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Zorn trying to stay calm for return to Seattle

By Ryan O'Halloran | Thursday, November 20, 2008

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It took Antwaan Randle El very little time Wednesday morning to realize this week will be different for Washington Redskins coach Jim Zorn.

When the Redskins travel to Seattle for Sunday's game, it will mark Zorn's return to a franchise where he played and coached for a combined 15 years.

During a game-plan meeting, Randle El said Zorn was "jumpy," and running back Shaun Alexander called Zorn "giddy" despite a two-game losing streak that has dropped the Redskins to 6-4.

"I hope he can contain himself," Randle El said. "But he's already excited. He's a little jumpy. You can tell in his movements. A little added extra [emotion], and you can understand why."

Quipped left guard Pete Kendall: "I just figured it was the coffee, but maybe it was something else."

After practice, Zorn called facing his old team "cool" but otherwise downplayed the significance of facing former boss Mike Holmgren and former quarterback Matt Hasselbeck.

"I have work to do, so I'm not going to be walking around as though it's something super-great," Zorn said. "I really need to walk around as though we're going to do our business, and that's what I'm going to continue to concentrate on."

Kendall, who started his career with Seattle, said the first meeting against a former team carries different emotions.

"Seattle is personally in my rearview mirror, but for Jim I'm sure it's much different," Kendall said. "He had a much bigger impact on the franchise and was there in its infancy, and is in their Ring of Honor and been a great part of their success. I'm sure it will be a special visit for him."

Zorn played nine years for Seattle and coached there for six years before joining the Redskins. He visited Seattle in 1999 as Detroit's quarterback coach and won 28-20.