Calling Bingo to calling plays

Sherman Lewis is taking over the favorite part of Jim Zorn’s job. With a pained expression, Washington Redskins coach Zorn announced Monday that the front office “strongly suggested” that he yield his play-calling duties to a consultant hired only two weeks ago. While he didn’t say he was given an ultimatum, Zorn said he would comply with the request “because I want to stay here and win. Sometimes we have to do things that are uncomfortable,” Zorn said. “The reason I can comply with this is simply because of the lack of scoring. I want to win, too. If this has to be done this week, if this is going to be the key, I’m certainly willing to give it a try. Because we’re 2-4 and did not score in the last few weeks, the way we have not scored, is very frustrating.” Barely a fortnight ago, Lewis was enjoying retirement in Michigan, calling Bingo games at a senior center and delivering Meals on Wheels. He previously spent 22 years as an NFL assistant before retiring after the 2004 season. The Redskins lured him back into football as a consultant for the struggling offense. And now — Voila! — he’s the play caller. Several players were taken aback by the notion of trusting such a vital role to someone not yet thoroughly familiar with the roster. Receiver Antwaan Randle El called the move to Lewis “a little weird. Some guys weren’t even kind of sure who he was.”

Associated Press