Redskins the ugliest show on Earth

Jim Zorn strode to a podium following a Washington Redskins practice Oct. 21 and answered a variety of questions for nearly 15 minutes.

But in a perfect example of how bizarre things have gotten during a disappointing 2-6 first half, one subject wasn’t covered: Zorn’s explanation for sticking with Jason Campbell four days after benching him in the loss to Kansas City.

Yes, in a quarterback town, even that position took a backseat, replaced by the addition of consultant Sherm Lewis, Zorn’s loss of playcalling duties, several key injuries and the leaky offensive line.

After several calm seasons, Redskin Park again has become a three-ring circus. From the opening week of the regular season, there has been no shortage of drama.

SEPT. 13: ANOTHER WEEK 1 DUD

What happened: The Redskins fell behind 17-0 in the season opener at the New York Giants and lost 23-17.

Impact: In retrospect, it should have been the first sign of trouble. The offense was turnover-prone (Osi Umenyiora returned a fumble for a 37-yard touchdown), the defense was susceptible to big plays (the Giants had seven of at least 22 yards) and the team fell behind early. Plus, Zorn’s decision-making already was being questioned. He used two trick plays - Antwaan Randle El’s failed pass and Hunter Smith’s fake field goal run for a touchdown - against a team the Redskins weren’t going to beat.

SEPT. 20: THOMAS GOES DOWN

What happened: In the victory over St. Louis, which included the Redskins going 0-for-5 in the red zone, right guard Randy Thomas suffered a season-ending right triceps injury.

Impact: Even teammates knew Thomas wasn’t going to make it through the season. What they didn’t know was how the position would turn into a revolving door. Former third-round pick Chad Rinehart lasted two games, Mike Williams lasted one week before moving to right tackle and former center Will Montgomery has started the past two games. Add right guard to the long list of Redskins’ needs after this year.

SEPT. 27: THE STREAK ENDS

What happened: Detroit’s 19-game losing skid ended when it jumped to a 13-point lead and defeated the Redskins 19-14.

Impact: The Redskins showed how a team with better personnel loses if it doesn’t play with the same desire. The Lions, led by a rookie quarterback, put together first-half scoring drives of 99, 74 and 96 yards and sealed the game with an 88-yard march. The Redskins’ offense couldn’t get in from the 1-yard line on the opening possession when Mike Sellers blew his block and Clinton Portis was stopped on fourth down. In attendance for the game was retired NFL assistant Sherm Lewis.

OCT. 6: ‘FRESH SET OF EYES’

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