Zorn stands by Campbell
By: John Keim
Examiner Staff Writer
December 2, 2008
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| Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell hasn't thrown more than one touchdown pass in a game since Sept. 28. (Susan Walsh/AP) |
ASHBURN —
But Redskins QB has been pedestrian in recent weeks
The tradition starts when the wins stop. And the wins have stopped for the Redskins; so the questions about the starting quarterback have begun.
Except at the place where it matters most: Redskins Park. There, Redskins coach Jim Zorn said there’s been no discussion about benching starting quarterback Jason Campbell.
“He’s not totally failing,” Zorn said. “I’m putting him in some advanced situations ... I’m pleased in the direction that he’s going.”
In their last three games against teams with a winning record, the Redskins (7-5) have scored a combined 23 points. Washington’s offense hasn’t produced two touchdowns in a game since Oct. 19.
Meanwhile, in the last four games Campbell has posted three passer ratings of 73.4 or below. He hasn’t thrown more than one touchdown pass in a game since Sept. 28. He’s now the NFL’s 12th-rated passer.
“Every time we win he gets some credit, but it’s still Coach Zorn or Clinton [Portis],” Redskins corner Carlos Rogers said. “Once we lose it’s all Jason.”
But, another player said, “It’s not him. ... We’re becoming too predictable on offense.”
And one talent evaluator said, “I like [Campbell]. The thing he’s improved upon is his ability to go to his second receiver. He’s got some basics: a good strong arm and he’s tough to sack and when he moves he keeps his eyes downfield.”
When the offense struggles, the primary target is the quarterback. In Sunday’s 23-7 loss to the Giants, Campbell completed 23 of 38 passes for 232 yards and one interception. But 84 of those yards came on the Redskins’ last two drives, when the game was long decided.
“No one’s been good enough,” Redskins tight end Chris Cooley said. “That’s the only answer. We’re just not good enough.”
Campbell had one long pass dropped by rookie Malcolm Kelly. But Campbell also underthrew an open Antwaan Randle El on a deep post for an interception. Another time, he missed Randle El breaking free and threw incomplete elsewhere. But Campbell also kept plays alive with his legs, running five times for 38 yards.
“He was very average,” Zorn said of Campbell. “A couple throws were off. ... I put a lot on him to be right every time. He knows I think he can do it. I think he can really do it. [But] I’m frustrated if he makes one error."
