-There was not consistent coaching.
-There existed a poor clubhouse culture.
-There was no support system in place.
I feel that any quarterback has natural potential and that those three external factors can maximize that potential. For instance, Tom Brady had a lot of hidden potential, but through those external factors (and a crushing hit on Drew Bledsoe) is was maximized. JaMarcus Russell had loads of potential, but none of it was uncovered, in part because none of those factors existed. Do individual players have to be accountable for putting the work in that's required to be successful, absolutely, but no amount of work can dig them out of a terrible situation. This is proven time and time again throughout the history of professional football, professional sports in general and life in general.
First up...
QB Patrick Ramsey, 2003 Draft, 32nd overall, Tulane
Seems to ring true enough. No one doubted his arm. He had a rocket and could throw the deep stuff. One knock on him was how he always threw the ball hard and lacked tough. No one could doubt his physical skills, but did he receive the coaching needed to help him make the most out of them?If Ramsey had played on a better team, he would be a much bigger name. The problem with Tulane was not with their offense but with the school record of points that the defense gave up. Ramsey is a big (6-2, 234) drop back passer with a strong and accurate arm. He is not very mobile but will occasionally get outside the pocket. He has a very quick release, which helps him avoid sacks. Ramsey is a student of the game and will do what it takes to become a good quarterback. He is very coachable and gains the respect of his teammates, especially when he stands in and faces the pass rush head on. He can make almost every throw but needs to work on his touch. Ramsey has been a three-year starter, replacing Tampa Bay's Shaun King, but did not have nearly the level of talent around him that King had. Ramsey went to the Senior Bowl and had an outstanding week. Many now consider him the third best quarterback prospect in the draft.
Steve Spurrier drafted him. He started a little bit in his first season, got injured in his second. He got 16 games as a starter under Spurrier before the Ol' Ball Coach quit. At no time during Spurrier's tenure did he have anything resembling quality coaching, a positive clubhouse culture or a support system. He had few weapons on offense and was consistently among the most sacked guys in the league.
When Gibbs took over, instead of further cultivating Ramsey's talent he immediately got Mark Brunell. #8 was inconsistent for all of 2004 and Ramsey got the job back by default. In 2005 he was named the started but Brunell always had the inside track. After one game, and an injury Ramsey was benched and never able to get the job back. IMO he was never given a chance to make the most of his abilities in Washington.
QB Jason Campbell, 2005 Draft, 25th overall, Auburn
More proof that Gibbs wanted nothing to do with Ramsey, Jason Campbell was selected. Keep in mind, he was hand picked by Gibbs and there was lots of buzz leading up to the draft that Campbell was going to be a Redskin. He came to Washington to sit behind the QB mess in 2005. He started to take over in 2007. The scheme was changed twice under Gibbs, then Gibbs quit a second time. Jim Zorn took over and installed a brand new offense. It fit Campbell's strengths a little better because be became a "decent" QB, but again, he never had consistent coaching, a good locker room culture or a supporting cast. His talent has never been cultivated. When Shanahan took over he wanted his own guy, and brought in McNabb (huge mistake).Campbell has always had excellent size, good athletic ability and above average arm strength, but his poor decision making skills, lack of poise in the pocket, indecisiveness and erratic arm haunted him early in his collegiate career. Throughout his first three seasons as a starter, Campbell consistently held onto the ball too long, threw too many passes up for grabs when he ran out of time, missed open receivers downfield and overthrew too many of the receivers that he did find open. However, No player improved his draft value more in 2004 than Campbell. After struggling through three extremely inconsistent and unfulfilling seasons, Campbell thrived as a senior in what was his fourth offensive scheme in four years. New offensive coordinator Al Borges found the right fit for Campbell, as his West Coast scheme simplified things and gave Campbell a lot more definitive reads to make. As his confidence improved, so too did his production. Most impressive was Campbell's improvement in regards to his decision-making skills, as he threw 13 more touchdowns (19) than interceptions (6) in 2004. Campbell has the physical tools of a first round pick but there are still questions about his downfield accuracy and ability to see the entire field. That's why we grade Campbell out as a solid second round prospect.
Is there someone who could argue that Campbell got every opportunity to succeed in Washington? Is it on him that our lines were always so bad? Or that the weapons on offense were lacking? I think if Campbell had gone to Green Bay instead he'd be a perennial All-Star...
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So I ask you, answer the poll question. Did we just pick the wrong guys who just couldn't play football? Or did the Redskins just lack the support system needed to create a successful quarterback.
