Zorn has Skins (4-1) believing

Given a chance to brag, Jim Zorn was asked whether coaching has something to do with the startling early success of the Washington Redskins.

"Absolutely," Zorn said.

The room erupted in laughter, but Zorn was actually trying to give a serious answer.

"It's really true," he continued. "Coaching has something to do with it, but let me tell you this: In my assistant coaching career, I felt like we were about 30 percent of the success of what was going on on the field. That's a large percentage, if you think about it, because players are the ones who truly have to win. It's just their talent, and you get them in the right spot."

Then his voice trailed off a bit.

"I don't know about head coaching," he said.

Zorn apparently hasn't been a head coach long enough to realize his own impact, but those around him sure do. Maybe the players should get 70 percent of the credit once the ball is snapped, but Zorn deserves a full 100 percent for the attitude adjustment that has the Redskins (4-1) on a four-game winning streak after back-to-back road wins over strong division rivals Dallas and Philadelphia.

"We've rocked and rolled," defensive coordinator Greg Blache said. "I don't know how you can question what he's done on and off the football field. He's got a team believing in themselves. He's got an offense that's moving and doing things well. I think the guy's done everything that could be asked of a head coach. You wouldn't ask anymore from a veteran head coach, let alone a first-year head coach."

Extra points: Buffalo defensive end Aaron Schobel missed practice Tuesday and will be one of numerous Bills regulars using the bye week to recuperate from nagging injuries. Schobel said he has a strained ligament in his left foot and doesn't expect to practice much, if it all, during the break. The Bills (4-1) are off to their best start in 16 years and host San Diego (2-3) on Oct. 19. ... Steelers kicker Jeff Reed probably won't miss any games because of a groin injury he sustained in a win over Jacksonville on Sunday night. Pittsburgh (4-1) is off this week. Running back Willie Parker, who has missed two games with a sprained knee, previously said he would play against the Bengals in two weeks. ...

Saints starting cornerback Tracy Porter will miss the rest of his rookie season after dislocating his right wrist during Monday night's game against Minnesota. ... The NFL suspended Cincinnati Bengals reserve linebacker Darryl Blackstock for the next four games because he used a performance-enhancing substance. ... The Green Bay Packers have released linebacker Tracy White and signed rookie linebacker Danny Lansanah from the practice squad.