The moment of arrival, or, better yet, the glimpses that provide hope, occurred at different times. They all suggested the same thing: Jason Campbell has solved the Washington’s quarterback problem.
Or so the Redskins hope.
There were the runs for first downs, breaking tackles on the way; there was the floated pass over the linebacker’s head and into the hands of a Redskin against the Giants; there was the return from a crunching collision.
Considering he’ll only turn 25 this offseason, Campbell could finally end the Redskins’ quest for a longtime starter. No quarterback has started a full season in consecutive years since Mark Rypien in 1991-92.
Among those who have started at quarterback since 1992: future Pro Bowlers Rich Gannon and Trent Green and future Super Bowl winner Brad Johnson.
“Jason has natural talents,” former Redskinsquarterback and current ESPN broadcaster Joe Theismann. “I look at him like a Philip Rivers [from San Diego]. … On a couple instances [in the finale] he put a nice touch on the ball. There was a stretch in the last game where he got back and just fired the ball. Jason showed signs of someone who can be quite special.”
Theismann pointed to Mark Brunell’s run on third and 8 against New York in the finale as to what young legs can do for an offense.
“Mark ran for the first down and came up [two] yards short,” Theismann said. “[When Campbell ran], he broke free and got first downs. It’s his athletic ability and the way he throws the ball. He will get better.”
In Campbell’s last three games, he passed for four touchdowns, one interception and had a passer rating of 87.6. For the season, it was 76.5 as he threw 10 touchdowns and six interceptions.
But the hope also stems from his demeanor.
“He never got flustered,” Redskins coach Joe Gibbs said.
After he got knocked out of the game by a first-half hit in the finale, Campbell jogged off the field and later returned.
“He could have waited until next year,” guard Randy Thomas said. “He had a smile and he kept on going. I was fired up. To see him come back out was encouraging.”
So is the fact that Campbell, for the first time since high school, should be in the same offensive system for consecutive years.
“You don’t have to worry if you’re doing the right thing or making the right decision,” Campbell said. “You can just get back and play your game.”
And that’s what has the Redskins cautiously optimistic.
Offseason workout
Here are three things Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell must improve on heading into next season as the unquestioned starter
1. Footwork
Campbell’s release will be tightened somewhat, but it’ll always be a bit longer than others. So to speed up his release, he’ll have to make sure he’s dropping back at the right speed. In his seven games, that wasn’t always the case. His first steps away from center can be improved. He needs to throw before the receiver breaks, which means he must set up quicker.
2. Improve the accuracy
Given the amount of time Campbell received in the pocket, his completion percentage should have been higher. He can improve this in two ways. One, throw off the proper step; if the route calls for a three-step drop, don’t take a five-step one. Two, dump the ball off a little more. That doesn’t mean all the time (see: Mark Brunell), but instead of forcing certain passes, check down to a back.
3. Learn to trust
Campbell admitted he sometimes held the ball too long, waiting to make sure the receiver was open before unloading the ball. But he must learn that, in this offense, he can’t be overly cautious. Study tapes of Kansas City’s Trent Green in the offseason to see how a quarterback must operate in this system. Green lacks Campbell’s talent, but he’s flourished because he understands when and where to throw the ball.
