If Jason Campbell thinks it’s dangerous on the field, the classroom isn’t much easier.
“I’m not mad,” Redskins coach Jim Zorn said. “The best opportunity to teach is right after it happened and again on video in the classroom. If they can continue to get information and correct it then, the information seeps in.”
Said Campbell: “He’s the one who’s running the show and you’re in the meeting room day in and day out. He’s telling you we’re on the same page. Nothing gets by him, but that’s how you want it. He’s going to push your stuff anyway. That’s all part of making you a better player.”
Zorn is all about the little things in the final workouts before breaking five weeks after Thursday’s final offseason practice. The new coach brought his own drills. Dodgeball to simulate charging linemen. A large screen with three colored pockets to increase accuracy. Whether it’s the basics of snaps and handoffs to proper posture, Campbell is relearning the position.
“Trying to get the basics down, working on technique, finishing plays,” Campbell said. “The nuisances of the inside and out of the offense.”
Ironically, Zorn has especially emphasized “staying low” for the 6-foot-5 quarterback, which tweaked the latter’s hamstring during minicamp last month as even Campbell’s muscles needed retraining. It didn’t bother him by OTAs three weeks later.
“You stay at one level,” said Campbell of a lower stance. “You’re not staying at one basic level and when you’re throwing the football it’s one quick step. You don’t have to come down to throw the football. You’re already at the ending point. That’s different for me. Step-wise, it’s different, but any offense is an offense.”
Campbell is learning to “get the ball out of your hand fast.” That’s probably the biggest challenge for the passer, whose deeper throws will be traded for more quick routes. But, it’s nothing Campbell can’t adjust after working in six different systems in recent years.
The coming break is more physical than mental for Campbell. He’ll have to know the new offense come training camp on July 20 so the playbook goes with him on vacation.
“You have to set time aside day in and day out,” he said.
Otherwise, those sessions in the dark could be chilling.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Contact him at [email protected].
