Jason Campbell dropped back to pass, surveyed the field and looked off one covered receiver after another. Then he spotted an opening, which he raced through into the end zone.
And that prompted offensive playcaller Al Saunders to shout, “Outstanding! Outstanding!” He then gave Campbell a fist-pound to further express his approval.
That’s also how the Redskins feel about Campbell’s offseason thus far, one they hope will translate into more wins and possibly a playoff appearance. Not everything hinges on Campbell — the defense needs to greatly improve. But his improvement can take the Redskins a long way.
And, in the first three days of the organized team activities, teammates say they notice a change.
“I see a big difference,” receiver Santana Moss said. “We’re light years ahead of where we were last year with him. We didn’t have the timing we wanted and we were trying to force him to do things that any quarterback would struggle doing.”
This offseason, Campbell, who made seven starts last season, has spent countless hours watching film, working on his fundamentals, learning more of the playbook.
“He has been like my son,” Saunders said. “Every time I look over my shoulder he’s here.”
Though he’s not facing a live pass rush, isn’t even in full pads and the fact that it’s only May, Campbell is excited about his progression.
“It’s my understanding of the game,” said Campbell, entering his third season. “It’s footspeed. It’s getting back there and trying to set up a lot quicker and getting the ball out of my hand a lot quicker.”
During the OTA workout Thursday, his passes appeared crisper, delivered with more confidence and before the receiver came out of their breaks — as is supposed to happen. On one pass, Campbell threw a bullet over a linebacker’s head and into the arms of a receiver running a post route.
“I don’t know if anyone has worked harder than him,” Redskins coach Joe Gibbs said. “He’s quicker; he’s much more confident and is quick reacting to things. He’s more comfortable.”
Campbell likely will visit Mossfor two weeks at his home in Miami before training camp, hoping to get extra time throwing together. Antwaan Randle El told Campbell he’d be there as well.
“I’ve got a long ways to go,” Campbell said. “Peyton Manning and all those guys, it took it a lot of hard work to get where they’re at. It’s a long road ahead and you’ve just got to keep working.”
Camp notes
» Running back Nehemiah Broughton tore his ACL in the organized team activity workout on Tuesday and is expected to undergo surgery and be placed on injured reserve. He’s the second player to get hurt in the past week; receiver Steven Harris tore his ACL this past weekend and is already on IR.
» Receiver Santana Moss did not practice Wednesday after straining his groin Wednesday. Tight end Todd Yoder had a skin infection and did not practice.
» In seven starts last season, Jason Campbell completed 53.1 percent of his passes for 1,297 yards, 10 touchdowns and six interceptions.
