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Jason Campbell

Posted: Thu May 17, 2007 8:20 am
by SkinsFreak
Adam Schefter wrote:A CAMPBELL SPECIAL

At this time of year, during organized team activities, many players are said to look good.

But Washington quarterback Jason Campbell is said to look especially good.

After two years in the league as an understudy, and four hours each day this winter and spring in Washington's training facility simply studying, Campbell is said to look like a different quarterback, Redskins officials said this week.


Redskins insiders are saying Jason Campbell is showing the potential they saw in him in 2005. One observer even predicted, boldly, that Campbell would go to the Pro Bowl this season.

Of course it's a long way from Washington in May to Hawaii in February, but Campbell has demonstrated improved technique, understanding and confidence. And after a week of OTA's, he has been the most talked about player in the Redskins organization.

"It's unanimous from everybody," one Redskins official said this week. "You can definitely see it. He's like a totally different quarterback. The receivers have been like, 'Wow.' "

Much of the credit belongs to Washington offensive coordinator Al Saunders and quarterbacks coach Bill Lazor, who have poured their energies and time into Campbell's offseason training.

But Campbell also has recognized that the Redskins need him to step up in a way that Patrick Ramsey and Mark Brunell and every other Washington quarterback in recent seasons hasn't.

So far he has. But the key will be whether he will continue it in training camp and then into the regular season.

http://www.nfl.com/nflnetwork/story/10184868

Lost in the noise surrounding the state of the defensive line the past few weeks is the real story surrounding the Washington Redskins--for 2007 and beyond.



Talking about young quarterback Jason Campbell.

It's no secret that a great quarterback can lift a franchise. For just a few of the most obvious examples, review the fortunes of teams like the San Francisco 49ers before and after the arrival of Joe Montana, the Indianapolis Colts before and after Peyton Manning, and everybody's current darling, New England Patriots, before and after Tom Brady. In each case, teams that had previously ranged from awful to average suddenly found themselves contending, year in and year out, for championships.

No, those exalted QB's didn't do it by themselves--even the best of the best need surrounding talent and solid coaching to guide their teams to the top of the mountain (witness Dan Marino). But no one single factor in professional team sports this side of NBA teams landing a Shaq or Tim Duncan can more quickly and dramatically reverse the fortunes of a struggling franchise than landing a special quarterback.

I could write a dissertation in support of the "It's the QB, stupid" theory, and I might even convince a few of the hardest skeptics, but I won't attempt it blog format (believe it or not, I set out to make this entry short). And most of you wouldn't want to read it anyway. So for purposes of this discussion I'll simply reiterate my strongly held conviction that most truly successful NFL teams become so, often very quickly, when that one special guy shows up, steps behind center and assumes command.

I know what you're thinking: "So what is he saying--Jason Campbell is Joe Montana?"

No. That would be an embarrassing case of premature exaltation, and we don't want to go there. I am saying this: an objective look at the available evidence shows very promising early returns--enough so that I'm going on record here as saying something special is about to go down. Before I get to some of the evidence, I want to make it clear this isn't a bandwagon deal or overreaction to a little good off season press. I've been a Campbell guy since Day One (okay, maybe Day Two, when I got over the surprise of watching the Redskins trade up to draft him in the first place). From the first time we saw him in a Redskins uniform in game conditions, in his pro preseason debut against Carolina in 2005, I thought I saw something:

If there was one new Redskin in particular that I was most looking forward to watching in week one, it was QB Jason Campbell--the big, quiet kid from Auburn with the preternatural calm. Having watched his performance now three times since Saturday, I'm not going to dwell on his debut as a pro beyond saying this--I had, and have, very high expectations for this young man, and in Act 1, Scene 1 of his NFL career, he exceeded them all. Big time. If this young man comes out in weeks two and beyond again looking as in command as he did in week one?well, better let's not go there just yet.

That first impression apparently resonated, because I found myself recalling it last off season, when we got an unexpected taste of Joe Gibbs' early impressions:

Perhaps the most memorable thing about [Campbell's] showing, however...[came from] Gibbs' post-game reaction after an outing in which Campbell threw a particularly ugly, rookie-esque interception.

Asked about it after the game, I fully expected to hear standard Gibbs-speak: "He has to learn to protect the ball." Instead, Gibbs actually laughed...and then proceeded to marvel, at some length, about how Campbell came to the sidelines after the play and began telling the coaches about what he'd seen, why he did what he did, and what he should have done instead.

Having been a Gibbs Watcher for many years, the head coach's reaction was striking, and told me more about what he thinks he has in Campbell than anything I've been able to see through his limited playing time.

Which leads us to the meat of this thing. What do I think I've seen in Jason Campbell that suggests he might turn out to be a great NFL quarterback?

Quite simply, high grades in each of the key areas that define one. In no particular order:


Physical Skills
A no-brainer. Don't take my word for it--judge for yourself:

In highlight videos on Redskins.com and other sources, watch for these qualities and how Campbell applies them to the field: prototypical size (6-4, 230); big-league arm; pocket sense; downfield accuracy; touch; quick feet, strong legs and (as recently noted by quarterbacks coach Bill Lazor on John Riggins radio show) excellent field vision.

Given that Campbell played without benefit of previous work with the starting unit, without the Redskins best offensive weapon (Clinton Portis), and behind the shaky support of a defense historically unable to provide a short field, the talent on display is made all the more impressive by the fact it was accomplished almost entirely on physical ability alone.

As a Redskins fan, it's hard not to be excited by the prospect of what the young man might be capable of with a little time and experience under his belt.


Football Smarts / Poise
I previously mentioned Gibbs positive first impressions from the 2004 preseason opener. We saw evidence for ourselves in Campbell's second start, against Carolina in week 11. Remember the circumstances surrounding the game-winning touchdown pass to Chris Cooley?

-- NFL.com Game Recap

LANDOVER, Md. (Nov. 26, 2006) -- Seeking his first win as an NFL starting quarterback, Jason Campbell faced a vital third down with his team trailing late in the fourth quarter.

Through his helmet transmitter, he heard coach Joe Gibbs call the formation.

Then silence. The transmitter went dead. Campbell had to call the play himself, based on the players sent onto the field.

"We could tell that there was something wrong," right tackle Jon Jansen said. "But he picked up and just took us out there and we ran the play, and it was big."

The play went for 66 yards and a touchdown. Tight end Chris Cooley caught the pass over the middle near midfield, escaped two tacklers and ran down the sideline for the winning score in the Washington Redskins' 17-13 victory over the Carolina Panthers.

"I didn't hear the play that was called," Campbell said. "I just tried to call one of the plays that we worked on all week that would give us an opportunity to make a first down. Fortunately, God was with me when I made that call, and Cooley did a great job of running after the catch."

Routine?

Perhaps--in a world where it's normal for guys playing in their second NFL game, against top ten defenses, before 91,000-plus late in the fourth quarter of tight defensive struggles, to display that kind of poise. No one would have criticized him for taking a time out there. And no one would have been surprised if he threw an errant ball under pressure.

Instead, he handled the situation like a seasoned veteran, dialing up a solid play and executing it as flawlessly as any perennial Pro Bowler.

If Peyton Manning makes that play, everyone says, "Well, yeah--that's just Peyton."

Which is precisely the point.


Desire / Work Ethic
This may be the most pleasant development of all. Since 2006 ended and Jason was installed as the presumptive 2007 starter, there has a steady stream of stories out of Ashburn recounting how hard he's been working, putting in long hours studying film and working on fundamentals.

On top of that, there have been reports of his involvement in the entertaining and recruiting of free agents--not something you'd necessarily expect from a quiet kid with seven starts under his belt.

This is not a guy displaying the sense of entitlement so often apparent in pro sports today, this is a guy clearly committed to being a professional and learning his craft. And it's becoming clearer with each passing day (sorry) that the commitment is paying off.

Associate head coach-defense Gregg Williams, interviewed during rookie mini-camp, went out of his way to mention how impressed he'd been by Jason's progress when Campbell helped the team conduct their Pro Day workout at LSU. Note that the comments were not in context of a question about Campbell, but utterly unsolicited. As such, in my book they carry far more weight than any clichéd coach-speak in response to questioning.

Al Saunders, associate head coach-offense, went even further in his comments.

"He has been like my son. Every time I look over my shoulder he is here in the offseason. He is making progress. He is a wonderful kid to work with, he is extremely bright and he has worked extremely hard on his techniques and fundamentals, which is the only two things you can do in the offseason like this is a lot of film work and a lot of board work a lot of understanding of what we are doing from a schematic stand point and then getting back on the field and working on the fundamentals and techniques."

All of which point to a young man, recently thrust onto center stage, not just saying but doing all the right things. No one can ask anything more.


"It"
Does the guy possess the ability to make magic, particularly in the clutch?

The last time we saw Campbell, he was putting together an eye-opening second-half against the N.Y. Giants--one that has echoed with me all off season. Late in the first half, with his team struggling, Campbell got hurt sliding after a short gain. Trailing 20-7 at the half in the final game of a lost season, it would have been easy for the kid to get down. And when he returned in the 3rd quarter only to throw a tipped-ball interception straight off that led to his team falling behind 27-7, it would have been easy to pack it in.

He did not.

Following the interception, the Redskins took over at their own 31 with 9:05 to go in the third quarter. And the lights came on.

Campbell led an 11-play, 69-yard touchdown drive (7:04), in which he went 5-for-5 for 45 yards and a fourth-down scoring pass. Along the way, he also scrambled 15 yards to convert a key third-and-9.

On his next possession, he hit passes of 24, 13, 17 and 13 yards, going 4-for-4 for 67 yards and leading the team on a 66-yard, 9 play scoring drive (5:29) that ended in a T.J. Duckett 1-yard plunge. Just like that, Washington had closed to 27-21.

Had the defense held there, things might well have turned out different that day. But, as was the story throughout much of 2006, they did not. Tiki Barber ran five times for 70 yards, including a 50-yarder for the score, and the Skins were down two scores again.

Undaunted, Campbell got the ball back with 6:08 left in the game at his own 32, and quickly led the Skins on their third straight scoring drive; this time an 8 play, 68-yard foray (2:51) in which he went 5-for-6 for 69 yards and another touchdown.

His numbers in that stretch: 14-for-15, for 181 yards and 2 touchdowns.

In the Hollywood version, Jason would have led the Skins to a last-minute TD and the win. In the real world he came up just short. So he's not Montana quite yet. But what he did leading up to that last minute says volumes about his ability to conjure up NFL magic.

That kind of run rarely happens by accident. Not in the NFL, not in a players seventh NFL start, in his first year in a radically new offense (and 6th in six years), and not with all the other aforementioned cards stacked against him.

If you have a copy, do yourself a favor; dial up a tape of that game and run that second-half sequence through a few times. When you're done, see if you don't find yourself thinking that this quiet, poised kid might just be something special, and wondering, as I am, just how high his ceiling might be as he grows into the job.

The signs are all there. Says here they point to something dramatic just ahead.

http://www.redskins.com/news/newsDetail.jsp?id=25510

Posted: Thu May 17, 2007 8:28 am
by Irn-Bru
Great great articles. This was my favorite line -- among many:

. . .and four hours each day this winter and spring in Washington's training facility simply studying. . .



This kid has been doing everything right since day one. No media explosions, all hard work, humility, confidence when given an opportunity, hard work, listening to the coaches, hard work -- did I mention hard work?

He's got the physical gifts to play, and it seems to me like he has the smarts to do well, too. Combine that with his work ethic, humility, and self-sacrifice, and I really think we've got a winner at the QB spot.

Posted: Thu May 17, 2007 9:16 am
by Cappster
I am really excitied about Campbell's progress so far. He has a lot to prove but from what I can tell, he has "it".

Posted: Thu May 17, 2007 9:22 am
by Mursilis
There's a reason some of us wanted him named the starter out of camp last year. Think about how much further along he would've been had he had a full season last year. But all that being history, I'm excited to see how much more polished he'll look after a full offseason and camp as the 1st stringer. I expect great things from this kid. I just see no negatives at all with JC.

Posted: Thu May 17, 2007 9:28 am
by Chris Luva Luva
I've always felt that what makes Peyton Manning/Tom Brady the best is their work ethic. You always hear about how Peyton devours film study and proceeds to go out on the field and dismantle defenses.

I always hoped that JC would go that route and it seems that he has. It's too early to call probowl but I hope that he reeps the benefits of it quickly to reinforce that work ethic and show him that it is indeed worth it.

Posted: Thu May 17, 2007 9:30 am
by PulpExposure
Irn-Bru wrote:This kid has been doing everything right since day one. No media explosions, all hard work, humility, confidence when given an opportunity, hard work, listening to the coaches, hard work -- did I mention hard work?

He's got the physical gifts to play, and it seems to me like he has the smarts to do well, too. Combine that with his work ethic, humility, and self-sacrifice, and I really think we've got a winner at the QB spot.


Yeah, his work ethic and desire are particularly important and pleasant to hear about.

Posted: Thu May 17, 2007 9:34 am
by Britskin
A great post. I remember the poise and fight he showed against the Giants - some great runs in there too ( maybe not quite Michael Vick but not shabby at all ). Positive stuff - thats what we want more of.

Posted: Thu May 17, 2007 9:38 am
by Chris Luva Luva
Britskin wrote:A great post. I remember the poise and fight he showed against the Giants - some great runs in there too ( maybe not quite Michael Vick but not shabby at all ). Positive stuff - thats what we want more of.


At the rate JC is going, I'd take him over Vick any day!

Posted: Thu May 17, 2007 9:53 am
by Mursilis
Chris Luva Luva wrote:
Britskin wrote:A great post. I remember the poise and fight he showed against the Giants - some great runs in there too ( maybe not quite Michael Vick but not shabby at all ). Positive stuff - thats what we want more of.


At the rate JC is going, I'd take him over Vick any day!


Once the league gets done investigating this whole dog-fighting thing, you may HAVE to take JC over Vick! There's nothing useful about a QB sitting out a suspension. :lol:

Posted: Thu May 17, 2007 10:06 am
by Chris Luva Luva
Mursilis wrote:
Chris Luva Luva wrote:
Britskin wrote:A great post. I remember the poise and fight he showed against the Giants - some great runs in there too ( maybe not quite Michael Vick but not shabby at all ). Positive stuff - thats what we want more of.


At the rate JC is going, I'd take him over Vick any day!


Once the league gets done investigating this whole dog-fighting thing, you may HAVE to take JC over Vick! There's nothing useful about a QB sitting out a suspension. :lol:


Well aside from that, I was more so referring to his QB ability or the apparent lack thereof.

Posted: Thu May 17, 2007 10:07 am
by riggofan
I was really excited watching JC's last few games last season. It was just such a stark contrast between him and Brunell.

Yeah, Mark "managed the games" better. But how many times last season did we need a QB to pull something out of his hat and make something out of nothing? Brunell just never seemed to do that for us. I can think of a couple drives last season that Jason kept alive that way.

I feel really good with him as our starting QB this season.

Posted: Thu May 17, 2007 10:17 am
by Chris Luva Luva
riggofan wrote:I was really excited watching JC's last few games last season. It was just such a stark contrast between him and Brunell.

Yeah, Mark "managed the games" better. But how many times last season did we need a QB to pull something out of his hat and make something out of nothing? Brunell just never seemed to do that for us. I can think of a couple drives last season that Jason kept alive that way.

I feel really good with him as our starting QB this season.


:lol: This thread his officially turned for the worse at this point.

MB was scared last season, I don't know why but he was. When you watch the games, notice how he starts to get that Patrick Ramsey flinch thing going on. He was shell shocked and falling to the ground in anticipation of the sack.

Then you have JC come in against the Giants and starts stiffing arming LB's and DE's....saying "get off me, get off me" while running for 1st downs.

Posted: Thu May 17, 2007 10:34 am
by frankcal20
Chris Luva Luva wrote:
Britskin wrote:A great post. I remember the poise and fight he showed against the Giants - some great runs in there too ( maybe not quite Michael Vick but not shabby at all ). Positive stuff - thats what we want more of.


At the rate JC is going, I'd take him over Vick any day!


I would have taken that anytime. A qb can only run so much. At some point he needs to throw it. And thats where JC steps in...or he can run it.

Posted: Thu May 17, 2007 10:37 am
by Fios
Chris Luva Luva wrote:
riggofan wrote:I was really excited watching JC's last few games last season. It was just such a stark contrast between him and Brunell.

Yeah, Mark "managed the games" better. But how many times last season did we need a QB to pull something out of his hat and make something out of nothing? Brunell just never seemed to do that for us. I can think of a couple drives last season that Jason kept alive that way.

I feel really good with him as our starting QB this season.


:lol: This thread his officially turned for the worse at this point.

MB was scared last season, I don't know why but he was. When you watch the games, notice how he starts to get that Patrick Ramsey flinch thing going on. He was shell shocked and falling to the ground in anticipation of the sack.

Then you have JC come in against the Giants and starts stiffing arming LB's and DE's....saying "get off me, get off me" while running for 1st downs.


I am loathe to use sports cliches but Brunell played to not lose last season, it showed in his lack of poise. That was a clear mistake on the part of Gibbs, he allowed his faith in Brunell to trump reality.

Posted: Thu May 17, 2007 10:44 am
by Chris Luva Luva
Fios wrote:I am loathe to use sports cliches but Brunell played to not lose last season, it showed in his lack of poise. That was a clear mistake on the part of Gibbs, he allowed his faith in Brunell to trump reality.


He got to accustomed to not having to step up and win games and just relying on the defense to defend a measly 14 point score.

Jason went out there like the defense didn't exist and thats how it should be. Regardless of how good or bad the defense is playing, go out there and put up 28 points.

I hate it when we have a 1 point lead in a game in the 2nd quarter and Gibbs goes into run out the clock mode! < obvious exaggeration but you get the point.

Posted: Thu May 17, 2007 10:53 am
by Fios
That's actually why I like having Saunders around, I think he can be the person to encourage Joe to step on the gas when it's time

Posted: Thu May 17, 2007 11:00 am
by Mursilis
Chris Luva Luva wrote:
Mursilis wrote:
Chris Luva Luva wrote:
Britskin wrote:A great post. I remember the poise and fight he showed against the Giants - some great runs in there too ( maybe not quite Michael Vick but not shabby at all ). Positive stuff - thats what we want more of.


At the rate JC is going, I'd take him over Vick any day!


Once the league gets done investigating this whole dog-fighting thing, you may HAVE to take JC over Vick! There's nothing useful about a QB sitting out a suspension. :lol:


Well aside from that, I was more so referring to his QB ability or the apparent lack thereof.


But the off-the-field stuff has an effect on QB ability - compare Vick's offseason to how Peyton usually spends the offseason. Vick's now proving to be a distraction, while Manning is preparing for '07 and defining himself as a leader of his team. I think JC's efforts now are going to go a long way toward earning the respect of his teammates and coaches, and that will result in greater confidence in him and greater effort for him out on the field. As much as Vick has some amazing pluses, his minuses are also huge. I'd take JC over Vick right now.

Posted: Thu May 17, 2007 11:01 am
by Mursilis
Fios wrote:That's actually why I like having Saunders around, I think he can be the person to encourage Joe to step on the gas when it's time


Can't wait to see it. Nothing defends a 7 point lead like making it a 14 point lead! :D

Posted: Thu May 17, 2007 11:07 am
by Peety
I really like what most people are saying about Jason and I agree with everybody. Yesterday, I was watching NFL Network and TD was talking about how Cutler was going to be much better this year because he played some games last year. It was then when I started thinking, Jason is going to be much better than Cutler because just look at the weapons we have here. Cutler does not have Moss to throw downfield, or cooley in short range, or CLinton to hand it to. I really like the Broncos offense, but when it comes down to it, I beleive we have better weapons...so Jason have more toys to play around..

Posted: Thu May 17, 2007 11:07 am
by HanburgerHelper
I'm going to try to "keep this real." I do appreciate the post though and it gives us fans more hope for the upcoming season, but let's not get carried away.

I see flashes that Campbell could be something special but I'm still a bit skeptical about him as the "full package". I was very much a proponent of building young QB talent behind him just in case he flops or gets injured because I see the position still as an area of great concern this year. Collins, I think, must go in place of a young 3rd stringer and maybe there should be another QB on the practice squad. I like the Jordan Palmer pick and bringing in Hollenbach. Bramlet, who knows?

Personally, I'd like Jason Cambell (JC) to become more of a leader out there and that will come as he gets more confidence and if the OL gives him time to make proper reads. Also, he has to stay healthy or all bets are off, so the conditioning is critical. As far as the Giants game goes, yes the stretch of completions is encouraging (thanks for that BTW), but I think when a team is way ahead in a meaningless game, the defense plays it soft and safe a lot of times and don't go full bore at the QB. So, I'm not so sure how good of an indicator that game is as an example of things to come. I hope it is but I want to keep my expectations realistic.

On a positive note, last year I was encouraged by some poise you see in JC, the arm strength, and the occasional scramble to avoid the loss. All good. His character and work ethic are indeed impressive. Best thing is that it's his first year (I think), in the same offensive system since what, high school? That helps a lot. He should give us a much better chance to win.

JC does not remind me of the Joe Montana/Tom Brady type of guy though. Those guys have an "X" factor that makes them superhuman QBs, even magical. They thrive in pressure situations when the game is on the line. They dish the ball off quickly or run. Very decisive. If you saw Brady at Michigan vs. Penn State in his final year in college, you saw him bring the Wolverines from behind in the final minutes to beat a good PSU defense. I think Montana in college performed a miracle comeback in the Cotton Bowl at ND in his final year after having the flu or something. JC was at Auburn with a team that had a stacked backfield (Cadillac Williams/Ronnie Brown) and stingy defense. I don't think he was in a lot of comeback situations, maybe a few. He could develop that coolness, but there's no evidence he naturally possesses it. If there is, pass it along. I'll check it out myself.

JC reminds me of Mark Rypien, so I think he'll give us a chance to win which is all you can ask. Tall, strong, quiet, unassuming, smart, and has a desire to win and prove the naysaysers wrong. Rypien had better touch on his passes than JC, especially the long ball, but JC is more mobile and is better with timing patterns. Kurt Warner also was a guy that fits this mold and won a SB. Unfortunately like Rypien, JC seems to not have the peripheral vision or sense to feel the blitz coming on his back side. He needs to learn how to sense that better or hold onto the ball when he gets hit.

I don't know about anyone else, but I hate when our most important player, still unproven, gets hyped like this in the media. It only motivates opponents and puts more pressure on our young QB. As a fan, we will see how good JC has gotten in the first two games against the tough Dolphin defense at home and the even tougher Eagle defense at Philly. If JC puts up more than 21 points in those games, I'll jump on this bandwagon. My guess is that both teams will blitz the hell out of him to attempt to disrupt his rythym and confidence. After these games, we'll know if he's the real deal and if the system is working.

Posted: Thu May 17, 2007 11:23 am
by Chris Luva Luva
Mursilis wrote:
Chris Luva Luva wrote:
Mursilis wrote:
Chris Luva Luva wrote:
Britskin wrote:A great post. I remember the poise and fight he showed against the Giants - some great runs in there too ( maybe not quite Michael Vick but not shabby at all ). Positive stuff - thats what we want more of.


At the rate JC is going, I'd take him over Vick any day!


Once the league gets done investigating this whole dog-fighting thing, you may HAVE to take JC over Vick! There's nothing useful about a QB sitting out a suspension. :lol:


Well aside from that, I was more so referring to his QB ability or the apparent lack thereof.


But the off-the-field stuff has an effect on QB ability - compare Vick's offseason to how Peyton usually spends the offseason. Vick's now proving to be a distraction, while Manning is preparing for '07 and defining himself as a leader of his team. I think JC's efforts now are going to go a long way toward earning the respect of his teammates and coaches, and that will result in greater confidence in him and greater effort for him out on the field. As much as Vick has some amazing pluses, his minuses are also huge. I'd take JC over Vick right now.


I'm not denying any of that, I'm simply not discussing it. I'm focusing on on the field play.

Posted: Thu May 17, 2007 11:25 am
by Mursilis
HanburgerHelper wrote: As far as the Giants game goes, yes the stretch of completions is encouraging (thanks for that BTW), but I think when a team is way ahead in a meaningless game, the defense plays it soft and safe a lot of times and don't go full bore at the QB. So, I'm not so sure how good of an indicator that game is as an example of things to come. I hope it is but I want to keep my expectations realistic.


I believe that Giants game in which JC was so good was a very serious game for the Giants - if I'm remembering correctly, a loss would've meant no playoffs for them. I don't think their D was playing it soft AT ALL - it was a must win for them, against a hated division rival.

Posted: Thu May 17, 2007 8:54 pm
by Countertrey
but I think when a team is way ahead in a meaningless game, the defense plays it soft and safe a lot of times and don't go full bore at the QB.


That was no "meaningless" game for the Giants. The playoffs were at stake. It was win or go home time for them. All the skins were playing for was pride.

Minimize JC's performance here, if you wish. I'm not buying. That was an impressive performance.

Posted: Thu May 17, 2007 9:44 pm
by SeanTaylorJr.
JC is remarkably similar to phillip Rivers to me (beyond their #'s). He rode the Bench, while everyone thought he had potential, people called for him to play and it didn't happen. Perfect prototype quarterback bodies, skill sets. noticable poise, quite demeanor. All of a sudden their teams were turned over to both of them, but neither has Manning-esque offensive responsibility. I guess that means JC will be a pro bowler; i just hope that doesn't mean e gets hurt and gets progressively worse as the season goes by.

Posted: Thu May 17, 2007 10:12 pm
by HanburgerHelper
That was no "meaningless" game for the Giants. The playoffs were at stake. It was win or go home time for them. All the skins were playing for was pride.


I don't recall the Giants going to the playoffs last year after winning that game. At best it was a longshot. I think the Packers were in better shape in the playoff hunt and even SF.

Anyway, I hope your're right and I'm wrong. I still think people are getting rather giddy after reading that article on nfl.com. JC has only started seven games and what was his record? Not too good.

I think Vince Young and the Titans are probably more warranted in this kind of talk about their young QB. If you watched any Titans games early in the season (I saw the Jets game), boy were they bad. When Young came on to the scene it was a completely different team. Still hard to believe we got our butts handed to us by Tennesee last year. I haven't witnessed that yet from JC. He can't carry a team, at least not yet. Hope it changes this year. The bad news today about Portis's knee won't help matters.