Patrick Ramsey gets what might be his last chance to impress coach Joe Gibbs when Washington plays at St. Louis.
Patrick Ramsey is not conceding anything in his quarterback competition with Mark Brunell. Though clearly trailing in the competition to start for the Washington Redskins against Tampa Bay on Sept. 12, Ramsey is saying the right things.
"We're competing and I know where we stand," he said this week.
Ramsey will have an even better idea of where he stands - or sits (on the bench) - after tonight's exhibition game at St. Louis.
It will be Ramsey's second start; he was 4-of-11 for 62 yards against Carolina on Aug. 14.
It will be Ramsey's second and likely last chance to impress coach Joe Gibbs.
"I want to be smart on the field - check down (to other receivers) when I want to and just try to make first downs," Ramsey said.
The competition between Ramsey and Brunell has yet to become a controversy for two reasons:
Ramsey is not performing as well as Brunell.
Brunell is 17-of-32 for 216 yards with one touchdown, one interception and a 71.9 rating. Ramsey is 10-of-27 for 116 yards, no touchdowns, one interception and a 35.3 rating. Ramsey, though, said he felt better during his 3-of-8 outing against Miami.
"I was much more comfortable as far as seeing the field and understanding what was going on," he said. "I felt good about the way I threw the ball."
Brunell and Ramsey have a good working relationship.
"The only time you consider it a controversy is when somebody is upset about the situation," Ramsey said. "I wasn't worried about co-existing with Mark because his reputation precedes him, but I certainly didn't think we would get along as well we have. We've clicked pretty well."
Gibbs said this week that he will not name a starter until after the final preseason game, next Friday against Atlanta.
"I think those guys know what's at stake," he said. "There are a lot of times when they do good things for us, more than what the fans see. We will just continue to evaluate the whole thing. I'm sure (Ramsey) wants to play well, and we want him to play well, too."
While Ramsey will look to improve upon his first start, the Redskins' defense hopes to continue its strong preseason play. The starters have allowed six points in three games.
Playing the Rams, assistant head coach-defense Gregg Williams said, "will be a good way to check and see if we've improved our team speed. If we've done that, we'll be a much better defensive team, and this will be a good indicator."
Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt will challenge cornerbacks Shawn Springs and Fred Smoot.
"They do the same thing they've always done: They want to throw the ball down the field and get their playmakers the ball," Springs said.
The Redskins again will be without three defensive starters: linebackers LaVar Arrington (knee) and Mike Barrow (knee) and defensive end Phillip Daniels (abdominal strain). Also not making the trip were offensive lineman Dwayne Morgan (knee), tight end Fred Baxter (knee), cornerback Walt Harris (knee/calf) and linebacker Chris Clemons (hamstring).
I think Coach Gibbs mentioned that the starters would alternate starts the first 4 games. Maybe next week we will know that answer.
RIP 21
"Nah, I trust the laws of nature to stay constant. I don't pray that the sun will rise tomorrow, and I don't need to pray that someone will beat the Cowboys in the playoffs." - Irn-Bru
After tonight's game, don't be surprised if Gibbs makes the announcement that Brunell is the guy.
I, for one, would like to hear that announcement prior to our final preseason game.
I don't know Fran. Coach said he would wait until after the final preseason game to decide. I think he'll hold true to that. But I do have to agree, I would like to know sooner than later myself.
I figure... If life is all about the choices you make... Then I choose Redskin football, beer and hot wings!!
Brunell is 17-of-32 for 216 yards with one touchdown, one interception and a 71.9 rating. Ramsey is 10-of-27 for 116 yards, no touchdowns, one interception and a 35.3 rating.
That is crazy!!! I hadn't seen those numbers until now. I hope patrick doesn't try to do too much, just to get his rating up.
I think I might be in the minority here, but I think even if Ramsey has a great game tonight that he might still be trailing Brunell. I think that as important as it is for Ramsey to have a good game tonight, it's equally as important for Brunell to have a good game. I mean, if they BOTH have bad games, then we've got problems. Brunell needs to have a good game tonight to give Gibbs some confidence as we get closer to the season opener.
Having said that, Ramsey desperately needs a strong showing for several reasons. Obviously, in the QB competition, he has yet to impress. BUT if he continues to be the way he has in the last three pre-season games, if he's needed during the regular season he's going to be rusty. I want him to have a great game so we can all have confidence that should Brunell have to come out of a game or if he gets injure, we can have confidence in the backup. Right now, if Brunell went down with an injury, I'd be pretty nervous if Ramsey had to come in and start. But, I'm confident he'll get better and better as time goes on.
I think that they both been pretty underwhelming. Brunells stats are better, and he's more mature. He has the wisdom to recognize blitzes better than Patrick. He's more decisive, more mobile, he's the veteran that Gibbs wants.
Patrick isn't that much worse than Brunell, its that Patrick has shown anything to make anybody want to take the risk.
I don't think Gibbs is looking at the numbers. He's looking to see who has the better grasp of the offense, and who is checking down to the 2nd and 3rd receivers.
Last edited by Deadskins on Fri Aug 27, 2004 3:26 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Andre Carter wrote:Damn man, you know your football.
Hey Redeemed, don't make me pull you into the smack forum! Don't say Patrick Ramsey and trade in the same sentence. The kid hasn't done well but the preseason isn't even over yet. BTW having two QB's that can do the job is key. Not just one!
Whenever I start to get blue, I just breathe!
My favortie line from the Simpsons:
Flanders: "Looks like someone is having a pre-rapture party!"
Homer: "No Flanders, it's a meeting of gay witches for abortion , you wouldn't be interested!"
NikiH wrote:Hey Redeemed, don't make me pull you into the smack forum!
Trust me, NikiH, you DON'T wanna go there with me...
it's scary.
Don't say Patrick Ramsey and trade in the same sentence. The kid hasn't done well but the preseason isn't even over yet. BTW having two QB's that can do the job is key. Not just one!
Nah, I know the kid is gonna make the squad, and no, I wouldn't want to trade him (otherwise, there goes the ole "avvy" ). But, I was thinking that that might be crossing Patrick's mind, as he sees "his" job looking farther and farther away every time he drops back to pass.
I think there's a big difference between what Gibbs does in public and what happens behind closed doors at the Park.
I would not be surprised if Brunell has already assumed #1QB in the drills as more and more of the "good stuff" and game-planning for the Bucs is put into place.
Also, first cuts are this Monday. There might be some second-half keep-your-job challenges being played out tonight.
