Lewis was brought in as an "offensive consultant." In simpler terms, Snyderrato wants points ASAP and is becoming impatient with Zorn's play-calling but won't fire him just yet. What to expect? If anything, Lewis will merely help dot a few I's and cross a few T's. WRs might run crisper routes, RBs might identify blitz pickups a second or two quicker, and JC might hesitate a little less. But unless the head play-caller is replaced the only changes in this offense's performance will come directly from the execution of the players.
Here's what to look for Sunday when the offense takes the field:
#1: Offenses are moving the football on this Panther D. 267, 371 and 449 yards given up in their first 3 games respectively. Where's it coming from primarily? The running game.
Excluding Julius Peppers (who has been MIA so far this year) the only playmakers on this defense are the young linebackers Davis and Beason. The Panthers D-line has been manhandled in recent weeks and as a result have lost the T.O.P. battle in all 3 contests. Zorn has to use Clinton early and often this Sunday on every down and in all 4 quarters to maintain drives and keep Steve Smith and DeAngelo Williams off the field.
#2: Carolina is 3rd from last in the NFL in points allowed per game. The majority of those points are coming in the first half so Washington has to get out of their slow-starting funk to take advantage of Carolina's similar habit. Zorn would be smart to dial up big plays early to catch Carolina sleeping.
#3: Carolina is tied for last in the league in takeaways and is almost as bad in sacks and TFLs. They don't penetrate into the backfield and they don't force or capitalize on mistakes so Washington has no excuse for sloppy play or shooting themselves in the foot with missed blocks, turnovers or penalties.
Players to watch: The Panthers are giving up big games to tight ends and #1 WRs. Cooley will surely stand out and Santana will turn out his 3rd big game unless "Kelly Malcolm" (as Brian Billick would say) decides to show up and take it from him.
Carolina's favored but I got the Skins winning 20-17.
Kelly Malcolm? Malcolm Kelly? Is he on the roster? He and D. Thomas, despite the hype, have been non factors in all 5 games this year. It might be too early to label either them of busts, but whose fault is it that they have a combined 7 receptions through 5 games? Betts even has 9. Zorn needs to start showing a little bit more creatvity in the offense to get more of our offensive weapons involved or else we will continue to lose to perennial cupcakes like the lions. Cowher anyone?
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