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

Mark Brunell or Patrick Ramsey? I know that both quarterbacks are great in their own ways. I want to know what you think is going on in Joe Gibbs' head? And which quarterback has the edge in being the Redskins' starter come the regular season?
--Dave

Vic Carucci says:

Brunell should end up with the starting job. He has lost some arm strength and mobility through the years but still has the touch, savvy and instincts to provide the Redskins with greater stability at quarterback. After appearing in only three games with Jacksonville last year, he should be refreshed.

That is not to say the Redskins couldn't succeed with Ramsey as their starter. He has a strong arm and responded well at times to the adversity he often faced last season. If the previous offensive scheme employed by Steve Spurrier provided better blitz protection, Ramsey might have done well enough to convince Gibbs he didn't need a veteran starter. However, Gibbs' preference is to lean on Brunell's experience and strong leadership for at least one year to buy more time for Ramsey to develop.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/7475755

I really find it hard to believe that nobody in the media takes Coach Gibbs at his word. Over the years, I have always thought of him as about as honest a man as they come. If they can't believe in "May The Better Man Win" scenario, I wish they would just take into account that he also stated that if the team loses it's him that has to take the heat. So like he said, he's going to play the best players out there. He doesn't care about the big salaries.

In general, I think the media is a bunch of college grad, journalism majors, who don't really "know" much of anything. They read the "cliff notes" on a given subject and then write about it. We the fans give the media too much credit. They typically "pigeon-hole" people and that's it. It will take a miracle for a reporter to ever see Dan Snyder as anything but an over-controlling owner, no matter what he does. Same thing with Brunell. They've decided because he makes more money so he will start. That's it, that's as far as they can see. The Len Pasquarelli's and Vic Carucci's of the world aren't intelligent or open-minded enough to really delve into the facts and learn.

fleetus wrote:In general, I think the media is a bunch of college grad, journalism majors, who don't really "know" much of anything. They read the "cliff notes" on a given subject and then write about it. We the fans give the media too much credit. They typically "pigeon-hole" people and that's it. It will take a miracle for a reporter to ever see Dan Snyder as anything but an over-controlling owner, no matter what he does. Same thing with Brunell. They've decided because he makes more money so he will start. That's it, that's as far as they can see. The Len Pasquarelli's and Vic Carucci's of the world aren't intelligent or open-minded enough to really delve into the facts and learn.

Whoa, whoa, whoa !! Where is all this coming from ? When I read the article, I found myself in agreement. Carucci didn't say that the salary would be a consideration, or that Brunell was the unqualified starter. All he said was "Brunell should end up with the starting job."
I think we all need to come to grips with the very real possibility that this may well be the case. Carucci was, in my opinion, predicting the winner of the camp battle. Why not Brunell ? I think he's got an awesome shot at unseating young Patches for the job. Do I think he has the longevity yet to retain the job ? Nope. Still, he could be the starter, and there will be a competition.
Carucci did not slap us or Ramsey around in the article, and this separates him from Pasquarelli by miles, man. Pasquarelli comes after this team with a vigorous hatred. Carucci simply made a prediction.
Now take that noose off his neck, boys. That's right. Let him down, reeeaaallll slow-like. He ain't done nothing to you; no need to hang 'im.

Well said TCWest, In all likelehood both quateracks will play this year. I would love to see Patrick Ramsey win the job outright, as no one can question his toughness and upside. He could not be in a better position with this coaching staff and JG as head coach. The final decision will be made by the "Right Man For The Job" and Patrick is not going anywhere except playing for the Skins either as the starter or in the near future as the starting quaterback for the Washington Redskins.

It's great to wonder who the starter will be instead of wondering if the backup can run the offense