Chiefs Zorn: I feel 'like the worst coach in America' - Page 2

oaklandhater · 12-16-2008, 08:07 AM

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/8...'?MSNHPHCP

ASHBURN, Va. (AP) - Saying he feels "like the worst coach in America," Jim Zorn began a two-day self-evaluation Monday into the meltdown that has plummeted his Washington Redskins out of the playoff race and prompted questions about his future.

Looking worn out and at least 10 years older than he did at training camp, Zorn had visible sweat on his brow at his weekly news conference. He reversed course from his season-long theme that his schemes were solid but the players' execution was lacking.

Instead, after the Redskins' fifth loss in six games — a truly embarrassing 20-13 defeat at lowly Cincinnati on Sunday — Zorn seemed to channel predecessor Joe Gibbs when he uttered the Hall of Fame coach's over-worn phrase: "It starts with me."

"I need to check my plan of attack," the first-year coach said. "And all of our staff, we need to re-evaluate what we're doing to see if we're going in the right direction. I really believe we're building a good foundation, but certainly when these things get strung across the board I certainly have to take — and do take — the responsibility for some of these games that just are not turning out like we have planned."

Zorn gave his players the day off so that he could take Monday and Tuesday to examine, as he put it, "all of the above." The easy-to-like coach's ebullient optimism — a natural fit when the team was 6-2 — is undergoing quite a test now that the record is 7-7.

"Where do I need to improve?" Zorn said. "Not only on Sunday, but on Wednesday, on Monday, all the days, all the game-planning, all the paying attention to detail. I need to make good use of this time and I will — because it hurts. I just feel like the worst coach in America, to have to lose the way we're losing. ... I feel sick to my stomach even thinking about having to go and do this kind of evaluation."

NFL Week 15

Week 15 actionBears 27, Saints 24 -- Recap | Box
Falcons 13, Bucs 10 -- Recap | Box
Bengals 20, Redskins 13 -- Recap | Box
Texans 13, Titans 12 -- Recap | Box
Colts 31, Lions 21 -- Recap | Box
Jaguars 20, Packers 16 -- Recap | Box
Chargers 22, Chiefs 21 -- Recap | Box
Dolphins 14, 49ers 9 -- Recap | Box
Jets 31, Bills 27 -- Recap | Box
Seahawks 23, Rams 20 -- Recap | Box
Vikings 35, Cardinals 14 -- Recap | Box
Steelers 13, Ravens 9 -- Recap | Box
Panthers 30, Broncos 10 -- Recap | Box
Patriots 49, Raiders 26 -- Recap | Box
Cowboys 20, Giants 8 -- Recap | Box
Eagles 30, Browns 10 -- Recap | Box

Photos
Ranking the games
Week 15's best shots
Around Halloween, Zorn was being touted as a possible NFL coach of the year. Now, given owner Dan Snyder's heavy turnover rate with coaches, there's open doubt as to whether Zorn will make it to New Year's.

For his part, Zorn spoke positively of his conversations with Snyder and front office chief Vinny Cerrato.

"I feel we have tremendous support from both those guys, I really do," Zorn said. "They are very passionate about this football team and want the best for it. I can say that emphatically. I can tell you that honestly."

Cerrato, away on league business, did not host his usual radio segment Monday. He did not respond to an interview request made through a team spokesman.

While there's plenty for Zorn to examine, he is in part a victim of his own early success. The Redskins right now are where most people predicted they would be — around .500, in last place in the tough NFC East. But blowing a 6-2 start creates an undeniable sense of a wasted opportunity to have a special season.

It all seemed to go wrong against a 1-11-1 team on Sunday, when, as linebacker London Fletcher put it, "The energy was terrible to start the game." Reliable tight end Chris Cooley fumbled. The Redskins fell behind 17-0. The defense again couldn't get pressure on the quarterback.

Santana Moss, a veteran who should know better, had the audacity to make a spectacle of scoring a touchdown, drawing a 15-yard penalty. With the ball at the 1-yard-line, Zorn decided to give the ball on back-to-back plays not to Clinton Portis but to fullback Mike Sellers, who fumbled the second time. Cornerback Carlos Rogers was surprised to learn shortly before kickoff that he wasn't starting, a sign of lack of communication between coaching staff and player.

All those issues are on the checklist to be reviewed, but one thing Zorn can't fix right away is the talent he's been given. Even if the coach returns next season, the Redskins are due for a massive overhaul.

The offensive and defensive lines are getting old and creaky. The defense needs a playmaker or two, and the offense still needs a reliable receiver other than Moss.

Unheralded stat of the game Sunday? Of the 49 Redskins plays that were either runs or receptions, 38 involved Moss, Cooley or Portis. It's hard to win when the options are so limited.

Zorn, naturally, declined to put the blame on the front office.

"We can win some of these games, we really can," Zorn said. "I have a hard time looking at talent and saying, 'Well, it's just talent — no brainer."'

Zorn, who is calling the plays as well as running the offense, said he didn't feel overwhelmed with all his duties, but he was willing to examine that possibility as well.

Perhaps the most radical, uncharacteristic comment came when the aggressive, let's-score-right-away coach said he might decline the ball next time he wins the coin flip to start the game.

"Maybe it won't hurt to defer if we win the toss," Zorn said. "I'm willing to try anything."

Ah if only we had a coach with some humility.

Fish · 12-16-2008, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oaklandhater

Most chiefs fan's would take him over herm any day of the week so its not like you really owned anyone......

You must have been one of the Zorn fans....

oaklandhater · 12-16-2008, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KC Fish

You must have been one of the Zorn fans....

I was one of the zorn fans yes and still him this just makes me like him better.

'Hamas' Jenkins · 12-16-2008, 11:10 AM

Zorn's over the top dictator approach just doesn't work in this league. He's not Mike Singletary, the players have no reason to respect him, and the players he's calling out are anything but disappointing (Portis v. Davis).

Reerun_KC · 12-16-2008, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zouk

I have no idea how he got that job and I have no idea how he keeps it. THIS is a guy over his head.

Nice to see you change your opinion on Herm... We all have wonder the same exact thing about him as well...

Mr. Laz · 12-16-2008, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reerun_KC

Nice to see you change your opinion on Herm... We all have wonder the same exact thing about him as well...

heh ..... i see what you did there.

sneaky bastige

Fish · 12-16-2008, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oaklandhater

I was one of the zorn fans yes and still him this just makes me like him better.

Yes.... I found one of the Zorn threads.... sure enough you were there talking about Zorn's skill.... You realize he's lost 5 out of the last 6 games right? Including a loss against the Rams earlier in the year? You still saying you like him better than you did a few months ago?

http://www.chiefsplanet.com/BB/showp...5&postcount=23

Reerun_KC · 12-16-2008, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laz

heh ..... i see what you did there.

sneaky bastige

Not bad huh?

oaklandhater · 12-16-2008, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KC Fish

Yes.... I found one of the Zorn threads.... sure enough you were there talking about Zorn's skill.... You realize he's lost 5 out of the last 6 games right? Including a loss against the Rams earlier in the year? You still saying you like him better than you did a few months ago?

http://www.chiefsplanet.com/BB/showp...5&postcount=23

Mabye not in the coaching aspect but has a person takeing the blame is a pretty bold move and it is only his 1st year working with a young QB im going to cut him some slack.

But im not a Skins Fan if I was a skins fan I might have a totally different opinion on the subject.

Reerun_KC · 12-16-2008, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KC Fish

Yes.... I found one of the Zorn threads.... sure enough you were there talking about Zorn's skill.... You realize he's lost 5 out of the last 6 games right? Including a loss against the Rams earlier in the year? You still saying you like him better than you did a few months ago?

http://www.chiefsplanet.com/BB/showp...5&postcount=23

Hell were 6 and 24 over our last 30.. So he is no worse...

Quesadilla Joe · 12-16-2008, 11:52 AM

You can't blame him for the recent losses. Chris Samuels, Jon Jansen, Clinton Portis, and Cornelius Griffin are all hurt.

Fish · 12-16-2008, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reerun_KC

Hell were 6 and 24 over our last 30.. So he is no worse...

You don't see any differences in the talent levels between the Redskins and Chiefs?

Ha ha...

Zorn is failing with much much more talent on the roster than the Chiefs have.

Reerun_KC · 12-16-2008, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KC Fish

You don't see any differences in the talent levels between the Redskins and Chiefs?

Ha ha...

Zorn is failing with much much more talent on the roster than the Chiefs have.

Herm has failed with much more talent than Zorn has.... Because, Herm is such a great keen eye for talent, he has built teams that have superior talent levels...

So whats the point? Zorn is man enough to admit it, Herm looks for someone to blame...

oaklandhater · 12-16-2008, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KC Fish

You don't see any differences in the talent levels between the Redskins and Chiefs?

Ha ha...

Zorn is failing with much much more talent on the roster than the Chiefs have.

It pains me to say this fish but I agree with this 100%.

oaklandhater · 12-16-2008, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reerun_KC

Herm has failed with much more talent than Zorn has.... Because, Herm is such a great keen eye for talent, he has built teams that have superior talent levels...

So whats the point? Zorn is man enough to admit it, Herm looks for someone to blame...

and thats why I hate herm has a coach and even more has a person.

Fish · 12-16-2008, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reerun_KC

Herm has failed with much more talent than Zorn has.... Because, Herm is such a great keen eye for talent, he has built teams that have superior talent levels...

So whats the point? Zorn is man enough to admit it, Herm looks for someone to blame...

Herm has never had the talent that Washington has this year. I challenge you to prove otherwise.

12-16-2008, 08:07 AM
oaklandhater future chiefs fans Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: oakland california Casino cash: $7438993	Zorn: I feel 'like the worst coach in America' http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/8...'?MSNHPHCP ASHBURN, Va. (AP) - Saying he feels "like the worst coach in America," Jim Zorn began a two-day self-evaluation Monday into the meltdown that has plummeted his Washington Redskins out of the playoff race and prompted questions about his future. Looking worn out and at least 10 years older than he did at training camp, Zorn had visible sweat on his brow at his weekly news conference. He reversed course from his season-long theme that his schemes were solid but the players' execution was lacking. Instead, after the Redskins' fifth loss in six games — a truly embarrassing 20-13 defeat at lowly Cincinnati on Sunday — Zorn seemed to channel predecessor Joe Gibbs when he uttered the Hall of Fame coach's over-worn phrase: "It starts with me." "I need to check my plan of attack," the first-year coach said. "And all of our staff, we need to re-evaluate what we're doing to see if we're going in the right direction. I really believe we're building a good foundation, but certainly when these things get strung across the board I certainly have to take — and do take — the responsibility for some of these games that just are not turning out like we have planned." Zorn gave his players the day off so that he could take Monday and Tuesday to examine, as he put it, "all of the above." The easy-to-like coach's ebullient optimism — a natural fit when the team was 6-2 — is undergoing quite a test now that the record is 7-7. "Where do I need to improve?" Zorn said. "Not only on Sunday, but on Wednesday, on Monday, all the days, all the game-planning, all the paying attention to detail. I need to make good use of this time and I will — because it hurts. I just feel like the worst coach in America, to have to lose the way we're losing. ... I feel sick to my stomach even thinking about having to go and do this kind of evaluation." NFL Week 15 Week 15 actionBears 27, Saints 24 -- Recap \| Box Falcons 13, Bucs 10 -- Recap \| Box Bengals 20, Redskins 13 -- Recap \| Box Texans 13, Titans 12 -- Recap \| Box Colts 31, Lions 21 -- Recap \| Box Jaguars 20, Packers 16 -- Recap \| Box Chargers 22, Chiefs 21 -- Recap \| Box Dolphins 14, 49ers 9 -- Recap \| Box Jets 31, Bills 27 -- Recap \| Box Seahawks 23, Rams 20 -- Recap \| Box Vikings 35, Cardinals 14 -- Recap \| Box Steelers 13, Ravens 9 -- Recap \| Box Panthers 30, Broncos 10 -- Recap \| Box Patriots 49, Raiders 26 -- Recap \| Box Cowboys 20, Giants 8 -- Recap \| Box Eagles 30, Browns 10 -- Recap \| Box Photos Ranking the games Week 15's best shots Around Halloween, Zorn was being touted as a possible NFL coach of the year. Now, given owner Dan Snyder's heavy turnover rate with coaches, there's open doubt as to whether Zorn will make it to New Year's. For his part, Zorn spoke positively of his conversations with Snyder and front office chief Vinny Cerrato. "I feel we have tremendous support from both those guys, I really do," Zorn said. "They are very passionate about this football team and want the best for it. I can say that emphatically. I can tell you that honestly." Cerrato, away on league business, did not host his usual radio segment Monday. He did not respond to an interview request made through a team spokesman. While there's plenty for Zorn to examine, he is in part a victim of his own early success. The Redskins right now are where most people predicted they would be — around .500, in last place in the tough NFC East. But blowing a 6-2 start creates an undeniable sense of a wasted opportunity to have a special season. It all seemed to go wrong against a 1-11-1 team on Sunday, when, as linebacker London Fletcher put it, "The energy was terrible to start the game." Reliable tight end Chris Cooley fumbled. The Redskins fell behind 17-0. The defense again couldn't get pressure on the quarterback. Santana Moss, a veteran who should know better, had the audacity to make a spectacle of scoring a touchdown, drawing a 15-yard penalty. With the ball at the 1-yard-line, Zorn decided to give the ball on back-to-back plays not to Clinton Portis but to fullback Mike Sellers, who fumbled the second time. Cornerback Carlos Rogers was surprised to learn shortly before kickoff that he wasn't starting, a sign of lack of communication between coaching staff and player. All those issues are on the checklist to be reviewed, but one thing Zorn can't fix right away is the talent he's been given. Even if the coach returns next season, the Redskins are due for a massive overhaul. The offensive and defensive lines are getting old and creaky. The defense needs a playmaker or two, and the offense still needs a reliable receiver other than Moss. Unheralded stat of the game Sunday? Of the 49 Redskins plays that were either runs or receptions, 38 involved Moss, Cooley or Portis. It's hard to win when the options are so limited. Zorn, naturally, declined to put the blame on the front office. "We can win some of these games, we really can," Zorn said. "I have a hard time looking at talent and saying, 'Well, it's just talent — no brainer."' Zorn, who is calling the plays as well as running the offense, said he didn't feel overwhelmed with all his duties, but he was willing to examine that possibility as well. Perhaps the most radical, uncharacteristic comment came when the aggressive, let's-score-right-away coach said he might decline the ball next time he wins the coin flip to start the game. "Maybe it won't hurt to defer if we win the toss," Zorn said. "I'm willing to try anything." Ah if only we had a coach with some humility.
Posts: 23,762

12-16-2008, 11:10 AM	#18
'Hamas' Jenkins Now you've pissed me off! Join Date: Jan 2006 Casino cash: $7919572	Zorn's over the top dictator approach just doesn't work in this league. He's not Mike Singletary, the players have no reason to respect him, and the players he's calling out are anything but disappointing (Portis v. Davis). __________________ "When the Know-Nothings get control, it will read 'all men are created equal, except negroes, and foreigners, and Catholics.' When it comes to this I should prefer emigrating to some country where they make no pretense of loving liberty – to Russia, for instance, where despotism can be taken pure, and without the base alloy of hypocrisy.”--Abraham Lincoln
Posts: 74,860

12-16-2008, 11:52 AM	#25
Quesadilla Joe Abolish The Salary Cap! Join Date: Mar 2008 Casino cash: $3848675	You can't blame him for the recent losses. Chris Samuels, Jon Jansen, Clinton Portis, and Cornelius Griffin are all hurt.
Posts: 19,807