Whether you think Jim Zorn is a capable coach or not, it's clear that he's a likable guy. NFL films threw a mic on the coach and his protege, Jason Campbell, during last week's game.
The video highlights the relationship between Zorn and JC. It's definitely not a relationship like drill sergeant and private. It's not even professor and pupil. Zorn's almost like a best buddy, a cheerleader encouraging Campbell's confidence along with quick, positive phrases and words that help boost JC and acknowledge the things he's doing right.
If you can't watch the video 'cause you're stuck behind a desk at work, D.C. Sports Bog helpfully transcribes a good chunk of it.
It starts off with Zorn talking to Campbell through the headset while JC goes through his warm-up throws, seconds before kickoff. Zorn reminds him about the kind of coverage he's likely to receive.
After realizing he's probably overloading JC with info he's heard a thousand times during the week, Zorn says "a lot of instruction during the game, isn't it?" while chuckling, and delivered with a huge smile on his face.
Zorn constantly reminds JC that he's the guy; the person who's gotta lead the team. "You're in charge!" he reminds Campbell.
Later, the video shows a completion to Chris Cooley in which Campbell manages to complete the pass despite a behemoth of a pass rusher, clearly visible to JC, storming in unblocked. Campbell delivers the ball a split second before he's knocked to the ground, and Zorn excitedly tells Campbell that he's proud of how he "stood strong."
"Now be tough," he adds.
Zorn turns to the other coaches and tells them that if JC stands strong like that all day, "We're going to be good."
He was right. JC was terrific, sort of.
It's where those failings came that make for some of the most interesting exchanges. After Mike Sellers dropped a would-be touchdown catch, both Coach and QB are frustrated. JC throws his arms up, while the video shows Zorn saying, "Well, you can't catch the ball for the guy."
When Portis's halfback option fell to the ground, Zorn's frustration exploded -- well, in a totally medium way. "God," asks Zorn, "Can we score. A. Touchdown?"
You're not the only one asking that question, Coach.
