Offensive consultant’s role yet to be defined
ASHBURN – They didn’t know what it meant, other than the obvious: The offense isn’t working. And something needs to be done.
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On Sherman Lewis’ first day on the job, the players still were trying to grasp what it means to have him as an offensive consultant. But they didn’t see it in negative terms, even though the perception around the NFL is that coach Jim Zorn’s grip on his job is tenuous.
“Sometimes you may wonder,” Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell said. “But knowing coach Zorn, it won’t affect his work ethic or what he does. He definitely has a lot of responsibility. It doesn’t mean we’re not getting it done or that we’re not capable or that he’ll come in and take anyone’s position. You’ve just added someone to the guys we have here, added fresh ideas. But it still comes down at the end of the day to us on the field making plays.”
Privately, some players wondered what this meant, initially unsure of Lewis’ role. They also wondered what he’d be able to add.
“I don’t think there is a situation where they help,” one NFL source said. “The coaches have to be [ticked]. When consultants come in, the coach loses credibility with the team.”
But the players didn’t seem upset by the move, even if some were puzzled.
“I don’t know what to think about it,” receiver Antwaan Randle El said. “I just think it’s a good addition. It’s not a knock on anybody. He’s been in great offenses and coached great players. That’s the only way I think about it.
“They’re not bringing him in because of the coaches or us. They’re bringing him in because he has a lot to offer.”
Certainly, the Redskins’ offense needs help. They rank 17th in the NFL in yards and 29th in offense. Many things haven’t gone right. The Redskins hope that Lewis, who has spent 22 years in the West Coast offense, can, perhaps, shed insight on how to improve the attack.
“He has to learn the personnel first and what each guy can do best,” Campbell said. “It will take time to have an impact.”
Running back Clinton Portis said, “We have to see what his role turns out to be and how we pan out. If we pan out to do something spectacular, it’s great.”
But the problems have been numerous, ranging from playcalling to poor protection, young receivers still maturing and an inconsistent quarterback. One NFL general manager said they’re not constructed well, with the emphasis on adding talented skill players rather than building up the line first.
“They’ve built the offense from the outside in and that’s a problem for the quarterback,” the GM said. “You need to make sure he’s comfortable in the pocket so he can execute the game plan.”
