The players voiced support for the benched quarterback, praised the new kid and steered clear of second guessing The Move.
And here’s why: “Things can’t get any worse than they already are,” cornerback Carlos Rogers said.
At 3-6, even the players knew something had to be done. So inserting Jason Campbell for Mark Brunell makes sense, even if teammates are not about to blame Brunell for the team’s dismal showing.
Besides, as Campbell provides hope for the fans, he does so for the players, too.
“It was a positive move as far as this guy has worked so hard,” Redskins guard Randy Thomas said. “We know his potential and it will be exciting to see him go out there. We’ll fight our butts off to protect him.
“When it came out I was like, ‘Man, it’s a great time.’ You’re 3-6 and in position where you need a win and to put some energy somewhere and spark a group of guys.”
Considering the inconsistency that’s plagued Washington this season, a spark of any sort would be welcomed.
But in reality the players aren’t sure what to expect. As receiver Santana Moss said, it’s different than looking good in practice.
“Until you’re in the fire and go through [a game], it’s not the same thing,” Moss said. “[But] you can’t just let him sit behind someone for the longest. It’s not like Mark did something wrong, it was just a time that would come sooner or later that Jason would get his opportunity.”
The Redskins locker room is not divided over The Move. Players said they didn’t discuss a possible quarterback change, which is why many were stunned when they found out.
“Everyone feels like Mark is playing well,” tight end Chris Cooley said. “A lot of people don’t understand what really goes on with our offense and why things happen and the blame always goes to the quarterback. We’ll see what happens. … Hopefully [Campbell will] come in, and I don’t know; hopefully he’ll do a good job, man.”
The Redskins expect or, rather, hope for nothing less. That’s why they traded three picks to get the 25th overall pick in 2005 to select him. Campbell has not played a full game since the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 2, 2005. But he’s 6-foot-5, has a strong arm and is poised.
“He was drafted high for a reason,” said Rogers, an Auburn teammate of Campbell’s. “Jason is the future.”
Week 11 Notes
» Running back Clinton Portis’ season could be over.
The Redskins are expected to place Portis on the injured reserve list, though they would not confirm broadcast reports that said it would happen. Still, a team source said the move could happen today.
Portis broke a bone in his right hand during the 27-3 loss to Philadelphia, his fourth injury this season. He hurt his shoulder twice, once in the preseason and again in the opener, and sprained his ankle in the Oct. 22 loss at Indianapolis.
This would end a frustrating season for Portis, who has 523 yards rushing and seven touchdowns.
» Quarterback Jason Campbell said he talked with Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb, Ravens quarterback Steve McNair and Browns quarterback Charlie Frye Tuesday about what he can expect becoming a starter in his second season.
“They told me to be yourself,” Campbell said. “If you make a mistake, keep your head held high.”
Campbell said when he found out the news, “It was like saying you had won the lottery. You’re excited, but you’re like, ‘Is it real?’”
» Defensive end Phillip Daniels has a bruised wrist as well as a contusion on his forearm. He originally hurt his wrist against Tennessee on Oct. 15. Sunday he re-injured the wrist and also hurt his forearm.
“There was a big old knot — I had never seen one so big,” Daniels said.
