Brunell is all smiles.....

[spudstr04]

Brunell 'psyched' to be starting again
Associated Press


ASHBURN, Va. -- For a while, Mark Brunell has been telling anyone who would listen that he can still play, that last year's awful season wasn't a true reflection of his skills.

Now he gets a chance to prove it.

The beneficiary of one of the quickest hooks imaginable was full of smiles Tuesday as he relaxed at Redskins Park with his wife and children. It was supposed to be a day off, but the new starting quarterback arrived in the morning to study film and later welcomed children from a local hospital for a tour around the building.

The real work starts Wednesday, when Brunell gets a first look at the game plan for the Washington Redskins' Monday night matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.

"I am psyched," Brunell said. "I'm looking forward to it. It's a great opportunity to get back in there. It's obviously a big challenge, playing the Cowboys at their place Monday night."



Nowhere to be seen was Patrick Ramsey, who planned to come by and get an early start on the week if he were still the starter. Ramsey's hold on the job lasted only three series in Sunday's 9-7 victory over the Chicago Bears. A minor neck injury sidelined him in the second quarter, but he was ready to re-enter the game at halftime -- only to be told Brunell would stay in.

On Monday, coach Joe Gibbs told Ramsey that Brunell is now the starter.

"He's hanging in there," said right tackle Jon Jansen, one of Ramsey's closest friends. "He's obviously disappointed, as I'm sure any of us would be in that situation. But it's not his choice, it's Coach's choice."

Ramsey's months with the team are probably numbered. The 2002 first-round draft pick has been undermined twice by Gibbs -- the coach traded for Brunell last year and traded up to draft Jason Campbell in the first round this year -- so Ramsey knew this was his last good chance to secure the starting position long-term. There was even a report that Ramsey has already requested a trade, but Jansen didn't give it any credence after speaking to Ramsey.

"I don't think that's something that Patrick has said at all or entertained," Jansen said.

Ramsey had an interception and two fumbles in his limited playing time Sunday, but Gibbs showed much more patience last year with Brunell. Brunell made nine starts and put up some of the worst stats in the league before Ramsey took over, and the question became whether the three-time Pro Bowl quarterback was at the end of his career.

But Brunell was hampered by a hamstring injury and a flawed offense. Gibbs, having just come out of retirement, was a decade behind the rest of the league and didn't start to modernize until late in the season, after Ramsey had taken over.

This year, Brunell looks revitalized. The 35-year-old legs are healthy again, and the offense is more to his liking.

"It's night and day," Brunell said. "We've got different personnel. Our system's changed. We've got a lot of talent. We've got a good start, 1-0. Things have come a long way since 12 months ago."

Brunell cracked a joke when he entered the huddle for the first time Sunday to ease the tension, and did just enough to win the game, leading three field goal drives against a team the Redskins were supposed to beat. He'll need to play better than he did against the Bears to placate the fans who booed him so doggedly a year ago.

"That kind of criticism will continue until we turn things around here," Brunell said. "I'm still not reading the papers. Nothing changes around here until we start scoring some points and winning."

[aswas71788]

I am on the west coast so all of my Redskins information caomes from THN, SI, ESPN, The Washington Post, NFL.com and Redskins.com on the internet. I read each religiously and do not ever remember anything being said about any injury to Brunell unitil early in this preseason. Did I miss something? Does anyone else remember an injury to Brunell being reported last year?

[DEHog]

Bad Hammy

[BringThePain!]

I am on the west coast so all of my Redskins information caomes from THN, SI, ESPN, The Washington Post, NFL.com and Redskins.com on the internet. I read each religiously and do not ever remember anything being said about any injury to Brunell unitil early in this preseason. Did I miss something? Does anyone else remember an injury to Brunell being reported last year?

thread from last year...
http://www.the-hogs.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=8356

[hkiss444]

I am tired about hearing Brunnell was injured last year. If that was the case Brunnell is only in it for himself and is not a team player. If you are injured and have a capable HEALTHY backup, don't put your own personal agendas ahead of the team. Brunnell was hurting the team by playing injured and shame on the coaches for not taking action.

[kspeed10]

I agree. If Brunell isn't hurt this year, then why did he skip his first pass when he came in Sunday? He's washed up and bad. Look for a painful game Monday night with Brunell at the helm. Sure he threw for over 300 last year, but he sucked the first 3 quarters before he got lucky and gardner pulled down a couple of his soft heaves.

[Redskins1974]

I am tired about hearing Brunnell was injured last year. If that was the case Brunnell is only in it for himself and is not a team player. If you are injured and have a capable HEALTHY backup, don't put your own personal agendas ahead of the team. Brunnell was hurting the team by playing injured and shame on the coaches for not taking action.

Sorry man, I beg to differ. Have you ever competed at a high level of a sport? If so, you'd know that most coaches will implore you to play through pain. Furthermore, if the injury is not something that completely disables you, you'll figure out a way to play, no matter the circumstances. As a competitor, you want to be out there no matter what and mentally, you tell and convince yourself you can do it.

I'm not saying this to get into an argument about Brunnell, I'm saying this as an athlete who has competed and done so hurt at some pretty high levels. It's not at all unusual for an athlete to hide or mask injuries because, as competitors, you want to be out there. In the wide world of sports, if you don't play and think like that, you're considered a weak link who doesn't deserve to play that sport.

[Brandon777]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/co ... 01424.html

Brunell Is In, Ramsey Is Out of Sight

Redskins' New Starter Is Eager to Take the Reins
By Nunyo Demasio
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, September 14, 2005; Page E01


Mark Brunell got his first inkling that he would be named the Redskins' starting quarterback when Patrick Ramsey was not put back in the game at the start of the third quarter of Sunday's 9-7 victory over the Chicago Bears. Despite straining his neck, Ramsey seemed healthy enough to re-enter the game after playing catch with Brunell on the sideline. But Coach Joe Gibbs had decided to bench Ramsey after only three drives, giving Brunell back the job he lost last season.
"At halftime, Patrick was ready to play," Brunell said. "His neck was bothering him a little bit. But he felt good about going in. And when they didn't make the switch, it could have gone either way, but there wasn't any real surprise."

Brunell arrived at Redskins Park yesterday morning to lift weights and study film of the Dallas Cowboys, who Washington will face at Texas Stadium on Monday night. "I'm looking forward to it," said Brunell, who was accompanied by his wife, Stacy, and their four children. "It's a great opportunity to get back in there. Last year obviously was real difficult. To get another opportunity to get back in there is big. It's time to get things going."
Ramsey was conspicuously absent from the Redskins' training facility. Even though yesterday was a day off for players, Ramsey had said he planned to be at Redskins Park, although he said it before Monday's announcement that Brunell would start. A team source said Ramsey called the Redskins yesterday morning to tell coaches he would not be coming in.No one was home yesterday afternoon and evening at Ramsey's house in Purcellville, about 20 miles from Redskins Park in Ashburn. Ramsey did not return a message left on his cell phone and his agent, Jimmy Sexton, could not be reached for comment.
Ramsey's future with the Redskins remained unclear. ESPN reported Monday night that Ramsey had requested a trade after being informed of Gibbs's decision in a face-to-face meeting Monday afternoon. But that report could not be confirmed.
Brunell, who is a close friend of Ramsey's, said he was skeptical that Ramsey had asked for a trade. "I think Patrick is a team guy," said Brunell, adding that he had tried to call Ramsey yesterday but was unable to reach him. "That would surprise me if he was really interested in wanting to be traded."
According to team sources, however, Ramsey's reaction to Gibbs's decision has been similar to his reaction when the Redskins signed Brunell to a seven-year, $43 million contract in March 2004. When Brunell signed, Ramsey remained silent publicly, but Sexton met with Redskins owner

Daniel Snyder and Gibbs to request a trade.
Ramsey withdrew his request after a meeting with Gibbs at which the coach assured him that there would be an open competition for the starting job. Brunell beat out Ramsey that summer and started the first nine games last season before he was benched. Ramsey started the final seven games.
Several Redskins players yesterday declined to be expansive about the quarterback change. Some said the team would remain united despite the switch.
"I don't know why [Gibbs] changed," said defensive end Phillip Daniels. "Who knows? Mark did have a pretty good preseason. But I don't see there being a fallout. It's not going to divide the locker room.
"We have trust in both quarterbacks. We just go with coach's decision. Coach Gibbs knows what's best for this team, and we just deal with it. We can't let that be a distraction for this team."
Defensive tackle Cornelius Griffin added: "Gibbs made a decision. We have to stick with it and try to win games. Change happens."
Players said that the adjustment to a new quarterback would be minimal because of the team's offseason practices.
Receiver Santana Moss pointed out that the Redskins played with both of them in what they call organized team activities. Referring to Brunell, Moss said: "We know how he pretty much throws. He's a lefty. We know how his balls have a different spin."
Gibbs has said repeatedly that Brunell was hampered last year by a strained hamstring, which he suffered during a loss to the New York Giants in the second game of the season. But Brunell's best performance last season occurred in the next game, a loss to the Dallas Cowboys, when he was still slowed by the strain. In that game, Brunell completed 25 of 43 passes for 325 yards while throwing two touchdown passes and no interceptions. Brunell said yesterday that the injury was not a factor to his play last season, and that he didn't undergo any rehabilitation.
Brunell, who turns 35 on Saturday, dismissed the notion that his arm is stronger than last year. Brunell said that the biggest reason for optimism this season is the revamped offense.
"It's night and day," Brunell said. "We've got different personnel. Our system's changed. And we've got a lot of talent.
"There's some things that have changed. There's some things that have stayed the same. But I think we're a better offense. We have a year under our belt with this system."
Brunell said that the toughest part of being the backup during the regular season is running so few plays practicing with the first team offense. "Those plays that we have in our game plan, you don't practice those," he said. "The starter gets the reps here. You may get one or two a day, but you're doing things that you just did not practice."
Washington's receivers said that Brunell's most impressive quality has been his confidence despite last season's struggles.
"You can look at him," Moss said, "and get that sense that he practices every day like he's the guy that's going to lead this team one day."

When Brunell was booed relentlessly last year and benched, he didn't quit. He pushed himself to get better with his play and leadership. Ramsey whines about us getting Brunell in the first place. Now he decides not to show up to practice. What a great way prove you are the one who should lead the ship .

[Scooter]

My expectations are burried below the septic tank for Brunell. That way if he only fumbles three times, gets sacked 8 times and throws two picks - I won't be dissappointed. It's all up from here! Hope the guy proves me wrong..... I RE-ha-HEEE-ha-HEEEEEALLLLLLLLLLY do!

[welch]

When Brunell was booed relentlessly last year and benched, he didn't quit. He pushed himself to get better with his play and leadership.

Perhaps the key to it all...

[Scooter]

Get the boos ready again? He needs to get a LOT better.

[REDEEMEDSKIN]

Nowhere to be seen was Patrick Ramsey, who planned to come by and get an early start on the week if he were still the starter.

Is it normal for the back-up QB to be absent from these film sessions? Just wondering. As I stated earlier today, it sounds to me like Brunell is ready for the task. I really dig his confidence going into the game.


BEAT DALLAS!!!!

[skinsfan#33]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/09/13/AR2005091301424.html

Brunell Is In, Ramsey Is Out of Sight

Redskins' New Starter Is Eager to Take the Reins
By Nunyo Demasio
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, September 14, 2005; Page E01


Mark Brunell got his first inkling that he would be named the Redskins' starting quarterback when Patrick Ramsey was not put back in the game at the start of the third quarter of Sunday's 9-7 victory over the Chicago Bears. Despite straining his neck, Ramsey seemed healthy enough to re-enter the game after playing catch with Brunell on the sideline. But Coach Joe Gibbs had decided to bench Ramsey after only three drives, giving Brunell back the job he lost last season.
"At halftime, Patrick was ready to play," Brunell said. "His neck was bothering him a little bit. But he felt good about going in. And when they didn't make the switch, it could have gone either way, but there wasn't any real surprise."

Brunell arrived at Redskins Park yesterday morning to lift weights and study film of the Dallas Cowboys, who Washington will face at Texas Stadium on Monday night. "I'm looking forward to it," said Brunell, who was accompanied by his wife, Stacy, and their four children. "It's a great opportunity to get back in there. Last year obviously was real difficult. To get another opportunity to get back in there is big. It's time to get things going."
Ramsey was conspicuously absent from the Redskins' training facility. Even though yesterday was a day off for players, Ramsey had said he planned to be at Redskins Park, although he said it before Monday's announcement that Brunell would start. A team source said Ramsey called the Redskins yesterday morning to tell coaches he would not be coming in.No one was home yesterday afternoon and evening at Ramsey's house in Purcellville, about 20 miles from Redskins Park in Ashburn. Ramsey did not return a message left on his cell phone and his agent, Jimmy Sexton, could not be reached for comment.
Ramsey's future with the Redskins remained unclear. ESPN reported Monday night that Ramsey had requested a trade after being informed of Gibbs's decision in a face-to-face meeting Monday afternoon. But that report could not be confirmed.
Brunell, who is a close friend of Ramsey's, said he was skeptical that Ramsey had asked for a trade. "I think Patrick is a team guy," said Brunell, adding that he had tried to call Ramsey yesterday but was unable to reach him. "That would surprise me if he was really interested in wanting to be traded."
According to team sources, however, Ramsey's reaction to Gibbs's decision has been similar to his reaction when the Redskins signed Brunell to a seven-year, $43 million contract in March 2004. When Brunell signed, Ramsey remained silent publicly, but Sexton met with Redskins owner

Daniel Snyder and Gibbs to request a trade.
Ramsey withdrew his request after a meeting with Gibbs at which the coach assured him that there would be an open competition for the starting job. Brunell beat out Ramsey that summer and started the first nine games last season before he was benched. Ramsey started the final seven games.
Several Redskins players yesterday declined to be expansive about the quarterback change. Some said the team would remain united despite the switch.
"I don't know why [Gibbs] changed," said defensive end Phillip Daniels. "Who knows? Mark did have a pretty good preseason. But I don't see there being a fallout. It's not going to divide the locker room.
"We have trust in both quarterbacks. We just go with coach's decision. Coach Gibbs knows what's best for this team, and we just deal with it. We can't let that be a distraction for this team."
Defensive tackle Cornelius Griffin added: "Gibbs made a decision. We have to stick with it and try to win games. Change happens."
Players said that the adjustment to a new quarterback would be minimal because of the team's offseason practices.
Receiver Santana Moss pointed out that the Redskins played with both of them in what they call organized team activities. Referring to Brunell, Moss said: "We know how he pretty much throws. He's a lefty. We know how his balls have a different spin."
Gibbs has said repeatedly that Brunell was hampered last year by a strained hamstring, which he suffered during a loss to the New York Giants in the second game of the season. But Brunell's best performance last season occurred in the next game, a loss to the Dallas Cowboys, when he was still slowed by the strain. In that game, Brunell completed 25 of 43 passes for 325 yards while throwing two touchdown passes and no interceptions. Brunell said yesterday that the injury was not a factor to his play last season, and that he didn't undergo any rehabilitation.
Brunell, who turns 35 on Saturday, dismissed the notion that his arm is stronger than last year. Brunell said that the biggest reason for optimism this season is the revamped offense.
"It's night and day," Brunell said. "We've got different personnel. Our system's changed. And we've got a lot of talent.
"There's some things that have changed. There's some things that have stayed the same. But I think we're a better offense. We have a year under our belt with this system."
Brunell said that the toughest part of being the backup during the regular season is running so few plays practicing with the first team offense. "Those plays that we have in our game plan, you don't practice those," he said. "The starter gets the reps here. You may get one or two a day, but you're doing things that you just did not practice."
Washington's receivers said that Brunell's most impressive quality has been his confidence despite last season's struggles.
"You can look at him," Moss said, "and get that sense that he practices every day like he's the guy that's going to lead this team one day."

When Brunell was booed relentlessly last year and benched, he didn't quit. He pushed himself to get better with his play and leadership. Ramsey whines about us getting Brunell in the first place. Now he decides not to show up to practice. What a great way prove you are the one who should lead the ship .

You know what, I don't show up for work on my day off either. Ramsey didn't miss practice, he just didn't go in on a day off.

When have you ever heard Ramsey complain about anything. If he has asked his agent to ask for a trade at any time, CAN YOU BLAME HIM! Gibbs has been blowing sunshine up his but for a year and a half. I am not saying that Gibbs "lied" to him, but he certainly never felt comfortable with him at QB. Kind of like Stan Humphreys and Gibbs was wrong about him too. Ramsey has never truly been handed the keys to this club. He just simply has never had a true shot to be the QB. Heck he has played for two head coaches that didn't want him! And the team tried to trade him befor he ever signed with the team

[aswas71788]

I apologize for starting a bash Brunell round. My only interest was whether I missed a story about Brunell being injured. Obviously, I missed the story.

[hkiss444]

Sorry man, I beg to differ. Have you ever competed at a high level of a sport? If so, you'd know that most coaches will implore you to play through pain. Furthermore, if the injury is not something that completely disables you, you'll figure out a way to play, no matter the circumstances. As a competitor, you want to be out there no matter what and mentally, you tell and convince yourself you can do it.

Point well taken but I am tired of hearing the excuses from everyone that injuries were the reason for Brunnell's poor play. The Brunnell Sunday was the same Brunnell from last year.

[ArizonaHOG]

http://nfl.com/news/story/8842074

Looks like Phil Simms thinks Brunell can still be effective.

[skinsfan#33]

http://nfl.com/news/story/8842074

Looks like Phil Simms thinks Brunell can still be effective.

yeah, but Phil Simms isn't the sharpest tool in the shed!

[welch]

Kind of like Stan Humphreys and Gibbs was wrong about him too.

Nothing like Humphries, and Humphries was wrong about Gibbs. Their dispute was that Gibbs handed Humphries the starting job after the '90 season. Humphries did not study the playbook during the offseason, and showed up to camp overweight. Rypien had mastered the book and worked out.

Gibbs never let Humphries play that season -- SB 26 -- and traded Humphries. Later, when Humphries was taking the Chargers to the SB, he said he wished he had worked hard for Gibbs, saying he had learned his lesson.

Ramsey seems to be a hard worker, with an attitude that Gibbs likes, and some tendencies to make mistakes that Gibbs can't tolerate. That's what I understand from the Gibbs press conference.

[1fan4ramsey]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/09/13/AR2005091301424.html

Brunell Is In, Ramsey Is Out of Sight

Redskins' New Starter Is Eager to Take the Reins
By Nunyo Demasio
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, September 14, 2005; Page E01


Mark Brunell got his first inkling that he would be named the Redskins' starting quarterback when Patrick Ramsey was not put back in the game at the start of the third quarter of Sunday's 9-7 victory over the Chicago Bears. Despite straining his neck, Ramsey seemed healthy enough to re-enter the game after playing catch with Brunell on the sideline. But Coach Joe Gibbs had decided to bench Ramsey after only three drives, giving Brunell back the job he lost last season.
"At halftime, Patrick was ready to play," Brunell said. "His neck was bothering him a little bit. But he felt good about going in. And when they didn't make the switch, it could have gone either way, but there wasn't any real surprise."

Brunell arrived at Redskins Park yesterday morning to lift weights and study film of the Dallas Cowboys, who Washington will face at Texas Stadium on Monday night. "I'm looking forward to it," said Brunell, who was accompanied by his wife, Stacy, and their four children. "It's a great opportunity to get back in there. Last year obviously was real difficult. To get another opportunity to get back in there is big. It's time to get things going."
Ramsey was conspicuously absent from the Redskins' training facility. Even though yesterday was a day off for players, Ramsey had said he planned to be at Redskins Park, although he said it before Monday's announcement that Brunell would start. A team source said Ramsey called the Redskins yesterday morning to tell coaches he would not be coming in.No one was home yesterday afternoon and evening at Ramsey's house in Purcellville, about 20 miles from Redskins Park in Ashburn. Ramsey did not return a message left on his cell phone and his agent, Jimmy Sexton, could not be reached for comment.
Ramsey's future with the Redskins remained unclear. ESPN reported Monday night that Ramsey had requested a trade after being informed of Gibbs's decision in a face-to-face meeting Monday afternoon. But that report could not be confirmed.
Brunell, who is a close friend of Ramsey's, said he was skeptical that Ramsey had asked for a trade. "I think Patrick is a team guy," said Brunell, adding that he had tried to call Ramsey yesterday but was unable to reach him. "That would surprise me if he was really interested in wanting to be traded."
According to team sources, however, Ramsey's reaction to Gibbs's decision has been similar to his reaction when the Redskins signed Brunell to a seven-year, $43 million contract in March 2004. When Brunell signed, Ramsey remained silent publicly, but Sexton met with Redskins owner

Daniel Snyder and Gibbs to request a trade.
Ramsey withdrew his request after a meeting with Gibbs at which the coach assured him that there would be an open competition for the starting job. Brunell beat out Ramsey that summer and started the first nine games last season before he was benched. Ramsey started the final seven games.
Several Redskins players yesterday declined to be expansive about the quarterback change. Some said the team would remain united despite the switch.
"I don't know why [Gibbs] changed," said defensive end Phillip Daniels. "Who knows? Mark did have a pretty good preseason. But I don't see there being a fallout. It's not going to divide the locker room.
"We have trust in both quarterbacks. We just go with coach's decision. Coach Gibbs knows what's best for this team, and we just deal with it. We can't let that be a distraction for this team."
Defensive tackle Cornelius Griffin added: "Gibbs made a decision. We have to stick with it and try to win games. Change happens."
Players said that the adjustment to a new quarterback would be minimal because of the team's offseason practices.
Receiver Santana Moss pointed out that the Redskins played with both of them in what they call organized team activities. Referring to Brunell, Moss said: "We know how he pretty much throws. He's a lefty. We know how his balls have a different spin."
Gibbs has said repeatedly that Brunell was hampered last year by a strained hamstring, which he suffered during a loss to the New York Giants in the second game of the season. But Brunell's best performance last season occurred in the next game, a loss to the Dallas Cowboys, when he was still slowed by the strain. In that game, Brunell completed 25 of 43 passes for 325 yards while throwing two touchdown passes and no interceptions. Brunell said yesterday that the injury was not a factor to his play last season, and that he didn't undergo any rehabilitation.
Brunell, who turns 35 on Saturday, dismissed the notion that his arm is stronger than last year. Brunell said that the biggest reason for optimism this season is the revamped offense.
"It's night and day," Brunell said. "We've got different personnel. Our system's changed. And we've got a lot of talent.
"There's some things that have changed. There's some things that have stayed the same. But I think we're a better offense. We have a year under our belt with this system."
Brunell said that the toughest part of being the backup during the regular season is running so few plays practicing with the first team offense. "Those plays that we have in our game plan, you don't practice those," he said. "The starter gets the reps here. You may get one or two a day, but you're doing things that you just did not practice."
Washington's receivers said that Brunell's most impressive quality has been his confidence despite last season's struggles.
"You can look at him," Moss said, "and get that sense that he practices every day like he's the guy that's going to lead this team one day."

When Brunell was booed relentlessly last year and benched, he didn't quit. He pushed himself to get better with his play and leadership. Ramsey whines about us getting Brunell in the first place. Now he decides not to show up to practice. What a great way prove you are the one who should lead the ship .

How long do we let Brunell in? Hope Gibbs has a short leash, or maybe he'll wait til the season is lost, like week 6 or 7 to put Ramsey back in, please, this situation is the most embarrising thing to happen to the Skins in a long time, and it's going to get a whole lot worse

[skinpride1]

I say let brunell's play monday night do all the talking.

[joebagadonuts]

How long do we let Brunell in? Hope Gibbs has a short leash, or maybe he'll wait til the season is lost, like week 6 or 7 to put Ramsey back in, please, this situation is the most embarrising thing to happen to the Skins in a long time, and it's going to get a whole lot worse

as poor a decision as i think this is (to bench ramsey for brunell), i think a revolving door at qb is worse. while i'm not looking forward to a repeat of 2004, i also think that we need some stability at qb. if we're switching qbs every quarter, besides dropping team morale, it'll be fodder for the folks at espn to call us (and gibbs) a laughing stock.

and while brunell's play monday will be a glimpse of what he can (or cannot) do, i am by no means basing a decision on whether he still 'has it' from his play for one game. i'll need to see him perform at a consistant level before i order my crow.

[jazzyjimmy]

What is Gibbs' infatuation with Brunell?! He is NOT the consistent flawless QB that manages games. Even when healthy, he has that Pennington-like floating deep ball which is going to get picked off just as much as Ramsey's errant throws. Does anyone think that Gibbs has a soft spot for Brunell because of the whole driving him to the hospital when Gibbs had that heart condition in Florida?

[SkinsJock]

...Ramsey seems to be a hard worker, with an attitude that Gibbs likes, and some tendencies to make mistakes that Gibbs can't tolerate. That's what I understand from the Gibbs press conference.

Insightful!

IMO we are now in the situation that we both (Ramsey & the Skins) need each other. We need 2 QBs and his best chance to start this year (and be effective) is with the Skins. If he goes somewhere else he will have a much more difficult time getting used to the players the system and the new coaches.
This kid is a NFL QB; he is very disapointed yes, but, for a little while longer (at least) he is going to be here. This is his year to show the other teams that he can be an effective QB. He will get that chance.

Fear is a great motivator. We will see what sort of effect it has on both these 2 guys.

If (when) Ramsey gets back on the field, it will be interesting to see how he handles the opportunity that Brunell is now getting. I hope he prepares himself for that opportunity.

Brunell better be very good because Gibbs has now demonstrated that if you do not learn from mistakes (or performance) that cost our team - you will be replaced!