Wake up, Redskins fans. You’re missing the best quarterback controversy since Gus Frerotte outlasted Heath Shuler in 1995.
In a town that thrives on quarterback debates, why is coach Jim Zorn getting a free pass with Jason Campbell over Todd Collins when the Redskins open camp on Sunday? All Collins did last season was win four straight games to reach the playoffs while Campbell floundered before suffering a dislocated knee.
Collins’ quick passes are better suited for the West Coast offense over Campbell, who likes to hold the ball longer than this system permits. Collins played in this offense at Kansas City while Campbell hasn’t despite being in more schemes than Al Capone.
Listen for fan rumblings by the third preseason game. Come October, anything is possible.
It’s now-or-never time for 2005 first-rounder. He wasn’t helped by a past head coach and offensive coordinator disagreeing on headsets so much that trimmed Campbell’s precious seconds in the huddle. Preseason and late-season injuries derailed his progress last season.
The Redskins offense isn’t all about Campbell. It’s Zorn’s new system being integrated by 11 men. Indeed, it’s more about Zorn calling plays for the first time in his career. Throw in the right side of the line returning from injuries and three second-round picks at receiver and tight end and there’s lots of uncertainty.
But the NFL isn’t about patience. It’s about producing like Collins coming off the bench after nearly a decade of splinters to throw five touchdowns and no interceptions in a 4-0 stretch. Whether Collins could do it again is debatable, but either Campbell starts well or fans will want to see Collins.
Campbell only threw 12 touchdowns with 11 interceptions and eight fumbles last year as the Redskins struggled to 5-7. Between red zone meltdowns and turnovers, it was the struggle many young passers endure.
This year doesn’t lend for more patience, though. The roster is good enough to grab a wild card despite perhaps the toughest division in football, but the schedule is more demanding than 2-year-old twins. Opening at Super Bowl champion New York Giants plus games at Philadelphia and Dallas while meeting wild card contenders New Orleans and Arizona in the first five weeks could be disastrous.
Zorn will be quickly judged as either a lucky find after the Redskins couldn’t land their first handful of choices or someone who was rightfully way down the list. It’s unfair to assess a coach before season two, but Zorn might not get two months before fans decide. Given an owner who likes changes, Zorn either gets the quarterback right or risks his own future.
Collins is set up to look better in the preseason by facing reserves. Campbell has the tougher task against starters. It won’t take fans long to choose sides.
So stash Collins for your fantasy team. He might be a steal come October.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Contact him at [email protected].
