Redskins get plowed by Giants

Hours after Bruce Allen was hired as Dan Snyder’s first general manager, Washington Redskins coach Jim Zorn said Allen would benefit from a three-week head start on evaluating the entire organization.

“Maybe he’ll like what he sees,” Zorn said Thursday.

Maybe not.

Dominated from the start, the Redskins responded to Allen’s arrival by turning in their worst performance of the Zorn era, providing little resistance in a 45-12 beat-down by the New York Giants.

The improved execution of the last four weeks by the Redskins was replaced by the problems that dominated the first half of the season and ultimately will trigger Zorn’s exit in two weeks: a defense that allowed too many lengthy drives and an offense that couldn’t get out of its own way.

“We did poorly overall,” Zorn said. “I was really surprised and our players were as well because we have been putting together some pretty good performances.”

Added cornerback Carlos Rogers: “It’s embarrassing. To come out down 24-0, that’s embarrassing. The last time we were on ESPN Monday night [loss to Philadelphia], we got embarrassed. I don’t know what it is.”

The Redskins put on such a bad performance that Zorn’s immediate future could be in doubt.

The 45 points scored by the Giants were the most allowed at FedEx Field in nine years, and the 33-point margin of defeat was the fourth largest in Snyder’s tenure.

The only drama in the second half was the “Let’s Go Giants” chant that emanated in the lower bowl, a brouhaha that ended with Albert Haynesworth getting penalized for unnecessary roughness and snowballs littering the field.

Although former front office boss Vinny Cerrato said at midseason Zorn’s job was safe the remainder of the year, a new regime is in place and Snyder was undoubtedly embarrassed by another clunker on the national stage. Snyder reportedly already has begun the process of replacing Zorn by interviewing former Denver Broncos coach Mike Shanahan, and it’s possible members of the Redskins’ staff have also been interviewed.

Another wacky week - Cerrato’s stunning departure and Allen’s appointment - ended with the Redskins falling to 4-10. Allen watched the game from the coach’s box near offensive consultant Sherm Lewis.

One play epitomized the game: Down 24-0 on the final play of the first half, the Redskins declined to kick a 37-yard field goal, instead shifting the offensive line wide left and having holder Hunter Smith throw a Hail Mary pass that New York intercepted and returned 49 yards.

“It was good defense - that’s what hurt that play,” Zorn said. “I contemplated after [the Giants] called timeout just kicking the field goal, and the play was unique enough that I didn’t think they saw what we were trying to do. They smelled it out quickly.”

Earlier this year, Zorn at least could acknowledge his trick plays worked. Now even those turn into fiascos.

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