Campbell Practices With the First Team Offense

[SkinzCanes]

From the Washington Post....

Redskins Assess the Damage

By Howard Bryant
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, October 26, 2006; Page E01

Over several days this week, in between Sunday's drubbing in Indianapolis and the upcoming bye weekend, when the coaches and players will take a needed respite, the game the Washington Redskins will be playing won't take place on the field but in the front office, the film room, the coaching rooms and, equally as important, the trainer's room.

While Coach Joe Gibbs said the Redskins would use this week to dissect the events that have resulted in a dismal 2-5 start to the season, two days of practice were more noteworthy for the number of star players who did not practice because of injuries.Gibbs said the practices would emphasize the passing game, but his top quarterback, running back and two best wide receivers did not practice. Quarterback Mark Brunell did not practice Tuesday or yesterday. Brunell injured his ribs in Sunday's loss at Indianapolis. Wide receiver Santana Moss has a hamstring injury and fellow wideout Antwaan Randle El has a heel injury. Running back Clinton Portis did not practice because of a left high ankle sprain.

Left tackle Chris Samuels did not practice because of what Gibbs described as "general soreness." Linebackers Marcus Washington and Lemar Marshall also did not suit up.

In Brunell's absence, another curious and possibly important event took place: For the first time in his young career, quarterback Jason Campbell took all the snaps with the first team on consecutive days. The move could be significant, a sign that the Redskins acknowledge that the disastrous events of the first seven games have accelerated their timetable for getting Campbell prepared to play. Or it could just mean that Campbell merely was filling in for Brunell and is no closer to being activated for his first NFL game, never mind his first start.

"I don't know if it means anything, but it's just good to get out there and be on the field," Campbell said. "It's one thing to read the plays and study the plays, and another to actually execute them, to do it and try to develop a rhythm for the offense."

Gibbs said he also would focus on the running game, but since Sunday night Portis has been wearing a walking boot on his left ankle.

Tactically, the Redskins took a first look at the Dallas Cowboys, whom they will play Nov. 5 at FedEx Field, but the attention of the coaches and players primarily was focused inward, at a Redskins team that may not be so radically different statistically than Dallas but seems to lack the chemistry and cohesiveness that allows a team to incrementally improve.

More delicate is the acknowledgment of both the coaching staff and players that, at least offensively, statistics can be misleading. The team is producing similar numbers, but not similar results, as last season. The coaches want to work more closely with Brunell, especially on his dropbacks on passing plays and his reading of defenses. While Brunell is a more accurate passer this year than a year ago, the coaching staff wants to emphasize to him that, in associate head coach Al Saunders's offense, decision-making must be immediate. Brunell's habit of dropping into the pocket, scanning the field and then patting the football has disrupted the timing of the offense, coaches say, and forced him to throw to a safety-valve receiver, most often a running back.

Last season after seven games, the running back tandem of Ladell Betts and Portis had combined for 20 receptions. This season, Betts and Portis have 38 catches.

"The emphasis has been a review of the season up to now and the things that we want to correct, and then redefining offensively where we want to go and the things we want to major in over the next nine weeks," Gibbs said. "That's really where we are right now."

Some of the coaches dislike overall statistical comparisons. They say monitoring the rhythm of a football game, of action and reaction, is more accurate. Too many times, the Redskins have given up a big play or a score and have not responded positively. They've allowed the action to be taken to them instead of forcing it.

Worse has been the backbreaking nature of opposing teams' scoring drives in all five losses. Leading 13-9 against Minnesota on Sept. 11, the Redskins yielded an eight-play, 56-yard touchdown drive on the Vikings' first second-half possession. Brunell was intercepted near the goal line against Dallas a week later, and the Cowboys responded with a 99-yard touchdown drive to break open the game. On Oct. 8, the Giants broke open a 9-3 game with a bruising, 15-play touchdown drive to open the second half of what would become a 19-3 New York win.

On the first drive of the second half against Tennessee the following week, the Redskins, leading 14-13, punted after failing to get a first down on three plays, and the Titans immediately engineered a 10-play, 74-yard touchdown drive. And Sunday in Indianapolis, the Redskins led 14-13 at halftime but gave up touchdowns on each of the Colts' first three second-half possessions.

The Giants did not punt in the first half against the Redskins, and the Colts did not punt in the second half on Sunday.

Over 16 regular season games in 2005, the Redskins yielded only one touchdown on an opening drive and produced three interceptions. It was the kind of the statistic that energized both assistant head coach-defense Gregg Williams and his players going into this season. It underscored that they believed the personality of the team was defensive in nature, capable of changing the tenor of a game even when the offense wasn't on the field.

This season, the defense has been bullied. In 16 games last season, the Redskins gave up 52 drives that resulted in points. Only 11 of those drives lasted 10 plays or more. This season, after only seven games, the defense has given up 34 scoring drives, 13 of them lasting 10 plays or more.

"It's a matter of consistency," said Joe Bugel, assistant head coach-offense. "You sit down and look at the film and numerically, it might all look the same, but the difference is the effect those plays had on the game, at that time. A play here, a play there and we're back in it. But you have to make those plays happen."

[HEROHAMO]

HalelluJAh!!!! Halelujah!!!

[redskindave]

Thank God, Maybe he will play soon

[Snout]

Psssst. Jason Campbell will start the Dallas game. I know it's top secret, but I just can't keep it in. Don't tell anyone. You know how secretive Joe is about game plans! It will catch the Cowboys by surprise. They will not know what to expect. The Redskins will rout the Cowboys 42-24.

Am I dreaming? Maybe I am dreaming.

[Mursilis]

Keep hope alive!!

[Chris Luva Luva]

Dont get your hopes up.

[Redskin in Canada]

There are ways to determine what will happen throughout the next week and a half. Let's see how the other practices, particularly those held next week, work out.

Perhaps the most significant part of the article to me is:

The coaches want to work more closely with Brunell, especially on his dropbacks on passing plays and his reading of defenses. While Brunell is a more accurate passer this year than a year ago, the coaching staff wants to emphasize to him that, in associate head coach Al Saunders's offense, decision-making must be immediate. Brunell's habit of dropping into the pocket, scanning the field and then patting the football has disrupted the timing of the offense, coaches say, and forced him to throw to a safety-valve receiver, most often a running back.

Will they? And if they do, are they getting ready Jason in case it does not happen? You see, it is not black and white with Joe. He could be doing (most likely) two things at the same time.

[riggofan]

Please, please, please let Jason Campbell do well in practice this week...

[Mursilis]

Dont get your hopes up.

Hope is all we have at this point. The odds certainly aren't with a 2-5 team making a playoff run. But I know what you're saying; I think we'll still see Brunell start on 11/5.

[Chris Luva Luva]

In my humble opinion if what that report says is true in regards to Brunell, he needs to be benched. I feel this way because we al thought his veteran abilities would allow him to pick up the offense quickly enough to be sufficient and get us in the win column often. Since thats not the case and he is struggling he needs to come out. Why lose whats rest of the season and not even get JC primed for next year.

[ryanw7196]

i remember seeing that some were actually getting pissed at saunders thinking he was actually calling those dink and dunk passes...

[frankcal20]

I liked this article. I think it nailed our season this year and last. As for JC, who knows. I think he is just filling in for an injured Brunell. Gibbs said that JC would work with the 1st team if Brunell couldn't start. There may be something in there that means he wont/may not be able to start.

[Skinsfan55]

Guys, it's Wednesday... the week before a bye.

Jason Campbell is not starting, he's just getting some reps, and this could have been planned from the start of the season.

I used to worry that too much time on the bench would be harmful to Campbell's development... but I recently was reminded that Trent Green sat on the bench for nearly five years before getting his start and breaking out in 1998 with us.

Campbell will be all right next season.

[Mursilis]

I used to worry that too much time on the bench would be harmful to Campbell's development... but I recently was reminded that Trent Green sat on the bench for nearly five years before getting his start and breaking out in 1998 with us.

Campbell will be all right next season.

How does Trent Green's story prove anything? All it could mean is that his talent was wasted for nearly five years. Brett Farve was a starter by the middle of his second year. Peyton Manning started his first regular season game as a rookie. Playing early certainly didn't hurt those guys. In fact, I doubt Manning would be the monster QB he is if he'd sat on the bench nearly 5 years. As Sonny and Sam kept saying on the radio during the Titans game, watching Vince Young, that's how you get your young QB ready - you play him! There simply is no substitute for experience.

[Skinsfan55]

No substitute for experience eh? Isn't that what the Brunell Boosters say?

[ryanw7196]

gibbs said hes starting mark brunell against dallas, only way jason will start that game is if mark is unable to play, right now jason is just filling in

[USAFSkinFan]

yeah I'm sure Gibbs will start Brunell against Romo... I'm thinking he'd love to show how a veteran can protect the ball... If Brunell loses that one, I think all bets on Brunell will be off... even for Gibbs... it's possible that JC may even be elevated to the "in-game" back-up for that one...

[Irn-Bru]

Well, this is good news. If Mark can play well and this team can start winning again, we won't need Campbell's services. If, however, we lose more than 1 or 2 games in the next stretch, Campbell will have been warming up in practice, so he'll be that much more ready to go.

Not huge news, but good news. I'll be very excited to see Campbell play once he gets in (probably not too far in the future). Even if the Skins season is over by then it will be worth watching games if only to watch him progress.

[Mursilis]

Well, this is good news. If Mark can play well and this team can start winning again, we won't need Campbell's services. If, however, we lose more than 1 or 2 games in the next stretch, Campbell will have been warming up in practice, so he'll be that much more ready to go.

Not huge news, but good news. I'll be very excited to see Campbell play once he gets in (probably not too far in the future). Even if the Skins season is over by then it will be worth watching games if only to watch him progress.

Absolutely. Can't wait to see The Kid take some snaps in a real game.

[joebagadonuts]

It could be that they're prepping JC for an elevation to the 2nd QB status, meaning that he would step in if MB goes down during the game, instead of Collins. Also, can it really be considered the 'first team' with so many starters out? For JC, it's probably the same group of guys he usually takes snaps with.

[Burgandyandglory]

From the Washington Post....

Redskins Assess the Damage

By Howard Bryant
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, October 26, 2006; Page E01

Over several days this week, in between Sunday's drubbing in Indianapolis and the upcoming bye weekend, when the coaches and players will take a needed respite, the game the Washington Redskins will be playing won't take place on the field but in the front office, the film room, the coaching rooms and, equally as important, the trainer's room.

While Coach Joe Gibbs said the Redskins would use this week to dissect the events that have resulted in a dismal 2-5 start to the season, two days of practice were more noteworthy for the number of star players who did not practice because of injuries.Gibbs said the practices would emphasize the passing game, but his top quarterback, running back and two best wide receivers did not practice. Quarterback Mark Brunell did not practice Tuesday or yesterday. Brunell injured his ribs in Sunday's loss at Indianapolis. Wide receiver Santana Moss has a hamstring injury and fellow wideout Antwaan Randle El has a heel injury. Running back Clinton Portis did not practice because of a left high ankle sprain.

Left tackle Chris Samuels did not practice because of what Gibbs described as "general soreness." Linebackers Marcus Washington and Lemar Marshall also did not suit up.

In Brunell's absence, another curious and possibly important event took place: For the first time in his young career, quarterback Jason Campbell took all the snaps with the first team on consecutive days. The move could be significant, a sign that the Redskins acknowledge that the disastrous events of the first seven games have accelerated their timetable for getting Campbell prepared to play. Or it could just mean that Campbell merely was filling in for Brunell and is no closer to being activated for his first NFL game, never mind his first start.

"I don't know if it means anything, but it's just good to get out there and be on the field," Campbell said. "It's one thing to read the plays and study the plays, and another to actually execute them, to do it and try to develop a rhythm for the offense."

Gibbs said he also would focus on the running game, but since Sunday night Portis has been wearing a walking boot on his left ankle.

Tactically, the Redskins took a first look at the Dallas Cowboys, whom they will play Nov. 5 at FedEx Field, but the attention of the coaches and players primarily was focused inward, at a Redskins team that may not be so radically different statistically than Dallas but seems to lack the chemistry and cohesiveness that allows a team to incrementally improve.

More delicate is the acknowledgment of both the coaching staff and players that, at least offensively, statistics can be misleading. The team is producing similar numbers, but not similar results, as last season. The coaches want to work more closely with Brunell, especially on his dropbacks on passing plays and his reading of defenses. While Brunell is a more accurate passer this year than a year ago, the coaching staff wants to emphasize to him that, in associate head coach Al Saunders's offense, decision-making must be immediate. Brunell's habit of dropping into the pocket, scanning the field and then patting the football has disrupted the timing of the offense, coaches say, and forced him to throw to a safety-valve receiver, most often a running back.

Last season after seven games, the running back tandem of Ladell Betts and Portis had combined for 20 receptions. This season, Betts and Portis have 38 catches.

"The emphasis has been a review of the season up to now and the things that we want to correct, and then redefining offensively where we want to go and the things we want to major in over the next nine weeks," Gibbs said. "That's really where we are right now."

Some of the coaches dislike overall statistical comparisons. They say monitoring the rhythm of a football game, of action and reaction, is more accurate. Too many times, the Redskins have given up a big play or a score and have not responded positively. They've allowed the action to be taken to them instead of forcing it.

Worse has been the backbreaking nature of opposing teams' scoring drives in all five losses. Leading 13-9 against Minnesota on Sept. 11, the Redskins yielded an eight-play, 56-yard touchdown drive on the Vikings' first second-half possession. Brunell was intercepted near the goal line against Dallas a week later, and the Cowboys responded with a 99-yard touchdown drive to break open the game. On Oct. 8, the Giants broke open a 9-3 game with a bruising, 15-play touchdown drive to open the second half of what would become a 19-3 New York win.

On the first drive of the second half against Tennessee the following week, the Redskins, leading 14-13, punted after failing to get a first down on three plays, and the Titans immediately engineered a 10-play, 74-yard touchdown drive. And Sunday in Indianapolis, the Redskins led 14-13 at halftime but gave up touchdowns on each of the Colts' first three second-half possessions.

The Giants did not punt in the first half against the Redskins, and the Colts did not punt in the second half on Sunday.

Over 16 regular season games in 2005, the Redskins yielded only one touchdown on an opening drive and produced three interceptions. It was the kind of the statistic that energized both assistant head coach-defense Gregg Williams and his players going into this season. It underscored that they believed the personality of the team was defensive in nature, capable of changing the tenor of a game even when the offense wasn't on the field.

This season, the defense has been bullied. In 16 games last season, the Redskins gave up 52 drives that resulted in points. Only 11 of those drives lasted 10 plays or more. This season, after only seven games, the defense has given up 34 scoring drives, 13 of them lasting 10 plays or more.

"It's a matter of consistency," said Joe Bugel, assistant head coach-offense. "You sit down and look at the film and numerically, it might all look the same, but the difference is the effect those plays had on the game, at that time. A play here, a play there and we're back in it. But you have to make those plays happen."

Is MB recovering from his potential career ending cut on his elbow?

[roybus14]

"More delicate is the acknowledgment of both the coaching staff and players that, at least offensively, statistics can be misleading. The team is producing similar numbers, but not similar results, as last season. The coaches want to work more closely with Brunell, especially on his dropbacks on passing plays and his reading of defenses. While Brunell is a more accurate passer this year than a year ago, the coaching staff wants to emphasize to him that, in associate head coach Al Saunders's offense, decision-making must be immediate. Brunell's habit of dropping into the pocket, scanning the field and then patting the football has disrupted the timing of the offense, coaches say, and forced him to throw to a safety-valve receiver, most often a running back."

This is bad news and says that we never had the right QB in there to start with. Why is it close to halfway through the season and the coaches have to "work more closely" with Brunell??? He's a veteran that should not be having these sorts of problems. If he was having these problems, then it should be his physical ability and not a "habit" that is causing the coaches to work more closely with him. He's a veteran and is having trouble making reads??? In the immortal words of Florida Evans, "Damn....Damn.......Damn!!!!


The question should not be whether or not JC is going to start but how is he doing with the first team and does he have command of the offense????

[skinsfan#33]

"Brunell's habit of dropping into the pocket?

And then sliding back out of the pocket right into the pass rush! Hopefully, someone told him to grow so me nads and STEP UP INTO THE POCKET!

[Gibbs4Life]

Can someone in DC get Mark a motorcycle?

Find out who sold Ben Rothlesburger his!

[34andcounting]

THANK YOU BILL PARCELL, THE MOVE IN WHICH YOU PUT ROME IN AT QB OPENTHE EYE OF JOE GIBB FINALLY.JASON WILL START ON 11/5.REDSKINS FOR LIFE.