Washington's offense figures to have at least one new wrinkle next Monday night, as NFL coaching veteran Sherman Lewis will assume play-calling duties. Lewis joined the Redskins' coaching staff on Oct. 6 as an offensive consultant.
Whether starter Jason Campbell, who was benched at halftime Sunday in favor of veteran Todd Collins, will be running the offense remains uncertain.
The switch in the play-calling responsibilities is a result of a recent meeting between embattled head coach Jim Zorn and executive vice president of football operations Vinny Cerrato.
Lewis, who had been out of the league for four years before joining Washington, last called plays in 1999 for the Green Bay Packers. The team went 8-8 that year. Well versed in the West Coast offense, he will call plays for the Redskins from the press box during games, relaying them through Zorn.
"This is not an easy thing," said Zorn, according to a story on redskins.com. Zorn said he did not plan to veto any of Lewis's play calls, and would continue to make such decisions as when to go for it on fourth down, punt or kick field goals, among other game day responsibilities.
Zorn apparently will have the final say on who the starting quarterback will be Monday night against the Eagles.
Campbell has struggled this season, throwing as many touchdowns as he has interceptions - six. Against the Chiefs Sunday, he completed 9-of-16 passes for 89 yards and one interception before being pulled. Collins came off the bench and led two drives for field goals that gave Washington a 6-3 lead, but the Redskins failed to score a touchdown at home for the second time this season. Collins threw for 75 yards on 6-of-14 passing.
The Redskins are averaging 13.2 points this season and haven't scored more than 17 in any game. However, Washington has had success against Philadelphia of late, winning three of the last four meetings. In the two wins last seasons against the Eagles, Campbell was sacked four times and did not have a touchdown pass or interception.
-- Posted by Bob Kent, 3:27 p.m., October 19, 2009
