Redskins also could use more shotgun formation, though coach Jim Zorn is reluctant to use it too often.
He does, however, like the no-huddle, which they did not run in the opening loss to the New York Giants.
“It’s good for a change of pace,” Zorn said. “We’ll do that this year, give a team something to think about.”
Last year, Campbell did well with it in part because it limited his options and forced him to throw quickly.
“If you need it, you do it,” receiver Santana Moss said. “If coach wants to do it more, we have to go out and work on it. … Last year we were so comfortable with it, we worked on it more. That’s the difference.”
One thing Zorn does not want is what the Indianapolis Colts do, which is run a “muddle-huddle” in which quarterback Peyton Manning directs traffic at the line of scrimmage. Zorn wants the Redskins to get to the line and get moving, establishing a fast tempo.
Meanwhile, the Redskins will continue to use Campbell in shotgun formation, as they did in the opener.
“I really felt comfortable,” Campbell said, “I could see the receivers [better] on their routes.”
But Zorn is mixed on shotgun. He said it limits the running game too much. He also wants to see better results from Campbell.
“You still have to be disciplined and there’s a rhythm you have to have,” Zorn said. “He has to show me he can throw the ball in rhythm in the gun.”
