He rattles off the names, linking what he knows these quarterbacks have in common. It’s one word: stability. And Jason Campbell wants it, which is why he’s paying close attention to the Redskins’ coaching search.
Depending on who’s hired, the Redskins may or may not need to install a new offense — based on whether they want to retain Al Saunders.
The good news for Campbell is that all the coaches interviewed by the Redskins are defensive coaches, meaning they might all want to keep Saunders for continuity. Campbell played in four systems in college and two in his first three seasons in the NFL.
“You always want to try to stay stable as much as possible,” Campbell said. “Look at all the great quarterbacks and the guys that year in, year out are successful because they have the same guy there. You talk about Peyton [Manning], Tom [Brady] and even Eli [Manning] had the same guy for the most part. The more you’re together, the further you continue to go in that process.”
But the other question is: will Campbell still be the starter if Saunders and pending free agent Todd Collins both return? After all, Collins led Washington to three straight wins as a starter and helped guide a fourth in relief of an injured Campbell.
Before retiring, Joe Gibbs said there could be competition for the starting job in training camp.
“I feel like I’m the guy,” Campbell said. “The only thing I’ve got to do is be ready and continue to do the things I need to do to develop myself into being one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL. Nothing is ever given to you. You have to earn what you want and rightfully so.”
Facing Gregg Williams’ defense in practice — and seeing a variety of blitzes — Campbell said, helped him improve.
“When I get in the game, a lot of things seem second nature,” he said.
Campbell also said his knee is about 85-90 percent recovered. He said it was tough to watch during the four-game winning streak.
“I’ve just got to get us there next year,” he said.
