Holmgren's Coaching Tree Grows a New Branch

Another quote from the Pro Football Weekly link:

There is a growing sense of respect for new head coach Jim Zorn around Redskins Park — from top to bottom — we hear. The players reportedly love his coaching style and organization, and he has made a lot of people move on very quickly from Joe Gibbs — perhaps faster than anyone could have predicted.

Not surprising. I know it's just the second week (of games) in the preseason, but I expected this from Zorn (nothing to back that up - you'll just have to take my word), largely because of all I heard from his days with the Seahawks. Zorn, a players coach, replacing Gibbs should have an effect similar to Philips replacing Parcells, plus Zorn has a chance to really grow the Redskins (I don't think that highly of Wade Philips). If you've followed the Seahawks closely, you've seen the incredible progress Seneca Wallace has made in the six years since being drafted. If Zorn can do that for Seneca Wallace, an after-thought, fourth round, probably-receiver-not-QB, imagine what he can do with Jason Campbell. The Redskins may not be playoff bound this year (mainly because the NFC East is brutal), but they will be soon.

One final thought. While it's unfortunate Zorn left, if he had to leave I'm glad it was this year rather than next, as, in theory, it will make the transition from Holmgren's offense under Zorn's tutelage to whatever Mora wants more gradual. Hasselbeck is a smart quarterback, but he's played in the same system his entire (pro) career. This way, maybe next year won't be such a large departure from what he's used to.