Redskins fans don’t set your expectations very high in 2009. As I watched the Redskins against the division rival New York Giants today I came to understand why exactly our Redskins are the least in the east. The Redskins are saddled with a coach who fails to understand the simple idea of game planing.

The Redskins offense was victimized by predictable play calling. Head Coach Jim Zorn can’t grasp the idea of being aggressive without overcomplicating the system. Trick plays and wide receiver screens should be reserved for teams with playmakers.

Coach Zorn needs to get the Hogs up front to take pride in running the ball. The offensive line needs to put the defender on his back and let Portis eat up some yards. Washington ran for just 51 yards against the Giants today, Clinton Portis accounted for 34 of those yards on the first play from scrimmage.

After the burst on the opening play Washington attempted just 19 more attempts to move the ball on the ground. Running the football needs to be a priority in Washington. The Redskins need an identity. If Zorn would make the running game a priority, that would allow Jason Campbell to be more aggressive going downfield after playaction.

Campbell was solid on the day going 19-26 for 211 yards with a TD and an INT. Unfortunately Campbell was forced to take the checkdown on the majority of the completions, which caused Campbell to sit in the pocket. This was painfully obvious as Campbell was sacked 3 times on the day, and was pressured throughout the game.

Another reason to make the running game the top offensive priority is the fact that the Redskins receivers can not create space. They are not explosive on their own, and they don’t put any pressure on the defenders. Washington is in need of a true playmaker at wide receiver, someone who is a legitimate number 1 receiver. It is a bad sign to Redskins fans that the passing game lacked explosion.

Yes, I know the Giants have a very tough defense. But did anyone notice that the Giants played only 3 cornerbacks all day? They had 2 corners out due to injury. Washington couldn’t compete outside the hash marks, against a depleted defensive backfield.

On a positive note the defensive unit looked solid. They created turnovers and managed to give Washington reason to believe. This defense is good enough that they will keep the Redskins in games. But without a dominating performance from the defense, I don’t look for Washington to get very many victories.

This team is a 6-10 team and it pains me to say that. I expect more from the Redskins, but with the current coach and his lack of playcalling abilities the Skins are doomed to fail in 2009. It’s time Jim Zorn be put on the hot seat, Win or go home.