Campbell coming into his own by: Marwan Maalouf
posted: Monday, October 8, 2007
If the Washiongton Redskins' offense keeps clicking like it did in Sunday's 34-3 win over the Detroit Lions, the Redskins will be hard to beat. They certainly face a tougher test in Week 6 against the Green Bay Packers, but offensive coordinator Al Saunders certainly called a great game against the Lions and the offense looked very impressive. Saunders used three running backs effectively in the running game and the passing game. Clinton Portis is the every-down back who runs the counter and power plays very well, and against Detroit he showed great pad level and balance that allowed him to gain extra yards after initial contact. Fullback Mike Sellers also made an impression on the Lions. Sellers is a physical brute who drags defenders forward with him and is also a surprisingly good route-runner with capable hands who can also line up as a tight end on occasion. Sellers ran a seam route from that position on Sunday and made a solid catch before punishing Detroit SS Kenoy Kennedy, who attempted to bring Sellers down with a high tackle. Ladell Betts also gained a few yards while spelling Portis, showing that the Redskins have a good option when Portis needs a break. The bottom line is that all three are physical runners who will take on defenders directly in order to gain positive yards.
That is a big help for Washington QB Jason Campbell, a former first-round pick who is living up to his potential under Saunders. Campbell is making all the throws necessary for the offense to succeed. Against the Lions he displayed enough touch to complete passes on the second level, accurately dropping the ball over the Detroit linebackers and into the hands of WR Antwaan Randle El and TE Chris


The combination of three-step drops and effective play-action passes gives Campbell a great chance to helping his team win games, and when you add in his athleticism he has the look of a quarterback who could lead his team to the postseason.