Gregg Williams and Jim Zorn

He deserved so much better. Four years as heir apparent. Support of the team and fans. Support of yours truly. Four long interviews.

But he obviously sealed his own fate all along. He apparently had never reached out to form a relationship with Snyder. He hadn't earned Snyder's admiration and respect. He didn't have the charm that Snyder found with Zorn (and seemingly saw in Mora as well).

It was a big mistake not to let Gibbs know about the 10-player thing after Taylor's death. Of course Gibbs would have given his blessing. But by catching Gibbs off guard withthat, Williams didn't appear to pay the same homage to him that Snyder would have expected.

Gregg Williams moves on to a better situation. So long as Snyder and Cerrato are in charge, the best coach for the Skins was Gibbs. No other coach will ever have the same respect from Snyder unless he can immediately have the Skins contending in the playoffs and do so consistently.

Zorn will have two years. Mark my words. If there is ever a two-year period where the Skins aren't in the playoffs (including these first two), he will be gone. Say he pulls it off and has the Skins contending and even wins a Super Bowl (knock on wood). If he then hits a dry spell, that SB will probably buy him one extra year of leeway. So three years out of the playoffs and he's gone. .

Sean Taylor

Heartbreaking loss. Sports figures are so magnified in our society through the media that a loss like that really feels like we've lost a friend. Many of us feel that way even though we may not have actually met #21.

I watched the video tributes available online (on redskins.com and washingtonpost.com). Was anybody able to watch those tributes and maintain dry eyes.

There was no denying his talent. No denying his ferocity. No denying his love for the game. And that was all recognized with the Pro Bowl nod.

And then there were the personal family circumstances. So young (same age as my youngest brother). A young daughter who will grow up without him. A troubled past that he appeared to be putting behind him. Sean Taylor, we barely knew you but what we did know, we loved. Rest in peace.

Moody Blogswings

The problem I've found with blogging about my favorite sports team is that when they lose, I don't feel like rehashing and dissecting their loss in detail. I'm depressed that they lost and can't stand to read about it on washingtonpost.com. By the same token, when they're winning, I can't get enough. So I've been an absentee blogger for much of the season.

What about their winning stretch when they won a bunch in a row to get into the playoffs? First, it was just hard to blog after the Sean Taylor tragedy. Second, we die-hard sports fans all have our supersitions and know about jinxing a good thing. (And of course there was the whole finding time issue) However, I resolve to be a more consistent blogger about the Skins in 2008.

Running the Rock

It's hard to run the football when your starting offensive line has been decimated by injuries. From last year's O-line, only Chris Samuels and Casey Rabach are playing.

Derrick Dockery, who now has his own ugly Web site, departed for the Buffalo Bills. Outstanding OG Randy Thomas has endured a season-ending injury for the second consecutive season. Jon Jansen also suffered a season-ending injury (breaking his ankle), for the second time in four seasons.

On the plus side, although Pete Kendall joined late, he appears to have plugged in. Rabach was injured last week with a groin injury but is back. The question is on the right side with Jason Fabini and Todd Wade subbing in for Thomas and Jansen, respectively.

It's not for a lack of attempts, which is positive but the unit has shown no signs of jelling. The team is averaging only 3.5 yards per rush.

Redskins Fantasy Outlook

The upcoming game with the Jets, while familiar for many on the team, hopes to provide a refreshing respite for several key Redskins players.

Against the Jets

Kellen Clemens is suspect. Gregg Williams is sure to mix it up for the fresh faced quarterback leading the 24th-ranked offense. He could be in for a few turnovers.

That said, Laveranues Coles has had a solid season thus far. He obviously left on bad terms with the team and will be motivated to have a good day against his former team. He's the kind of shifty receiver that finds nice holes in the Redskins coverage. He could be the one offensive spark - 100+ yards and 1-2 scores.

Thomas Jones has had a quiet year with no TDs. The Skins plan to keep it that way, presumably playing a more attacking-style defense and force Clemens to air it out to Coles and Cotchery. The attacking and crowded-at-the-line defense should keep things bottled up for Jones, keeping him under 80 yards.

On the Skins side of the ball, the defense is poised to have a big game against the offensively challenged Jets.

Joe Gibbs and Al Saunders should be able to re-trench and establish the running game with Clinton Portis. He may finally get his 100 yard game. He's had a tough time running behind the makeshift line but he should finally see some success. It will help that Vilma is now out.

It's also time for Santana Moss to shine. Like Portis, he has yet to have a 100 yard game as well. He should be good for at least 1 or 2 deep shots down the field. He still has to make up for his horrible game against the Packers.

4 TEs have scored against the Jets, so that bodes well for Chris Cooley.