Zorn Ultimatum: Redskins’ Offense, Hopes Vanish in Cincy
Remember six and two? Nearly two months ago, the Redskins were on fire: winning big games on the road, commanding the line of scrimmage and finishing games. With big wins in both Dallas and Philadelphia, this team was a force to be reckoned with, and the league had taken notice. Fast forward six weeks. Losers of four of five and bickering among themselves, the crumbling Redskins arrived in Cincinnati looking for a bit of salvation against one of the worst teams in the NFL—the 1-11-1 Bengals.
We know these Redskins, and one thing they excel at is making bad teams look great. And they did a fantastic job of it on Sunday afternoon, losing 20-13.
The first drive was indeed a sign of things to come. On the first completed pass of the game, Chris Cooley took a big hit and fumbled the ball away. Moments later, Cincinnati quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick jogged into the end zone to put the Bengals up 7-0. After a few more painful offensive series and more methodical drives by Cincinnati’s suddenly potent offense, the Redskins found themselves down 17-0…and staring at a lost season.
The 'Skins offense did make an abbreviated run against one of the worst defenses in the league, with a touchdown to Santana Moss and a Suisham field goal before the half. But that desperation and drive did not sustain.
AP Photo
Redskins fans could see their season slip away in the third quarter. After a Mike Sellers touchdown was overturned, the 'Skin were left with a third and one—looking to tie the game 17-17. What's worst that could happen? Not get the touchdown and take the three points? Fumble the ball away? Fumble the ball into the end zone giving Cincinnati the ball at their own 20 yard line? How about reviewing the play so you lose a timeout while you're at it? Impressively done, Redskins.
Besides making Ryan Fitzpatrick look like Randall Cunningham, the Redskins defensive unit showed very little. Yesterday's game was like watching the Baltimore game all over again, only this was against a far worse team. Little pressure from the front four, poor coverage in the secondary, coaching snafus and an uncanny ability to cave when it counted added up to another horrid day for this overrated unit. In a last gasp attempt to get the offense the ball for one last shot at a season, the defense and coaching staff were embarrassed again. After a key stop on third down, the Redskins looked confused when the Bengals decided to go for it on fourth down. Rushing to the line, the only play the Bengals could run was a quarterback sneak. The announcers, the fans, ball boys and hot dog vendors, all seemed to know what was coming. Unfortunately, no one told the Redskins defense.
After another field goal by Shayne Graham effectively put the game out of reach, Redskins fans kissed their season goodbye. So again, remember 6-2? Zorn was a god in D.C. Now, there are rumors flying that he might be out the door. .
The good news? Well, there's little. Now, another loss just means better position in the 2009 draft. The real question is, "How many receivers will we take this year?"
Humbug.