The-Hogs.net - Washington Football Discussion, Redskins to Commanders Era

By John Keim
Special to NFL.com

(Dec. 27, 2006) -- The plays occurred in consecutive games -- one revealing Jason Campbell's talents, the other a subtle reminder of his rawness. But here's what the Redskins like: The first play is hard to coach, the second is easy to fix.

And here's another thing they like: Campbell only turns 25 on Sunday and will be making just his seventh start when the Redskins host the New York Giants on Saturday night. A franchise that has started 16 quarterbacks in the past 14 seasons might finally have found a permanent starter, providing hope for 2007.

But first things first. The plays.

Two weeks ago against New Orleans, Campbell faked a handoff to his left, turned and did a half rollout to his right. Meanwhile, receiver Santana Moss sprinted down the right seam. So, before Moss broke free from the safety and corner, Campbell put the ball exactly where it needed to go -- down the seam and at the goal post. Only Moss had a chance, grabbing it in stride for a 31-yard touchdown.

"It was a perfect throw," Redskins associate head coach/offense Al Saunders said.

A week later, Campbell made another throw, one only remembered by the coaches.

On a third-and-4 at St. Louis in Week 16, Campbell took a shotgun snap. He was supposed to take a three-step drop and deliver the ball. But, instead, Campbell took a five-step drop, disrupting the timing and changing the angle of the throw, leading to an overthrow of Moss.

"The timing is off and that's to be expected," Saunders said. "That's why there's such optimism about his development, because what he's doing now is just his natural ability."

The disappointing Redskins (5-10), who will finish with their third season of double-digit losses in the last four, are searching for reasons to be optimistic about 2007.

The once-stout defense has crashed, ranking 30th and on the verge of setting an NFL-record for fewest takeaways in a 16-game season. Defense end Andre Carter, who has played well lately, leads Washington with just five sacks. The team needs help along the line, possibly at linebacker and in the secondary. But a potential top-five pick and the right free-agent signings might yield the immediate help that could return the defense to the elite.

Offensively, the Redskins have at least found an identity. The line, with four players who are signed for next year, has protected Campbell (seven sacks) and opened holes for running back Ladell Betts (five straight 100-yard games). They have a solid receiving tight end in Chris ey, a downfield threat in Moss and should have a healthy Clinton Portis in '07. They have firepower.

But Brandon Lloyd (23 catches, no touchdowns) hasn't produced, leaving Antwaan Randle El (33 catches) as the No. 2 wideout.

They might have solved punting and kicking problems with youngsters Derrick Frost, who has averaged 43.5 gross yards the past six games with 13 punts inside the 20, and Shaun Suisham, who has made eight straight field goals while kicking off well.

Also, head coach Joe Gibbs and top lieutenants Gregg Williams (defense) and Saunders will return, providing stability.

For now, they're reduced to playing the role of spoiler against a division opponent and hope to duplicate their win over the playoff-bound Saints two weeks ago.

And the last thing this ever-changing franchise wants is more changes.

"You want to build that unity and chemistry," said Campbell, who will be in the same offense for consecutive years for the first time since high school. "When you're changing a lot it makes things difficult. It's almost like you're starting over again."

But the future will be shaped by Campbell's progress. In six starts since replacing Mark Brunell, Campbell has shown poise in the pocket, a good downfield touch and an ability to make plays with his legs. He's thrown eight touchdowns and five interceptions. However, he's only completed 50.6 percent of his passes and has a passer rating of 73.0. His inexperience results in few check downs and wobbly timing.

"All of that comes with time and trust," Campbell said. "I trust my receivers, but as a quarterback when you're just starting out, you tend to wait a little bit because you want to make sure."

Said Moss: "Next year we shouldn't have to go backward. I was laughing about it with Jason. I said, 'I'm glad we're going through all the bumps and bruises now with you because next year I'll strangle you if we go through this stuff.'"

But the mindset is there.

"It's easier to get a guy to back off those throws than to get a quarterback to get aggressive," Saunders said. "I'd rather have a guy with Jason's mentality."

Still, work remains. Campbell already plans heavy offseason work with his receivers and on his mechanics.

"His drops have to be quicker. His rhythm has to be quicker. His release has to be more compact. His decision-making has to speed up," Saunders said.

If that happens, then the biggest problem in Washington would be solved. And the outlook for 2007 would change.

"It's a huge responsibility to find a guy who can play that spot," said Gibbs, who won three Super Bowls with three different quarterbacks in his first stint. "It sure would be nice if Jason can take that thing and play for us for 10 years."

SirSmizzy wrote:I like Campbell. Looks like he has a strong arm. What do you guys think of him?

1niksder wrote:

SirSmizzy wrote:I like Campbell. Looks like he has a strong arm. What do you guys think of him?

Where you been?? What's up??