by Bradley Handwerger
wwltv.com
Posted on December 4, 2009 at 10:15 AM
Updated
Saturday, Dec 5 at 11:12 AM
When New Orleans goes to Washington on Sunday, you’ve likely read as much about the Saints as you possibly can.
But what do you know about the Redskins?
That’s where A View From the Other Side comes in. Every Friday during the Saints' season, WWL-TV.com will ask five questions to at least one beat writer covering the Saints’ opponent that week.
Today we talk with Ryan O'Halloran of the Washington Times. He's in his fifth year covering the Redskins for the Washington Times. Previously, he worked at papers in Kansas, upstate New York and Virginia. O'Halloran graduated from Kansas State. You can follow his work at http://www.washingtontimes.com/sports/, his blog at
WWL-TV: Jason Campbell is good one game, not so good in another. How much has his rollercoaster season – and career – taken away from his confidence to lead the Redskins into a game such as Sunday’s against the Saints?
Ryan O'Halloran: The state of the Redskins’ offensive line has impacted Campbell’s confidence more than the myriad offensive systems he’s had to learn (three) and play callers he’s had to work (three) with since taking over the starting role in November 2006. The Redskins are on their fifth right guard and until halftime of the Denver game a few weeks ago, Campbell was letting the pass rush – even when it wasn’t there – hurt his decision making. But he’s played relatively well the last two-and-a-half games. The Redskins won’t beat New Orleans but it won’t be due to Campbell.
WWL-TV: Washington is ranked No. 1 in passing defense, but No. 25 against the run. What will Head Coach Jim Zorn and his defensive coordinator try to do to stop the Saints, who are fifth in the NFL, rushing for 150.5 yards per game?
RO: Greg Blache calls the shots on defense and their philosophy the last two games is for the secondary to keep everything in front of them and hope to tackle well. The Redskins played primarily five- and six-defensive back packages against Philadelphia, which left them open to be run against. Albert Haynesworth is expected to return but if DeAngelo Hall isn’t healthy and effective, New Orleans should be able to do whatever it wants and whenever it wants to. The only chance for the Redskins to slow the Saints down is by putting pressure on Drew Brees with Andre Carter and Brian Orakpo coming off the edges.
WW-TV: What has been Washington’s biggest problem this season?
RO: So many places to start with this one. A) the front office failing to address the offensive line starting group and depth in the off-season. Chris Samuels, Randy Thomas and Chad Rinehart are all on injured reserve. B) the front office opting to strip Jim Zorn of the play-calling after the Kansas City loss and handing it to Sherm Lewis, who had been on the staff less than a month. C) the front office opting to give Haynesworth $41 million guaranteed instead of spreading that money around to fill other holes. D) and an offense that has failed to exceed 30 points since Zorn arrived. But the pattern of front office mistakes is the biggest trend.
WWL-TV: Clinton Portis and Santana Moss are legitimate threats on offense. What’s going on with the Redskins offense that is keeping them from scoring more than 15.5 points per game and accumulating more than 309 yards per game, which is 25th in the NFL?
RO: Portis is out for a third straight game with a concussion and I don’t expect him to play again this year. You’re right about Moss, but his best threat is downfield and Campbell simply hasn’t had time to take those shots. Where the Redskins’ offense struggles is generating big plays. Portis is out, Ladell Betts is out, Chris Cooley is out, the offensive line is in shambles. The pieces might have been there in the preseason but young players or guys who were on the street in August have been thrust into starting roles. Amongst the young guys, the player to watch is tight end Fred Davis, who does good things after the catch.
WWL-TV Dan Snyder is known as a hands-on owner. Why hasn’t Zorn been fired already and does this mean he could save his job with a couple big wins down the stretch?
RO: The Danny is hands on – he can’t help himself. Zorn’s contract is believed to be guaranteed through next year so money has to play a part. I find it impossible that Zorn returns next year and even if the Redskins win out to finish 8-8, it’s pretty clear that The Danny has set his sights on Mike Shanahan. Zorn was cut at the knees by the play calling decision and he looked completely weathered and defeated in his Monday press conference, which had a season wrap-up kind of feel to it. That said, the Redskins still play hard although not always that well.
