He approached the meeting with jangled nerves, anticipating something out of the ordinary. What he got was the chance he’d long desired.
“I was kind of shocked,” said Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell, named the starting quarterback Monday. “It’s like the principal calling you into the office. You get a little jittery because you don’t know what to expect.”
Which could also explain the mood of the Redskins now that Campbell has replaced Mark Brunell. What can anyone expect of the 2005 first-round pick?
Before leaving Redskins Park, and before a switch was announced, one veteran said he didn’t think Campbell was ready. He didn’t think Campbell knew the offense well enough yet. Also, there had been concern earlier this season about Campbell’s command of the huddle.
Those points are moot now. Campbell is the starter.
“We’ll see if we can be more productive and see if we can get some answers,” Redskins coach Joe Gibbs said. “I think it will be something where we will be more productive.”
Brunell will be the No. 2 quarterback and Todd Collins was demoted to No. 3 for Sunday’s game in Tampa.
The season now becomes about Campbell’s development. At 3-6, the Redskins are not in playoff contention. But Gibbs said this move is not just designed with an eye to the future.
“It’s not giving up,” Gibbs said. “My goal is to win every game.”
Enter Campbell. The Redskins traded three draft choices to get the 25th overall pick and select the Auburn quarterback in the 2005 draft.
At 6-foot-5, Campbell is four inches taller than Brunell. In Al Saunders’ offense, a big quarterback is welcomed, one who can look over a blitz, stand in the pocket and still throw downfield. Campbell is also more mobile.
“I can help stretch the field with downfield throws,” said Campbell, who has yet to play in the regular season. “At the same time I have to be smart and know when to throw downfield and when to check it down.”
The game plans will be tailored to Campbell’s ability and could be simplified, giving him a better chance to get comfortable.
Campbell worked with the first unit during the bye week.
“I’m more prepared than I was two months ago,” Campbell said. “You’re excited to have the opportunity, but a part of you feels down for your mentor, Mark. But I understand I have to do what I have to do to help the team. … It’s the beginning of a new era for me.”
Week 10 notes
» Running back Clinton Portis had three screws inserted into a broken bone in his right hand Monday and will miss three-to-four weeks. Portis underwent the surgery at Alexandria Hospital.
He broke the bone on a first-half run in Sunday’s 27-3 loss to Philadelphia.
Ladell Betts will replace Portis in the starting lineup; T.J. Duckett is expected to become the primary backup.
» Coach Joe Gibbs looked pained when discussing the quarterback switch, stemming from his feelings toward Mark Brunell.
Gibbs’ first big player acquisition upon his return was to trade a third-round pick for Brunell.
“This decision is always tough to make because of Mark and how much I think of him,” Gibbs said.
Brunell left Redskins Park without discussing the move.
Earlier in the day, when asked if he thought much about his job security, Brunell said, “On Mondays after a loss it crosses your mind.”
Brunell has an 86.5 passer rating, 10th best in the NFL. But his average gain of 6.88 yards per pass is tied for second lowest among the top 15 rated quarterbacks. In three NFC East road games, he led no touchdown drives and the Redskins had not scored a point in the third quarter in the past five games.
» Defensive end Phillip Daniels has a sprained right wrist, but is expected to play at Tampa Bay on Sunday. Daniels will wear a brace on his right hand and will be limited in practice this week. Receiver Santana Moss (hamstring) also will be limited in practice.
