Giving Credit Where Credit's Due: Offensive Stats Before and After the Sherm Lewis Hire
 

Per Shefter:

[url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=schefter_adam&id=4668347]NFL: Oakland Raiders, Cleveland Browns truly offensive - ESPN[/url]

[QUOTE]When Washington hired Sherman Lewis to call its plays, he was mocked and criticized. The amount of ridicule was shortsighted and mean-spirited, particularly for a man as accomplished as Smith -- a former offensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions.

Now that Lewis has had three games to call Washington's plays, check out how the Redskins' offensive production compares. In the first six games of the season, the Redskins averaged 12.4 points per game; in the past three games, they have averaged 20.3. In the first six games, the Redskins averaged 16 first downs per game; in the past three games, they have averaged 20. In the first six games, the Redskins averaged 294 yards per game; in the past three, they have averaged 336.

The average rank of the defenses the Redskins played in the first six weeks was 21st; the average rank of the defenses the Redskins played in the past three weeks was 13th. And in the past three weeks the Redskins have been without offensive linemen Chris Samuels and Randy Thomas, tight end Chris Cooley and running back Clinton Portis for one game. So when the Redskins brought aboard Lewis to call plays, there really was one word to describe it -- bingo.[/QUOTE]

The Good News: Our offense is finally starting to take off

The Bad News: Cerrato's starting to give Snyder reasons not to fire him.

Re: Giving Credit Where Credit's Due: Offensive Stats Before and After the Sherm Lewis Hire
 

Ok,

So I support Sherm Lewis, but I also am a contrarian at heart. So let me add this thought. When any new structure change comes, both teams have to respond. With Lewis coming to the Redskins at a point of HUGE upheaval, both in the roster due to injuries and coaching staff due to fan unrest, our opponents best guess at designing game plans rested on what Zorn had done. Lewis' playcalling and use of players has seemed much better than Zorn in my opinion, BUT, as we adjust to Lewis, and opponents get film on his tendencies and techniques, the question once again will come down to execution, and that will be the measure of where we finish this season. If Campbell continues his fumblitis, something we thought he had done away with, and his errant long balls, all the playcalling in the world will not make a difference to the teams coming up on our roster.

that said:

Lewis rocks, and I think the offense had NO confidence in Zorn's playcalling, and now between the backups getting chances to prove themselves, and players seeing results on the field, we are gonna continue to see more and more effective offense, something that has been missing around these parts for many years! last week 20+ this week 30+, against the raiders I may go over 40!

:food-smil

Re: Giving Credit Where Credit's Due: Offensive Stats Before and After the Sherm Lewis Hire
 

Zorn had 0 experience at calling plays. he had a helluva lot on his plate. say what you want about Lewis. but he is an experienced play caller

Re: Giving Credit Where Credit's Due: Offensive Stats Before and After the Sherm Lewis Hire
 

Good points on the above post and by Schefter.

I think you also have to figure in the simple fact that it took a burden off of Zorn. Of course he's still involved, but given what he's been through, his stubborn determination & the fact that he's a HC & needs to pay attention to a lot of other things, simply giving these duties to someone w/a fresh perspective is worth something. Not taking credit away from Lewis, but to some degree there might've been improvement simply because Zorn is not calling the plays.

It's kinda like when you're writing a long paper or report. After you've worked on for a while it's hard to edit your own material & read it like your audience does. Having a fresh set of eyes can help a lot.

Re: Giving Credit Where Credit's Due: Offensive Stats Before and After the Sherm Lewis Hire
 

Hey, I know every one and there brother critized the move, but I was happy the first time I heard it. I was tired of watching games were we just made plain stupid calls that probably cost us one or two games.

Re: Giving Credit Where Credit's Due: Offensive Stats Before and After the Sherm Lewis Hire
 

I want to wait till the end of the season and compare Sherm Lewis' 10 games to Zorn's 22 for a better analysis. Whenever you bring in new blood performance goes up but then settles so let's not call him the savior just yet.

Re: Giving Credit Where Credit's Due: Offensive Stats Before and After the Sherm Lewis Hire
 

I'm happy to see Lewis having a positive impact

[url]http://www.thewarpath.net/613375-post93.html[/url]

But I'm really impressed with the way the whole staff has managed this. With Smith overseeing the running game, and Meidt basically being Lewis' right hand man in calling the plays. Great execution overall by the staff.

Most impressive of all, have there been any delay of games?

Re: Giving Credit Where Credit's Due: Offensive Stats Before and After the Sherm Lewis Hire
 

[quote=SmootSmack;627930]I'm happy to see Lewis having a positive impact

[URL]http://www.thewarpath.net/613375-post93.html[/URL]

But I'm really impressed with the way the whole staff has managed this. With Smith overseeing the running game, and Meidt basically being Lewis' right hand man in calling the plays. Great execution overall by the staff.

Most impressive of all, have there been any delay of games?[/quote]

Very true. I thought there would be some serious mishaps in clock mgmt.

Re: Giving Credit Where Credit's Due: Offensive Stats Before and After the Sherm Lewis Hire
 

[url=http://dcprosportsreport.com/2009/11/20/schefter-believes-in-lewis-but-there-is-more-to-it.html]Schefter believes in Lewis, but there is more to it | DC Pro Sports Report[/url]

These are our thoughts. I do think Lewis has had an impact. A solid impact. However, I am not convinced that Lewis is THE sole reason for the appearance of some kind of offense in Washington.

Re: Giving Credit Where Credit's Due: Offensive Stats Before and After the Sherm Lewis Hire
 

I'm going to reserve judgement on Lewis at least until there's something to judge. I have never doubted his credentials because it would have been impossible for him to have survived as long as he did in the league without having something going for him.

The team has been mediocre at best all season, I have never been one to reward mediocrity, and I don't want to detract from Lewis' abilities, but we have some difficult games ahead and a determination may better be made at the conclusion of the season.

For the youngsters that mocked Lewis for returning from seniors bingo, three words "keep on living" bingo may be awaiting you too.

Re: Giving Credit Where Credit's Due: Offensive Stats Before and After the Sherm Lewis Hire
 

[quote=freddyg12;627932]Very true. I thought there would be some serious mishaps in clock mgmt.[/quote]
Yeah, the amazing part is the Redskins having been mismanaging the clock for years and since Lewis took over, we have called no stupid time outs, and no delays of game that I can remember. It realy makes very little sense, but i will take it.

Re: Giving Credit Where Credit's Due: Offensive Stats Before and After the Sherm Lewis Hire
 

Im going to give our offense credit to Ladell Betts,and if they are smart they would leave him in there!

Re: Giving Credit Where Credit's Due: Offensive Stats Before and After the Sherm Lewis Hire
 

Who knew even Wachenheim was designing plays?

[url=http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/sports/Racking-it-up-in-the-red-zone-8559873-70584177.html]Racking it up in the red zone | Washington Examiner[/url]

Re: Giving Credit Where Credit's Due: Offensive Stats Before and After the Sherm Lewis Hire
 

I give very little credit to Lewis. The improved offense is due to better OL play and by putting a RB in the game who is not just looking for somewhere to fall.

Re: Giving Credit Where Credit's Due: Offensive Stats Before and After the Sherm Lewis Hire
 

When I think a better Oline I think of one without Samuels.

Re: Giving Credit Where Credit's Due: Offensive Stats Before and After the Sherm Lewis Hire
 

[quote=celts32;627954]I give very little credit to Lewis. The improved offense is due to better OL play and by putting a RB in the game who is not just looking for somewhere to fall.[/quote]

You need to pay more attention.

Re: Giving Credit Where Credit's Due: Offensive Stats Before and After the Sherm Lewis Hire
 

It's one freakin game. Plus one TD was scored on teams. The offense looks better but I would hardly say it's "taking off". Let's remember Denver had to play on Mon. night and then turn around and travel across the country and play a 1pm game. Plus their QB got hurt and didn't play the 2nd half. We got all the breaks last week. Won't be the case Sun. But it's nice to see us not wasting TO's and having confusion on the sidelines...but that's something you should never see from a professional team anyway. But no question Lewis is doing a very nice job.

Re: Giving Credit Where Credit's Due: Offensive Stats Before and After the Sherm Lewis Hire
 

I think an offense has so many moving parts that improvement can rarely be attributed to any one change. We clearly have built some confidence...that could be because they had so little confidence in Zorn before. I also think the play calling has seemed less predictable. I don't think the overall strategy looks any different but the execution of that strategy has shifted slightly. Plus I think guys are just playing better...maybe due to the confidence. Put it this way...Lewis has to get some credit at least...not all though. If the line can solidify into something approaching consistently average and we keep the running game on track I can see us winning more than losing down the stretch. Teams are going to start stacking again on us soon though and force us to try and pass to win. They have to be preparing for that.

Re: Giving Credit Where Credit's Due: Offensive Stats Before and After the Sherm Lewis Hire
 

[quote=T.O.Killa;627949]Yeah, the amazing part is the Redskins having been mismanaging the clock for years and since Lewis took over, we have called no stupid time outs, and no delays of game that I can remember. It realy makes very little sense, but i will take it.[/quote]

The only dumb time out was in last weeks game on the fake FG. I think we only had 10 men on the field and Daves was a no show.

Re: Giving Credit Where Credit's Due: Offensive Stats Before and After the Sherm Lewis Hire
 

Just purely on what I've seen since Sherman took over, it looks like we're a little better offensively. Is that the only reason? I doubt it, but SL deserves some credit.

As for it making VC look better, I don't know about that. We've only won 1 game recently and that was against a 2nd string qb who hasn't played in years. If we put together a 3+ game win streak...maybe. VC has earned the firing that's coming to him. Bad coaching choices. Bad drafts. Bad record. Bad publicity and questionable ethical behavior.

Re: Giving Credit Where Credit's Due: Offensive Stats Before and After the Sherm Lewis Hire
 

I've also noticed that we're having less holding and offsides penalties along the offensive line. I wouldn't attribute that directly to Sherm Lewis, but it is an indication that guys are a little more focused before the snap.

Good play calling and execution breeds focus and confidence.

Re: Giving Credit Where Credit's Due: Offensive Stats Before and After the Sherm Lewis Hire
 

[quote=firstdown;627974]The only dumb time out was in last weeks game on the fake FG. I think we only had 10 men on the field and Daves was a no show.[/quote]

but as a special teams play that call was on JZ. I don't want to point fingers, but JZ has a definite delay factor when it comes to calling plays that is not seen when Lewis or Smith are responsible for it. JZ takes over at the 2 minute drill also, and you can see the slowness creep in. I think JZ could be a good HC, but I would not want him having play calling as a responsibility.

Re: Giving Credit Where Credit's Due: Offensive Stats Before and After the Sherm Lewis Hire
 

Whoa whoa, let's not give him the key to the city yet. I think Portis out and Levi in is a big help as well. Also what about the factor, that the Skins finally relaxed because everyone completely wrote them off.

Also, how bout Orton getting hurt? I am pretty sure we may have lost if he was in the entire game. Not sold yet, let's see what we do next week

Re: Giving Credit Where Credit's Due: Offensive Stats Before and After the Sherm Lewis Hire
 

[quote=skinsfan69;627964][B]It's one freakin game.[/B] Plus one TD was scored on teams. The offense looks better but I would hardly say it's "taking off". Let's remember Denver had to play on Mon. night and then turn around and travel across the country and play a 1pm game. Plus their QB got hurt and didn't play the 2nd half. We got all the breaks last week. Won't be the case Sun. But it's nice to see us not wasting TO's and having confusion on the sidelines...but that's something you should never see from a professional team anyway. But no question Lewis is doing a very nice job.[/quote]

That is exactly what I was going to say.
Amazing! You win one game and suddenly credit is due? Come on!
I call BS. Whats next? Handing out trophy's for second place? We are finally approaching the level of play of a professional team. We were at rock bottom. There is only one way to go but up.
I amazed at what a losers attitude we have developed as a team and fan base. You would think we have never won a game or a past super bowl? We win a game or two and we start handing our credit?

Re: Giving Credit Where Credit's Due: Offensive Stats Before and After the Sherm Lewis Hire
 

Lewis has been positive influence on the Redskins, which means he was a good hire.

But the offensive improvement is more progression towards the mean rather than individual involvement. Doesn't mean that Lewis hasn't helped with that, because there's tangible ways that you can see where he's improved the team. But the offense was going to improve whether we hired him or not.

Re: Giving Credit Where Credit's Due: Offensive Stats Before and After the Sherm Lewis Hire
 

One game at a time. You have to win one first before you can win two then three then four and so on.

Re: Giving Credit Where Credit's Due: Offensive Stats Before and After the Sherm Lewis Hire
 

[quote=SmootSmack;627952]Who knew even Wachenheim was designing plays?

[URL="http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/sports/Racking-it-up-in-the-red-zone-8559873-70584177.html"]Racking it up in the red zone | Washington Examiner[/URL][/quote]

He mentioned before the season he might have some sort of role and wasn't afraid to speak up if he had ideas. Liberty ran a pro-style offense, WCO style, he really helped that program out. Of course bringing in Rocco didn't hurt either.

[url=http://blog.redskins.com/2009/05/29/friday-may-29-scott-wachenheim-on-becoming-an-nfl-coach/]Friday, May 29: Scott Wachenheim On Becoming An NFL Coach[/url]

[url=http://blog.redskins.com/2009/02/05/thursday-february-5-the-new-tight-ends-coach-does-not-balance/]Thursday, February 5: The New Tight Ends Coach Does NOT Balance Rocks[/url]

Re: Giving Credit Where Credit's Due: Offensive Stats Before and After the Sherm Lewis Hire
 

Like someone else said i'm more impressed w/ how the staff has responded to the adjustments. Things have tightened up rather than fallen apart...i think there's plenty of credit to go around.

...too many variables right meow to really say what's made the offense better. Oline improvements. Betts and Rock running hard. The rookies contributing a few more plays. I think if the offense can still move the ball at the end of the season (once everyone has seen tape on Lewis' offensive schemes/playcalling) then he def gets more credit.

Re: Giving Credit Where Credit's Due: Offensive Stats Before and After the Sherm Lewis Hire
 

i still need more, granted we are getting more production i don't notice a huge change in the style of offense the biggest change i have seen is in personel, i think we would be dead in the water if portis and williams were still in, but with betts and levi we seem to have a life

i'm not saying he hasn't done anything, but i need to see more than what we have so far, we looked real good against the broncos, let's keep that going, then credit will be given where credit is due

Re: Giving Credit Where Credit's Due: Offensive Stats Before and After the Sherm Lewis Hire
 

im starting to buy into the idea that it takes the nfl atleast 6 weeks to catch up to a new coach after watching JZ last year, josh mcdaniel this year and sherm to some degree as well.

but like gtripp said, the offense was bound to get better than 13 ppg, even if that paltry offensive output was against the worst defenses in the game and the 17, 17 and 27 scores were against better defenses.

go skins!!

Re: Giving Credit Where Credit's Due: Offensive Stats Before and After the Sherm Lewis Hire
 

[quote=over the mountain;628029][B]im starting to buy into the idea that it takes the nfl atleast 6 weeks to catch up to a new coach after watching JZ last year, josh mcdaniel this year and sherm to some degree as well. [/B]

but like gtripp said, the offense was bound to get better than 13 ppg, even if that paltry offensive output was against the worst defenses in the game and the 17, 17 and 27 scores were against better defenses.

go skins!![/quote]

I disagree. Denver is playing better this year mainly because of an improved defense. Plus they got very very lucky in week one w/ that Stockley play and in that game they didn't even move the ball that much.
But it all bols down to the players. All of this playcalling is a little overrated. It's no surprise that the teams with the best skill players/QB play have the best offenses and score the most points......NE, NO, Minn, Philly, SD.

Re: Giving Credit Where Credit's Due: Offensive Stats Before and After the Sherm Lewis Hire
 

I knew we had the right guy when we threw that first touchdown pass on Monday Night. My only worry here is that the Redskins finish something like 7-9 and Vinny somehow keeps his job. It's funny though, in the weeks that we were loosing people were talking about how we were going to loose out for the rest of the season. Now we win one game and suddenly we're going to win out.

What people don't realize is that Josh McDaniels has the Zorn curse and thats the main reason we beat the Bronocs. I mean look at the facts:

- Took over for a beloved Super Bowl winning head coach
- Offseason Drama (Cutler saga for them, coaching search and GW fiasco for us).
- Got 6 wins in the first half of the season, using talent mainly acquired by the previous regime.
- Beat Dallas in the first half
- Got exposed by the Steelers on Monday Night Football.

All thats left is for Denver to finish 8-8, effectively leaving them at home for the paloffs.

Re: Giving Credit Where Credit's Due: Offensive Stats Before and After the Sherm Lewis Hire
 

I personally think that most playcallers would be able to call plays better than Zorn...he never did it before. I do believe the calls are better....quick screen to Devon Thomas due to his inability to separate is showing his growing knowledge of the players. Quick slant to Malcolm Kelly...same deal...good useage of guys that cant separate.
I wouldn't mind a reverse or two too....draws would be in order...but not with Betts or Rock...so good job there not going there...rollouts are solid in order to deal with the line issue....all these things are adjustments to reduce weaknesses in personnel...great sign of understanding the team.

I do think he is using ARE correctly too. The loser in all this is Santana, but I believe he is intentionally using him as a decoy to draw coverage away to open up the run and mid range passing game.

This is all strategic playcalling...it is far more than just calling individual plays on the spot.
I anticipate the rookie WR and our new TE to get more and more involved.
More misdirection is in order....and screens may be needed as well, other than that, we are slowly getting into the right direction.

Re: Giving Credit Where Credit's Due: Offensive Stats Before and After the Sherm Lewis Hire
 

[quote=skinsnut;628197]I personally think that most playcallers would be able to call plays better than Zorn...he never did it before. I do believe the calls are better....quick screen to Devon Thomas due to his inability to separate is showing his growing knowledge of the players. Quick slant to Malcolm Kelly...same deal...good useage of guys that cant separate.
I wouldn't mind a reverse or two too....draws would be in order...but not with Betts or Rock...so good job there not going there...rollouts are solid in order to deal with the line issue....all these things are adjustments to reduce weaknesses in personnel...great sign of understanding the team.

I do think he is using ARE correctly too. The loser in all this is Santana, but I believe he is intentionally using him as a decoy to draw coverage away to open up the run and mid range passing game.

This is all strategic playcalling...it is far more than just calling individual plays on the spot.
I anticipate the rookie WR and our new TE to get more and more involved.
More misdirection is in order....and screens may be needed as well, other than that, we are slowly getting into the right direction.[/quote]

Exactly, playcalling is about making the d react to you. I never gave it much thought, but if the cornerbacks know that DT and MK are just running straight routes, as I imagine they have been, then the playcaller is not helping them gain an advantage. So, if DT takes a couple of those screens for yards, the cornerbacks will have to start playing closer and that allows DT to be able to make a move and get an advantage. I hope it's not all smoke and mirrors but real improvement. I certainly think it is.

Re: Giving Credit Where Credit's Due: Offensive Stats Before and After the Sherm Lewis Hire
 

I think Lewis has brought better playcalling, which speaks to the overall ineptness of Zorn and how much of a terrible hire this was and this falls on squarely on Snyder's shoulders. Put this on the long list of f-ing thousands of mistakes by Snyder since he has owned this team.

Re: Giving Credit Where Credit's Due: Offensive Stats Before and After the Sherm Lewis Hire
 

He's adapting his play calling to the talent where Zorn was stubbornly trying it the other way round. Jason Campbell is never going to carve up defenses from the pocket. You must run the ball and you must move him around.

Re: Giving Credit Where Credit's Due: Offensive Stats Before and After the Sherm Lewis Hire
 

[quote=70Chip;628219][B]He's adapting his play calling to the talent where Zorn was stubbornly trying it the other way round[/B]. Jason Campbell is never going to carve up defenses from the pocket. You must run the ball and you must move him around.[/quote]

I agree with this. Sometimes I think when a coach is trying to teach a new system, he's so focused on doing it a certain way, he appears stubborn and forgets to adapt to his players because he's so focused on getting them to adapt to his system...whether they fit or not.

Re: Giving Credit Where Credit's Due: Offensive Stats Before and After the Sherm Lewis Hire
 

[quote=Defensewins;627994]That is exactly what I was going to say.
Amazing! You win one game and suddenly credit is due? Come on!
I call BS. Whats next? Handing out trophy's for second place? We are finally approaching the level of play of a professional team. We were at rock bottom. There is only one way to go but up.
I amazed at what a losers attitude we have developed as a team and fan base. You would think we have never won a game or a past super bowl? We win a game or two and we start handing our credit?[/quote]

It's actually been 3 games.. Before Lewis, 12.4 PPG, after Lewis 20.3 PPG. Nobody is proposing a parade or a monument in his honor but are you one of those fans so jaded or clueless that you cannot recognize obvious progress and improvement?

Re: Giving Credit Where Credit's Due: Offensive Stats Before and After the Sherm Lewis Hire
 

This may have been covered at some point, but I thought about this yesterday:

Sherman Lewis calls the passing plays, and Sherman Smith calls the running plays. So wouldn't it be pretty easy for someone on the staff of the opposing team to see which Sherman is looking at the play chart and speaking into the headset before each play to determine whether it's a run or a pass?

I mean, it can't be that easy, right?

Re: Giving Credit Where Credit's Due: Offensive Stats Before and After the Sherm Lewis Hire
 

[quote=Beemnseven;629866]This may have been covered at some point, but I thought about this yesterday:

Sherman Lewis calls the passing plays, and Sherman Smith calls the running plays. So wouldn't it be pretty easy for someone on the staff of the opposing team to see which Sherman is looking at the play chart and [B]speaking into the headset[/B] before each play to determine whether it's a run or a pass?

I mean, it can't be that easy, right?[/quote]

I might be wrong but I think Smith is the only one who gives JC the play.