Looks like the Washington Redskins collapse wasn’t entirely Mark Brunell’s fault after all.
The defense allowed 181 yards rushing and the team lost for the second time this season to a rookie quarterback. The offensive line couldn’t block a baby from his bottle. The Redskins didn’t crack 10 points until the final minute.
No, changing quarterbacks wasn’t the answer in the Redskins 20-17 loss at Tampa Bay on Sunday. But … wasn’t it fun to watch Jason Campbell throw frozen ropes on deep out patterns. And sidestep some of the blitzes. And just give the Redskins a little more oomph.
It was another loss in what has already become a long season. The Redskins (3-7) just aren’t very good along the lines. Playmakers aren’t making enough plays and losing Clinton Portis for the season and Santana Moss for the short-term to injuries leaves the Redskins short-handed no matter how many T.J. Ducketts and Brandon Lloyds you add.
Still, Campbell made his long-awaited and much-debated debut and made watching a game between two underperforming teams compelling to the final moments. Campbell converted a bootleg for a touchdown pass in heavy coverage with 32 seconds remaining. Too bad the Redskins didn’t recover the ensuing onsides kick. It would have been interesting to see what Campbell could have done in the waning half minute.
The Campbell Era began with a loss, but it was a solid effort. Two touchdowns, 196 yards and no turnovers is a heckuva start for the second-year passer. He worked the entire field, withstood the pass rush and best of all, counterpunched when the Bucs scored.
Tampa Bay may be a lousy team, but Campbell proved the change from Brunell was long overdue. If the Redskins are going to stink this year, at least get Campbell ready for 2007. Based on his first game, things are looking better.
Campbell never looked rattled. He opened the third quarter with a touchdown drive for a 10-3 lead and rallied the team late to close within three. Also, you gotta love the Redskins letting Campbell go deep on his first snap.
“Any time you make a change like that for a young quarterback, you’re looking for certain things for him to show you and he did today,” coach Joe Gibbs said. “I’m more concerned with other things on our football team.”
Like no running game or run defense, but then it’s always something, Joe. At least the Redskins can move off the quarterback issue.
Rick Snider has covered local sports for 28 years. Contact him at [email protected].
