The comedy show started Monday, with Jason Campbell cracking jokes in front of the cameras. He poked fun at former college teammate Ronnie Brown’s new eating habits. He dubbed Clinton Portis the Redskins’ assistant vice president. And Campbell worried about saying anything to offend him, lest his roster spot be jeopardized.
Yes, this is the kid with seven career starts about to enter the season with the hopes of a city and franchise on his shoulders.
If there’s pressure, it doesn’t show. Of course, this is the same guy who stands tall in the pocket in the face of a rush, keeping his eyes downfield and ignoring the bodies around him.
“It’s going to be fun,” Campbell said of the season.
Maybe that’s youthful exuberance. Maybe it’s a sign of the belief in himself. Entering2007, there’s no doubt Campbell is The Guy. Even No. 3 quarterback Mark Brunell says his kids are excited about Campbell.
“They all want Campbell jerseys,” Brunell said. “They’re big Mr. Jason fans. You look for role models for your kids. There’s enough bad ones out there. It’s good for your boys — and Jason, for my boys, is a positive guy to look up to.”
Publicly or privately, teammates haven’t questioned Campbell’s ability or readiness for 2007.
“He’s confident and throwing the ball well,” receiver Santana Moss said. “He’s running the offense with confidence. That’s what you need out of your leader. When you have someone stay in there and take the hits he took this preseason in the pocket, that lets you know you have a guy [who is] trying to make sure we have the best chance of winning.”
The Redskins want Campbell to complete 63 percent of his passes — up from 53 percent last season. That’s what he did in three preseason games, while averaging 8.63 yards per attempt.
“We try to simplify the job for the quarterback,” Redskins associate head coach/offense Al Saunders said, “and make him understand it’s the other players who have to make the plays. It comes down to accuracy, timing and rhythm. … He’ll be better in three or four years than he will be this year.”
Campbell said he’s more decisive and isn’t second-guessing his decisions.
“It’s like taking steps as a baby,” he said. “You know you can walk, you’re just not sure how far you can go.”
He’s about to find out.
