This is Washington, where bumper stickers once proclaimed fans’ love for one quarterback over the other. In the offseason, the Redskins announced their preferences. They Liked Jay. They Liked Mark. That made a loud statement: The guy they didn’t like was their own.
They also didn’t happen to get Jay Cutler or Mark Sanchez. Um, Jason Campbell, now it’s you they like. Just not enough to give you a contract extension.
Recommended Stories
Now Campbell enters the season full of confidence, boosted by two strong preseason showings; an improved (he hopes) offensive line and more receivers ready to contribute. As much as a new contract, this is what he wanted. To get the latter, he needed the former. Entering the final season of his contract, Campbell is playing for his future, both here and in the NFL.
“We wouldn’t be in this position if they had offered me a new contract,” Campbell said. “Since it hasn’t been offered, we’ll see what happens. I try not to think about it … Right now, it’s all about football.
“I’m a very good quarterback in this league. My best days are ahead of me.”
This is Dan Snyder’s Redskins, home of the quick coaching hooks for everyone but legends. This is also Jim Zorn’s second season. Marty Schottenheimer didn’t make it to Year 2, with whispers of his demise circulating as early as Week 3 of his first season. Steve Spurrier quit after his second season, with dissatisfaction — on both sides — leaking out after his first season. Rumors circulated near the end of last season that Zorn’s first season might be his last.
“If I was unsure that I was going in the right direction in my life and in the way I’m preparing, then I might be nervous,” Zorn said.
“Jim understands pressure is self-inflicted,” said Redskins offensive coordinator Sherman Smith, a longtime acquaintance of Zorn’s. “He has a calming effect on the whole staff.”
But Snyder is on his fifth head coach in 10 seasons. He’s also had six different quarterbacks start season openers.
Which is why, as a new season starts, nobody will be more scrutinized than Campbell and Zorn, their fates potentially linked. If the offense — and Campbell — flourishes, and the Redskins win more games, Zorn would have reason to return.
If not, well … Here’s the list of coaches on the street: Mike Shanahan, Jon Gruden, Bill Cowher, Mike Holmgren, Tony Dungy.
A bad season by Campbell, or the offense in general, could lead to a change in the two most important spots on a team: coach and quarterback. If Zorn’s offense clicks, then everyone, including Campbell, benefits. So they’re linked, for better or worse.
“Yeah, I feel that,” Campbell said. “I definitely feel that. It’s obvious for the most part because of everything that’s happened for us. We’re together.”
Zorn agrees, but only to a point. After all, if Campbell falters but the Redskins still have success, then one will be back and the other won’t.
“Everyone wants to say that Jason and I are linked,” Zorn said. “I don’t want to take anything away from Jason, but I want to be linked with London Fletcher, too. He’s a heck of a player. I don’t mind you trying to say we’re in it together, but it’s just that we all are. I would be disappointed to say I only have to be linked with one player.”
There is no mandate that Zorn must win a certain number of games to keep his job. Besides, the organization needs Zorn to work out. They stunned the NFL by naming him their coach after the 2007 season. To change course so soon, barring a major collapse, would say more about the organization than Zorn.
The Redskins don’t want to start over. Again. They say there’s no pressure on Zorn, even if many speculate on his future.
“That’s the outside sources putting pressure on him,” Redskins executive vice president Vinny Cerrato said. “I always feel pressure to win every game. That’s just the way of the NFL. Is he on the hot seat? I don’t know. I don’t think he’s on the hot seat. That’s you guys doing that.
“There are a lot of guys who have been here a long time. You guys like to speculate all the time. I’ve been here a long time. You look around the building and a lot of people have been here a long time.”
The Redskins have seen signs of a new Campbell — still calm, but more forceful. They talked with him about being more vocal, more of a leader and he’s responded, holding more players accountable. Campbell shied from doing that in the past, partly because, as he admits, he didn’t always know what he should be doing last season.
Even at the line of scrimmage, he shouts out protection changes much different. Last year, Zorn said, “It was like someone reading a script that really isn’t acting.”
On the field, Campbell sees a difference because of his increased knowledge of Zorn’s offense. He often hit his fourth read on a play, something he did not do often last season.
“It’s just his confidence,” fullback Mike Sellers said. “I see it every day in practice. Him taking over the huddle. Him getting on people when they mess up. He’s not usually that vocal. When they mess up, he tightens them up and says, ‘You need to get right.’
“Jason’s a true pro. A lot of people would have cracked under the pressure, especially in the offseason. He kept his composure, went out and worked hard.”
Not everyone is convinced.
“Once again it comes down to Jason Campbell,” said ex-NFL safety Rodney Harrison and NBC studio analyst. “Can he complete the ball down the field? Can he make the big throws on third-and-eight, in critical situations? I just don’t have a lot of confidence in him right now.”
Meanwhile, Zorn has talked often this summer about being more prepared for this season than his first. His demeanor hasn’t changed since he accepted the job 18 months ago. Like Campbell, he’s more confident, in himself and his quarterback — “He’s not going to struggle,” Zorn boasts.
Nor does he think his team will. Which means any speculation over his future, and maybe even Campbell’s, is moot.
“I put my confidence in our coaching staff as well as our veteran players,” Zorn said. “I’m throwing in with this group and I’m not nervous about that. I’m not nervous. I’m telling you the truth.”
