WP:Redskins Answer Jackson's Call

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http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A42847-2003Nov14.html

Redskins Answer Jackson's Call

By Nunyo Demasio

Washington Post Staff Writer

Saturday, November 15, 2003; Page D01

Offensive coordinator Hue Jackson fired up the Redskins before their win over Seattle, then called the plays.

During their four-game losing streak, the Washington Redskins were a national punch line. Owner Daniel Snyder and Coach Steve Spurrier were riddled with criticism; the players seemed uninspired, undisciplined and on pace to shatter the NFL record for penalties. Cornerback Champ Bailey -- who, along with right tackle Jon Jansen, is the longest tenured Redskin -- called the ridicule the harshest since his arrival in 1999.

Offensive coordinator Hue Jackson normally addresses the offense in practice every day, providing an overview of the game plan. However, last Saturday night, Spurrier asked Jackson to speak to the team at its meeting before Sunday's crucial game against the Seattle Seahawks.

"We try to use everyone that has a little fire in him," Spurrier explained yesterday. "And Hue has got a lot of fire in him, certainly."

The main story line of Sunday's 27-20 victory over Seattle was Spurrier allowing Jackson to call the offensive plays. But Jackson's speech -- urging players to ignore the negativity, embrace an us-vs.-them mentality and perform with spirit -- was cited by several Redskins as a galvanizing moment. Although a few players downplayed the speech, many said that it pushed all the right emotional buttons.

"He speaks really well, and gets guys fired up," left tackle Chris Samuels said. "And he definitely got us fired up for the last one."

When Spurrier named Jackson his offensive coordinator late last season, he cited Jackson's fastidious tendencies and infectious exuberance. So Spurrier could think of few people in the organization in a better position to stir up the team during a depressing time.

Players consider Spurrier a laid-back coach -- a player's coach, they say -- who treats them like professionals. Spurrier isn't viewed in the locker room as a motivational speaker. And Jackson helps fill those voids with a disciplinarian streak and an ability to inspire.

"Coach Spurrier isn't really a rah-rah guy," said fullback Rock Cartwright, "but it's not needed from him because you have a guy like Coach Hue who does that kind of stuff. His enthusiasm is tremendous. He gets guys ready to go. And when he speaks, he speaks from the heart so guys really listen."

Early in the season, kick returner Chad Morton was asked to name the team leaders. Without hesitating, Morton mentioned Jackson because of his ability to help lift players out of their doldrums.

Jackson won't address the team at tonight's meeting in Charlotte in anticipation of Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers (7-2). Jackson considers his speech to the entire team as an anomaly although he enjoys the opportunity.

"It's just a part of me," Jackson said yesterday. "I enjoy addressing men. Coach wanted to do something a little different and we did. . . . He's our leader and we follow him."

The tag team play-calling will try for an encore performance. In past games, Jackson had called a few plays from the press box. But Jackson asked Spurrier if he could come to the sideline for the Seahawks game to be closer to the action. "He provided a lot of energy and enthusiasm down there on the sideline," Spurrier said. "I think that's helpful also."

During the week, Spurrier and Jackson concoct a game plan geared toward the upcoming opponent. Jackson has been portrayed as having a conservative bent, but that's only in comparison to Spurrier's pass-happy approach. Jackson and Spurrier meshed because the offensive coordinator kept the framework of the Fun 'n' Gun while employing rollouts and quick passes to limit the pass rush. "He knows his stuff inside and out," Spurrier said. "He's ready, and I think he's good" at play-calling.

Jackson has deflected the praise by crediting Spurrier with allowing him the opportunity to call plays. It was a momentous decision for Spurrier, renown for his play-calling while amassing a 122-27-1 record over a dozen years at the University of Florida. Jackson is quick to point out that the schemes and terminology are Spurrier's concoctions. Spurrier made the decisions to go for it on fourth and inches from the Seattle 25-yard line. The Redskins later used a trick play with wideout Rod Gardner passing to tailback Trung Canidate for a touchdown.

However, Spurrier says that Jackson actually called the critical plays after Spurrier made the executive decisions.

Jackson said: "This is his system. What he's allowed me to do is facilitate his system."

When Spurrier was hired as Redskins coach in 2001, he kept Jackson and special teams coach Mike Stock from Marty Schottenheimer's staff. Jackson felt that his situation was tenuous in Washington because the assistant wasn't one of Spurrier's guys. But toward the end of the season, Jackson became the first offensive coordinator Spurrier has ever had.

Spurrier grew impressed by Jackson offensive knowledge and his intangibles. During practices, Jackson zigged and zagged behind the tailbacks, trying to strip the ball. The coaching staff and players would get a kick out of it watching the practices on video.

Jackson made another milestone by calling plays, which has overshadowed his other important roles.

"Hue's a great motivator," Samuels said. "Not everyone needs it but it definitely helps some guys."

© 2003 The Washington Post Company